NAMI Blog

Last week, I had the great honor to speak to the Parker Rotary. http://www.parkerrotary.org In preparation, I intended to share my own personal story, as well as further build awareness about the classes, support, and outreach NAMI Arapahoe/Douglas Counties offers. I was fortunate to join in the regular meeting before speaking and learned much about the diverse service works the Parker Rotary is involved in, locally and abroad. One project of particular interest, was their Camp RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards.) Two participants, both local high school students, shared their experiences from the leadership training camp. Each, enthusiastically made aRead More

Last December, an Arapahoe county family lost their son and brother to suicide. He was only 14 years old. He was mentally ill but, as his mother said, “He was so much more than that.” The boy’s parents had come to our NAMI affiliate for help just a few weeks before his death, having attended a parent workshop in November. At the workshop they found, for the first time, other parents who understood and knew what they were going through because they were dealing with the same problems. They also gained some knowledge and ideas to help them help theirRead More

For all of you who enjoy the educational topics offered in our Speaker Series, we want to remind you that we take the summer off. There will not be a program in July or August. Our dedicated volunteers appreciate this time to recharge and enjoy their own families before we get geared up for some great speakers this fall. Please feel free to look at a complete list of the scheduled Speaker Series dates for the remainder of 2015/2016 http://www.namiadco.org/mental-illness-help/speaker-series/ For those of you who haven’t joined us for a Speaker Series event, please consider doing so. We aim toRead More

National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month NAMI Arapahoe/Douglas Counties proudly supports the NAMI Colorado Community Diversity Creatively Celebrating Diversity Friday, July 31 @ 7 p.m. Su Teatro Cultural & Performing Arts Center 721 Santa Fe Drive Denver, CO 80204 Local artists who have with experience mental health conditions will share their talents and stories. Tickets are $12 at the door or for advance purchase https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nami-colorado-art-show-creatively-celebrating-diversity-tickets-17227974335 Light refreshments included

On June 10, 2015, NAMI Arapahoe/Douglas Counties held its Annual Meeting, along with a regular board meeting. While convened, new officers were elected, others moved into new roles and previous officers stepped down. We are excited with the outcome and feel like as a collective, NAMI Arapahoe/Douglas Counties is well poised to continue offering excellent programming, education and outreach to our community. Your new 2015/16 Board Members are as follows: 2015-2016 NAMI Arapahoe/Douglas Counties Board Members Jason Hopcus – President John Vellos – Vice President- Douglas County Donna Parisi – Vice President- Arapahoe County Cherri Tuson – Treasurer Linda MartinRead More

As my term as president of our affiliate comes to a close, I want, foremost, to thank all of our wonderful and dedicated volunteers and fellow board members for their service the last three years. An organization like NAMI does not function without people willing to give their time, talents and energy to our important work. We are truly helping people who live with mental illness, and their loved ones, to live better lives. I have been privileged, as president, to see that happening every day. Thank you so much, everyone! I also want to welcome our new president, Jason Hopcus. I feel confident thatRead More

IT’S ALMOST THAT TIME… The 2015 NAMI National Convention begins July 6th in beautiful San Francisco. This will be my first time attending the National Convention and I could not be more excited. As the incoming President of NAMI Arapahoe/Douglas Counties, I seek greater knowledge and insight about what is happening for the advancement of Mental Health Awareness and Programming on the National level. I believe such invaluable information helps keep our affiliate on track as we continue to offer top quality programming and education. More importantly, I am excited to help promote the great State of Colorado, as DenverRead More

Last month, I had the pleasure of presenting an In Our Own Voice to residents of a local active senior living community. My co-presenter and I both shared our stories, seeking to educate our audience about a successful life lived with mental illness. Going in, I was moderately concerned about the relevance of our topic among this group, but decided to just be authentic and share my story. In return, what I got was something I never could have expected, a warm open welcome, insightful questions and sincere praise for our courage to share. Each resident who asked a wellRead More

The NAMI Walk is now only three weeks away! The excitement is building as teams are forming, donations are happening, and people all over town are looking forward to another great Walk. Have you met Ned? Ned is the mascot for the 2015 NAMI Walk in Colorado. He is busy climbing Mt Stigma. Ned is a stigma buster and he knows that, working together, we can create a community of hope and recovery for all. Ned says, ““I know too many people who feel the burden of stigma around mental illness. If the stigma is too great, many won’t seekRead More

Do you remember when you first heard of NAMI? Do you remember the relief you felt when you found someone who understood what you and your family were experiencing? Do you remember the smiles and words of encouragement that you received at a support group or in a class? Do you feel comforted today knowing that you are never alone with your struggles? These feelings are possible be being a part of NAMI. We are individuals and families that help each other; learning, supporting, coping with life. We will walk with you. Will you walk with us? The NAMI WalkRead More