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NAMI Multnomah Reporter - pdf Newsletter archive

To read the latest NAMI Multnomah Reporter, our quarterly newsletter, or to print a copy to share with a friend, download the latest pdf file. Find the links at the bottom of this page.

Meet Chris-Fundraiser Extraordinaire

Chris Shelamer -Terry is an endless fountain of positive energy.  Whether she is racking up over $2,135 in donations for the NAMI walk or just making sure everyone has a hot beverage while she volunteers at the NAMI Multnomah office, Chris tops that energy with a ready smile and kind words.1  We had a chance to talk with Chris when she actually stopped moving for five minutes:

How long have you been volunteering for NAMI and how did you get involved? I've been volunteering for six months.  My sister saw the NAMI website and asked me to take the Peer-to-Peer class with her. I loved it !  I wanted to become a mentor.  While waiting for the training, my sister and I took the Family-to-Family class together and that was awesome too.  We were trained as mentors for Peer-to-Peer classes.

When did you start teaching?

Not right away.  I decided to go back into nursing and had to get my license renewed because I had been out for more than five years.  I was accepted to OHSU through the Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Nursing program which the nursing board approved. The problem was I had to interview with an investigator at the board who gave very few RN's back their license, not to mention those having a mental illness.  They demanded my mental and physical health records.  My nurse practioners highly discouraged me from doing the interview because the investigator would " chew me up and spit me out" because of my mental health issues and the medications I have to take.

What happened after you decided not to do the interview?

I became severely depressed and quit the classes I was taking for the BSN program. I was hospitalized because I tried to commit suicide.  I worked hard at the hospital and had good treatment.  I made a decision that I had a lot of strengths. I chose to volunteer at NAMI to give something back and realized NAMI had something to give also. The support that people receieve at NAMI is phenomenal.  It's like family to me,

NAMI Executive Director Margaret Brayden told me "Chris takes care of us.  Without her we would wither. She brightens our day. "What are your duties at the NAMI Multnomah office?

I started out answering the phone and stamping letters.  That quickly turned into interviewing prospective volunteers, updating membership lists, hot beverage provision, and custodial and light technical work.  I also trained someone to take over three days a week in the office.

So now your down to two days a week?

In the office, yes.

What are you doing outside the office for NAMI?

I'm on my second mentoring of Peer-to-Peer Class.  I co-facilitate a support group. I teach First Step at Good Samaritan Hospital which is a class about what NAMI can offer patients when they leave the hospital. I am also on the fundraising committee.

Speaking of fundraising, how did you amass $2,135 in donations for the NAMI walk? That was amazing.

I told people everything about NAMI.  I explained how we help people with mental illness and their families and how its a win-win situation to support NAMI.  I also told people how much NAMI has helped me.  When I was getting pledges I gave 100% because I believe in NAMI 100%.

What do see happening in your future association with NAMI?

Because I don't plan on going back into nursing, I will continue to use my skills and talents at NAMI. I want to grow, learn and take on more responsibility. 

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