FEBRUARY 2019 BY LOIS MAHARG NAMI Washtenaw has made presentations at faith-based venues before. But 2019 began with something new: NAMI Washtenaw conducted a series of four interactive workshops called “A Christian’s Response to Mental Health Challenges” at the First United Methodist Church of Saline, where Darlene Wetzel is a member of the congregation. “DarleneContinue reading Mental Health Challenges: What Should Christians Do?
Free NAMI eBook Available Now
FEBRUARY 2019 Imagine this situation: A family member is suddenly experiencing a mental health crisis and you need to know how to help that person right away. NAMI has a Family-to-Family course but the next class is several weeks away. Where can you turn for the immediate assistance you need? A new program coming toContinue reading Free NAMI eBook Available Now
Mental Health & Public Safety: A Call to Action
FEBRUARY 2019 BY BARB HIGMAN, LAURA GARCIA AND GLENN NELSON On November 7, 2017, voters in Washtenaw County passed a millage to provide funds for mental health and public safety. This was a victory for the dedicated people who worked hard to educate citizens about the need for improved services for individuals living with mentalContinue reading Mental Health & Public Safety: A Call to Action
Volunteer Presentation Goes to Church
DECEMBER 2018 BY LOIS MAHARG About 1 in 5 teens and young adults has a mental health condition. To address the issue, NAMI has developed a teen-focused mental health awareness program, one version for adults and another, for teens. It’s called Ending the Silence, or ETS. “We call it that because we want people toContinue reading Volunteer Presentation Goes to Church
65 People Trained in Story Writing for Advocacy
DECEMBER 2018 BY MARK CREEKMORE NAMI is the voice of mental illness, and the heart of our advocacy strategy is our stories of hope and recovery. We have trained hundreds of people to write their stories using NAMI Smarts, the process for writing advocacy stories. In November we conducted 2-hour trainings in four NAMI classes,Continue reading 65 People Trained in Story Writing for Advocacy
Peer-to-Peer Facilitator Honored at Annual Meeting
DECEMBER 2018 NAMI Washtenaw’s Annual Membership Meeting on Nov. 3 drew nearly 30 members and volunteers, who munched on roll-ups and fruit salad before getting down to business. Attendees watched a 2018 NAMI Washtenaw video and listened to a summary of the organization’s accomplishments in the past year. The board of directors voted to approveContinue reading Peer-to-Peer Facilitator Honored at Annual Meeting
NAMI WC Recognized on Soccer Field
OCTOBER 2018 BY LOIS MAHARG On Sept. 13, the Dexter and Pioneer High School boys’ soccer teams faced off in a doubleheader to raise awareness of mental illness and funds for NAMI Washtenaw. Dexter soccer coach Jamie Lewis was the driving force behind these “mental health awareness” games. Both junior varsity and varsity teams played.Continue reading NAMI WC Recognized on Soccer Field
Walkers and Bicyclists Turn Out to Raise Funds
OCTOBER 2018 Thirteen NAMI Washtenaw volunteers and supporters gathered on Belle Isle on a chilly September 22 to participate in the 2018 NAMIWalks fundraiser. Across from the James Scott Memorial Fountain, the Washtenaw Walkers fell in step with volunteers from NAMI affiliates across southeastern Michigan to make their way around the park and raise moneyContinue reading Walkers and Bicyclists Turn Out to Raise Funds
From Jail to Prison and Back
OCTOBER 2018 BY PAT ROOT Late last winter I received an email from NAMI Iowa. Was I interested in helping them put on a Peer-to-Peer training in a women’s prison? They needed a second “state trainer” with incarceration experience. (State trainers teach people how to facilitate the Peer-to-Peer class.) Boy, was I interested! Facilitating Peer-to-PeerContinue reading From Jail to Prison and Back
Leadership Exchange Was Invaluable, E.D. Says
OCTOBER 2018 BY LOIS MAHARG Judy Gardner returned from NAMI National’s Executive Director Leadership Exchange pleased with what she learned. “It was awesome,” said Gardner, Executive Director of NAMI Washtenaw. “It was invaluable, just what I wanted.” The exchange, which took place in Arlington, VA, was an opportunity for NAMI executive directors at the affiliateContinue reading Leadership Exchange Was Invaluable, E.D. Says