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WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT NAMI?

Sign up today for a presentaion on NAMI! NAMI can change your life!

Would you like to hear about NAMI and all it has to offer?

We are dedicated to advocacy, support and education to fight the stigma of mental illness.

This presentaion is sure to instill hope.

Our Program Director would love to come talk to your organization, board of directors, clients, church group, school, employees, civic group, support group, etc. Call 1-800-844-0381 to set up a time or e-mail us at nami-ar@nami.org.

This is a wonderful educational presentation. Learn about mental illness, all of NAMI's programs and what you can do to make a difference.

What is the Family-to-Family Education Program?

The NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program is a free 12-week course for family caregivers of individuals with severe brain disorders (mental illnesses). The course is taught by trained family members. All instruction and course materials are free for class participants and teachers.

The Family-to-Family curriculum focuses on schizophrenia, bipolar disorder (manic depression), clinical depression, panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The course discusses the clinical treatment of these illnesses and teaches the knowledge and skills that family members need to cope more effectively.

There is a lot to learn about coming through serious mental illness, and some of it you can't possibly know unless you have experienced it personally. That's why education taught by peers who have experienced coping with brain disorders is so valuable to others who need to know more.

What is the In Our Own Voice: Living with Mental Illness presentation?

In Our Own Voice: Living with Mental Illness (IOOV) is a NAMI presentation by persons with mental illness that creates awareness about what is involved in recovery from mental illness. This presentation is a powerful anti-stigma tool to change hearts, minds, and attitudes about mental illness. It also provides an opportunity for persons with mental illness to gain self-confidence, self-esteem, and income while serving as role models for the community. It is living proof that recovery from mental illness is an ongoing reality.

During the presentation the audience will hear from people who have struggled with disorders such as depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other severe mental illnesses. The presentation also includes a brief video that features persons with mental illness speaking about the topics of Dark Days, Acceptance, Treatment, Coping Skills, and Successes, Hopes, and Dreams. The audience will gain insight into how people with serious mental illnesses cope with the realities of their disorders while reclaiming productive lives. The audience will be able to ask questions from the real experts -- the presenters are the ones who "have been there." Take home information is distributed to all attendees, which includes resources and an opportunity for program evaluation.

This program raises awareness in communities about recovery from mental illness and presents the real face of mental illness. It combats stigma by opening dialogue and increases employment opportunities for persons with mental illness making them productive citizens in society.

What Is It?

• A presentation by consumers that creates awareness about what is involved in recovery from mental illness.
• A powerful anti-stigma tool to change hearts, minds, and attitudes about mental illness. An opportunity for consumers to gain self-confidence, self-esteem, and income while serving as role models for the community.
• Living proof that recovery from mental illness is an ongoing reality.

The Presentation:

• Hear from people who have struggled with disorders such as depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other severe mental illnesses.
• A brief video features consumers speaking about the topics of Dark Days, Acceptance, Treatment, Coping Skills, and Successes, Hopes, and Dreams.
• Gain insight into how people with serious mental illnesses cope with the realities of their disorders while reclaiming productive lives.
• Ask questions from the real experts -- the consumers are the ones who "have been there."
• A Take Home Folder is distributed to all attendees, which includes resources and an opportunity for program evaluation.

The Audience:

• Consumers…in day programs, inpatient settings, support groups, and other community settings who can share, learn, and find hope for successful living. Family and friends…who may need further reassurance of the possibility of recovery for their loved ones.
• Health care providers…who desire strengthened communication with their clients and improved outcomes.
• Law enforcement officials…to increase awareness of and sensitivity to behaviors triggered by mental illness. Faith communities…to increase responsiveness to people with mental illnesses who may first turn to their spiritual community for guidance.
• Students…of various age levels, who wish to expand their knowledge of living with mental illness. Any community or civic organization…who may be interested in learning more about mental illnesses and recovery.

Why Must We Have This Program?

• Raises awareness in communities about recovery from mental illness
• Empowers consumers by providing a path to recovery
• Presents the real face of mental illness
• Combats stigma by opening dialogue
• Provides supported employment opportunities for consumers
• Increases visibility of NAMI as a resource

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