Home President's Message

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This is my first president's message for the newsletter since being elected in September, 2009,  and I wish to thank the members for the opportunity to serve as president, as well as share a few of my thoughts for the upcoming year for NAMI Cape Cod.

I first want to take the opportunity to thank Dr. LeRoy Spaniol for his time and effort serving as the previous president for almost two years. Under LeRoy's presidency we all came to understand the concept and reality of recovery for individuals who are dealing with a psychiatric illness or disability and how this can be factored into everyone's lives, both those living with the illnesses and their family members and friends providing the support and understanding that can facilitate the recovery process.

Over the upcoming year, I hope to strengthen the core programs of the NAMI Cape Cod local affiliate including Family Support and Consumer Support, Education and Outreach, and Advocacy - which is becoming much more important with the current economic challenges and resulting budget cuts here on the Cape, as well as throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and other organizations.

I also hope to continue and strengthen  the two new initiatives that were started over the past year. The first being the Recovery Education Program in collaboration with the Cape Cod Community College, which combines the various aspects of recovery in an educational environment to help promote the Recovery Process. The second being the NAMI Cape Cod Charity Golf Tournament which combines the opportunity to raise funds and broaden the involvement of the Cape Cod community in supporting critical programs and services. Both these activities offer the opportunity to expand NAMI Cape Cod's involvement and impact in the local community in a very positive way.

Finally, we need to focus on getting the word out on how NAMI Cape Cod can be of service to the Cape and Islands for individuals and families facing the challenge of recovering from a mental illness.   Through this effort we can also expand the membership and volunteer support needed for NAMI Cape Cod. As individuals, both those with a mental illness and their family members and friends, begin to learn about mental illness, the support and services available, and the prospects for recovery, a more positive and realistic hope for the future will continue to grow.     Chris Ebel

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