Empty Stocking Fund: NAMI Assisting Those Facing Mental Health Issues

Support groups, educational classes, and various resources are a large part of what NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Health) offers to individuals and families with mental health issues.

However, there are other equally important things to consider. "We're here," said Kelly Spiker, communications coordinator. “We learned that sometimes someone just wants to be heard. They are in a stressful situation and just want someone to listen to them. We're in a better position to just be listeners."

NAMI provides information, understanding and assistance, the spokesperson explained. This is achieved through various programs based on a peer-to-peer model. That is, those who run the program personally experience some degree of mental impairment.

Individuals and families can apply by phone or in person for a weekly support group or one of the multi-week programs offered throughout the year.

"We're here for people who walk with mental illness," the spokesperson said. There are three programs for families. This includes The Basics, a six-week program designed for parents and guardians of those aged 17 and under. There is also a core support group. This eight-week Family to Family program, like all of the agency's offerings, aligns with NAMI's mission to "create and develop a supportive peer community that educates, supports, and advocates for individuals and families living with mental health conditions." state of health".

"During COVID, NAMI will be forced to revert to virtual delivery services," the spokesperson said. "We're back in person, but we still offer much the same."

Like most non-profit groups, NAMI relies not only on financial donations, but also on volunteers. Until 2021, the organization has registered 3000 volunteer hours. “It's not just people trying to get community service hours. Many have passed through our program," said the speaker. "We rely heavily on our volunteers. we couldn't do what we do without them. They do everything from front desk management to help with annual events and more."

Other numbers for 2021 include supporting more than 770 people in its Communications Support Group, 500 in its Family Support Group and handling more than 1,600 support calls and referrals.

NAMI works closely with other recipients of the Blank Sock Fund. Located on the Silver Key campus on South Murray Boulevard. This proximity allows for a lot of interaction, the spokesperson says. "When we don't have or don't have adequate resources, we work side by side to provide services to individuals or families."

The NAMI Homefront program is designed for active duty military, veterans and their families. The speaker said that the cooperation with the Mount Carmel Veterans Service Center is great. There are many other community partnerships, including Cedar Springs and Peak View Behavioral Health.

"We are delighted to be a part of the Empty Socks Foundation," said a spokesperson. "We are honored and grateful to be one of the best in the (nonprofit) community."

Recently, NAMI has added presentations for regional high schools to its list of services.

"Our role is to educate, support and protect," said the spokesperson. “We like to think of ourselves as the first line of defense. "Our peer-to-peer model allows people to walk with someone through their mental health experience."

EAT THREE THINGS EVERY DAY | The era is coming down, I will stand. Strengthens health and longevity Sadhguru