Dear Members,
As this Newsline approaches its deadline, we, at NAMI CCNS, are celebrating several major accomplishments. Under the leadership of Board Member, Jim Brodnicki, and his wife, Laura, we have completed our first NAMI Walk for the Mind of America, part of a national campaign to build awareness about our country's need for treatment and a recovery system for people with mental illness. On a lovely September day, members, families and friends gathered at Grant Park for an inspiring walk along the lakefront.
At the NAMI Illinois Annual Conference in October, NAMI CCNS members Joyce Schladweiler and Tom and Barb Maier will be the recipients of this year's "Katie Petray Excellence in Education" award (Barb received this award in 2005). This award is given to the NAMI Illinois members who have made outstanding contributions to further education in serious mental illness. NAMI CCNS will be further honored when Nate Maier and Candice Savastio receive the "Most Innovative Mental Health Program" for their program, "Sundays at One." "Sundays," a monthly social group for young adults recovering from brain disorders, arose from the vision of members Nate Maier and Alan Carlile and nurtured by past President Tom Maier and current Executive Director Barb Maier. The program is now flourishing under the leadership of Chris Jordan and Kate Hutchins and sponsor Brenda Jordan. Later in the program, Barb will award "Visions for Tomorrow" teachers Agnes Byrne and Helene Rhodes awards for their teaching.
CCNS Breaking News: Three members of our affiliate- Avigal Rhodes, Candice Savastio and Lisa Weintraub - were recently trained and certified in facilitating the "Connection Recovery Support Group." They are very excited about leading this new group. (For more information, see page 9) NAMI CCNS Executive Director Barb Maier is looking for parents of children and adolescents coping with brain disorders to become teachers of a new 5- week psychoeducation course called "NAMI Basics." This new class will be for parents whose children have been recently given a diagnosis and need information and support quickly. The first training will be November 16, 17 and 18. Hotel, meals and materials are provided. Call 847-716-2252 if you are interested in learning more.
Finally, we invite you to become more involved with NAMI CCNS by attending an education program, board meeting, or participating in a support group. From time to time we also have volunteer opportunities. For further information, check the Calendar or call the NAMI CCNS office at 847-716-2252.
Respectfully Yours,
Ann George and Julie Savastio
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