NAMI Barrington Area - National Alliance on Mental Illness

NAMI Barrington Area Welcomes You

NAMI Barrington Area is a not-for-profit organization that offers programs and services primarily for those in the suburbs near Barrington, Illinois, but we welcome anyone, regardless of where they live or work. NAMI Barrington Area is an affiliate of NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Our mission is to improve the quality of life for people with brain disorders, called mental illness, and their families through mutual support, education in mental illness, support of research, and advocacy for improved mental health services.

Upcoming Events -- Please Join Us

NAMI Barrington Area Annual Membership Meeting

& 2nd Anniversary Celebration

November 18, Tuesday @ 7pm

Location: Barrington Area Public Library

Keynote Speaker: Deacon Tom Lambert :

A founding member currently serving on the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Commission on Mental Illness; President of the Board of Faith and Fellowship, a faith based outreach program for persons with a mental illness; Co-chair of the National Council on Mental Illness. On the Board of Directors for NAMI-Illinois for 10 years, including a 2 year term as President. He is a national speaker concerning outreach to persons with mental illness and their families. He has authored a resource booklet regarding outreach to people with a mental illness and published several articles on Faith Community and mental illness. We know you will find him an informative and inspirational speaker.

Also on the agenda:

A look back at this past year and how much progress NAMI Barrington Area has made.

A look forward to NAMI Barrington Area’s plans for 2009 and how you can get involved.

Adopt our budget for next year

There will also be time for general discussion, socializing and refreshments. It's a great opportunity to see old friends from Family to Family and our support groups as well as to meet new people who have joined NAMI Barrington Area since we last met.

Please Join Us ! No RSVP required.

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Family Support Group:

7:00 - 8:30 pm, Barrington Area Library Meeting Room B

                  Monday       November 10, 2008
                  Tuesday      December 9, 2008
                  Tuesday      January 13, 2009

For additional information or questions Contact:

Trowby 847-382-6015 or Mary 847-381-6919

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Family-to-Family Education Program - Pre-registration is required

This 12 week course is structured to help you understand and support individuals with mental disorders while maintaining your own well being. These NAMI classes are for family members, partners and friends of individuals with serious mental illness. "This course is a wonderful experience," said one student. "It balances basic education and skill-training with emotional support, self care and empowerment."

There are currently 2 Family to Family sessions being held. The sessions are on:

Mondays Sept. 8 - Nov. 24, from 6-9 pm in Lake Zurich, IL

Wednesdays Sept. 3 - Nov. 19, from 6-9 p.m. at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights, IL.

It's not too early to register for our next sessions which will be held in January/February 2009.

There is no cost to participate, but registration is necessary as class size is limited.

Call Maryrose for details or to register at 847-382-6623

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NAMI Barrington Area Board Meetings 6:30 - 9:00 pm

See all scheduled board meetings at this link.

Tuesday Nov. 18, 2008 Side B
Tuesday Dec. 16, 2008 Side B

Tuesday Jan. 20, 2008 Side B

Education and Support Groups

Family-to-Family

One of NAMI’s most successful programs is Family-to-Family. Family-to-Family is a twelve-week program that provides information and support for family members of individuals suffering from severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. The weekly classes provide education on the various types of mental illnesses, their effects on individuals and their families, treatment, medications and prognosis. Caregivers also have an opportunity to share mutual experiences and learn from each other. There is no cost for this course. Click here for more information.

Support Groups and Educational Outreach

NAMI Barrington Area will offer support groups for families and individuals and programs for those with a serious mental illness. We will also provide education and outreach programs to help reduce the stigma attached to mental illnesses. Click here for more information.

Carol's Corner

Carol's Corner is a column that addresses issues we have all faced or are facing such as: behavioral management, self care, interfacing with the mental health system, choosing a psychiatrist, parenting, emancipation, and many other topics. Click here for Carol's columns.

Advocacy for Improved Mental Health Services in Illinois

NAMI Barrington Area will also actively seek to improve mental health services in Illinois. The need for improved services is critical!

Illinois ranked 34^th out of the 50 states in per-capita public spending on mental health services and programs in a study recently completed by NAMI National
Illinois was one of only eight states that earned a grade of F from NAMI.
Illinois ranked well below Indiana, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York. and even Mississippi.
In many cases, the criminal justice system has become the main method of dealing with the mentally ill. In fact, in Illinois there are more people suffering from mental illnesses in our prisons than in all of our mental hospitals, public and private, combined!

Members of the new NAMI Barrington Area chapter plan to work with state and local legislators to improve this situation.

Contact NAMI Barrington Area

Click here to contact NAMI Barrington Area.

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