HELP FOR FAMILY MEMBERS
Support Groups
Every Monday 6:15pm - 7:45pm
-AND-
1st and 3rd Thursday 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Please save this link to access the group:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87184456960?pwd=Zm5HUnlzU3A2ZWlvR0ltWkNIbnpWQT09
Family Support Group
The Family Support Group is a support group for family members, caregivers or loved ones of someone living with the everyday challenges of a mental illness. These sessions take place in an intimate, confidential setting to allow families to share with each other their positives and negatives. This type of group lets you know that you are not alone and it is not your fault.
Through the NAMI Family Support Groups, you will find:
-
A network of friends who care and understand
-
Ideas that help you take care of yourself and your family
-
A chance to share your experience and learn from others who have been there
-
Information about brain disorders, treatment, and services
What You’ll Gain
By sharing your experiences in a safe setting, you can gain hope and develop supportive relationships. This group allows your voice to be heard and provides an opportunity for your personal needs to be met. It encourages empathy, productive discussion, and a sense of community. You'll benefit from others' experiences, discover your inner strength and empower yourself by sharing your own experiences in a non-judgmental space.
NAMI Family Support Group will help you:
-
Aim for better-coping skills
-
Find strength in sharing experiences
-
Forgive ourselves and reject guilt
-
Embrace humor as healthy
-
Accept that we cannot solve every problem
-
Understand that mental health conditions are no one's fault and can be traumatic experiences
Family to Family Classes
[A Winter Class Will Begin After the Holidays]
One of NAMI’s signature programs is Family-to-Family. The NAMI Family-to-Family Education Class is an 8-week course for family members and caregivers of individuals with mental illnesses. The course is taught by trained family members with the instruction and course materials offered at NO COST to class participants.
The highly-structured Family-to-Family curriculum educates caregivers and family members about various mental illnesses, treatments and medications, and rehabilitation. Participants learn self-care, problem-solving skills, and communications skills, which can later be taught to the entire family unit. Many graduates of the program called it “life-changing” as they develop friendships with others in similar situations.
The Family-to-Family program also allows participants to safely express their questions and concerns for their family member’s mental health by offering a comforting as well as empathetic environment. NAMI's goals and objectives for the program are to strengthen the family through communication, empathy, and understanding.
The Family-to-Family program is evidenced-based, which is the highest rating that SAMHSA gives to an educational course. Family-to-Family achieves a lasting improvement in the quality of life for the individual and family members.
NAMI Basics Classes
NAMI Basics is a free, 6-session education program for parents, guardians and other family who provide care for youth (age 22 or younger) who are experiencing mental health symptoms. NAMI Basics is offered in a group setting so you can connect with other people in person.
You'll learn the facts about mental health conditions and how best to support your child at home, at school and when they're getting medical care. Last year, 99% of participants told us they would recommend the program to other parents.
The course is taught by a trained team with lived experience—they know what you're going through because they've been there. The 6-session program provides strategies for taking care of your child and learning the ropes of recovery.
What You’ll Gain
At NAMI Basics, you'll find out that you're not alone. Recovery is a journey, and there is hope. The group setting of NAMI Basics provides mutual support and shared positive impact—experience compassion and reinforcement from people who understand your situation. Your own experience may help others in the group.
NAMI Basics covers:
Solving problems and communicating effectively
How to take care of yourself and handle stress
Accepting that mental health conditions are no one's fault
Developing the confidence and stamina to support your child with compassion
Advocating for your child's rights at school and in health care settings
Sample Record Keeping System
Learning about different types of mental health care professionals, available treatment options and therapies
Preparing for and responding to crisis
Gaining an overview of the public mental health care, school and juvenile justice systems and supporting resources to help you navigate these systems
Understanding the challenges and impact of mental health conditions on your entire family
What People Are Saying
"This is such a great step by step program that walks parents through every step of the way. It is as if you are holding their hand through it all."
"This class was unexpectedly wonderful! I did not expect to learn so very, very much! This program is well written with excellent segues between topics. It covers so much more than BASICS that the title doesn't do it justice."
"I wish this course was available when my child was first experiencing difficulty."
"I find it truly remarkable that this training is free to those who are interested."
Homefront Classes: For Military Service Members' Families
NAMI Homefront is a free, 6-session educational program for families, caregivers and friends of military service members and veterans with mental health conditions.
Based on the nationally recognized NAMI Family-to-Family program, NAMI Homefront is designed to address the unique needs of family, caregivers and friends of those who have served or are currently serving our country. The program is taught by trained family members of service members/veterans with mental health conditions.
What You’ll Gain
Recovery is a journey and there is hope for all people affected by mental health conditions. This in-person experience provides the opportunity for mutual support and shared positive impact. You will experience compassion and reinforcement from people who relate to your experiences. Through your participation, you have the opportunity to help others grow.
NAMI Homefront teaches you how to:
Learn to care for yourself, including managing your stress
Support your family member with compassion
Stay informed on the latest research and information on mental health, including post traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, anxiety, depression and substance use
Understand current treatments and evidence-based therapies
Navigate the challenges and impact of mental health conditions on the entire family
Manage a crisis, solve problems and communicate effectively
What People Are Saying
"This training has been really helpful for me to process much of my own emotions. I am at a point now that being able to stop and look back at exactly how far we've come and being reminded of the painful past but positive changes was very empowering. Sometimes when we get stuck in the routine of moving on we lose sight of how far we've come."
"I realized I saw signs and symptoms of PTSD but did not know how to handle my loved one - I know better how to handle situations."
“You realize that he will never be the same having been through war. I learned how to treat him more as an adult than as a hurt child.”— Mother of a Veteran after graduating from a NAMI Family-to-Family class held at a VA clinic
“We are still friends with everyone that was in the class. There’s always an open ear and an open heart and a shoulder to cry on if you need it.” — Father of a Veteran after graduating from a NAMI Family-to-Family class held at a VA hospital.