| In This Issue |
| Who We Are |
NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation's foremost grassroots mental health organization. We are dedicated to improving the lives of people living with serious brain disorders that cause mental illness and to improving the lives of their families. Founded in 1979, NAMI is active in all 50 states, Canada, and Mexico with over 1100 local chapters across the country. Our mission is one of education, support, self help, advocacy and research.
NAMI Barrington Area is a new NAMI chapter located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. We are a dedicated group of people serving Barrington and nearby suburbs hoping to help you or someone you love on the path to recovery from mental illness. Call us at 847-496-1415.
About NAMI Barrington area chapter
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NAMI Basics Begins March 8
NAMI Basics is a new education program for parents and other caregivers of children and adolescents living with mental illnesses.
The course consists of six classes that meet weekly for two and half hours per class. They are led by two facilitators who themselves have had the experience of having a young child or adolescent live with the symptoms of mental illness. "Parents play a critical role in treatment and recovery of the children they love."
Thursday, March 8, Alexian Center for Mental Health, 3436 N. Kennicott, Arlington Heights, 6:30 - 9 p.m.
Please call Maryrose at 847-496-1415 for information or to register.
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Family to Family Classes to Start
Family-to-Family, a series of 12 weekly classes structured to help you understand and support individuals with mental disorders while maintaining your own well being, will soon begin.
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 skills-training with emotional support, self care and empowerment."
There is no cost to participate in a Family to Family class, you don't need to be a NAMI member, and it doesn't matter if you live in a particular chapter's area to attend a class. Just pick out a date and location that's convenient. Please note, however, that registration is necessary as class size is limited.
Barrington and Arlington Heights areas. Classes to begin in February. Please call 847-496-1415 now for information or to register.
Elgin. Begins Saturday, February 11, 10:00a.m. - 12:30p.m. presented by NAMI Kane County North. At Provena St. Joseph Hospital, Lower Level (St. Mary's Room), 77 N. Airlite St., Elgin. Free. Registration required. Contact Laurie Huske at (847) 695-7957 or lauriehuske@wowway.com or Lachell Jeffries at (224) 325-8838.
Evanston. Begins Saturday, February 11, 9 - 11:30 a.m., presented by NAMI CCNS at the Evanston Civic Center. Free, but registration required - call 847-716-2252.
Northfield. Begins Wednesday, March 7, 7 - 9:30 p.m., presented by NAMI CCNS at New Trier Northfield High School. Free, but registration required - call 847-716-2252.
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Guardianship Seminar February 21
Tuesday February 21, 7 - 8:30 p.m. at the Barrington Village Hall , 200 S. Hough Street
Because some people can't make medical or financial decisions on their own, guardianship gives another person the legal power to do so.
Bob Wohlgemuth, director of Guardianship Services Associates will address * What guardianship is and isn't * When it is and is not appropriate * The alternatives to guardianship * The options available to obtain guardianship * The costs of guardianship.
Time will be available for questions and light refreshments will be served.
No reservation necessary and there is no charge. All are welcome. For information call Maryrose at 847-496-1415.
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New Support Group for Spouses & Significant Others
NAMI Barrington Area is offering a new support group for the spouses or significant others of loved ones with mental illness and we would like you to join us.
We will meet the first Monday of each month. Our next meeting will be held on Feb. 6th at 6:30pm.
This support group will be led by spouses of persons who live with mental illness. Like our other support groups, there is no charge to attend and no need to make a reservation. All spouses and significant others of people with mental illness are welcome to join us.
For more details please call NAMI BA at 847/496-1415.
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February Events
Thursday, February 2nd at 6:30p.m. Do you remember me? Coping with the losses related to having a loved one with Alzheimer's Disease or Dementia. At Sunrise Senior Living, 129 E Lake St, Bloomingdale, IL. No charge, no reservation needed. For details call 630-295-8600 or email.
Saturday, February 4, 6:00p.m. Support NAMI DKK by attending their Dinner and Cash Raffle. The bar opens at 6:00, dinner will be served at 7:00. First prize is $250 (winner need not be present to win). Single tickets are $5, books of 6 available for $25. For more information or to RSVP, please contact the NAMI DKK office at 630-896-6264 or info@namidkk.org.
Sunday, February 5 at 2 pm. The Arlington Heights Young Adult Depression Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) will meet at the Arlington Heights Corner Bakery for their monthly Snack & Yack. PARENTS will have their own facilitated group at the same location and time but at separate tables. For details about either group contact Leah at mrsn@comcast.net or 847-541-7754.
Starting Saturday, February 11, 9:00 - 11:30a.m. Family to Family in Evanston, presented by NAMI CCNS. At the Evanston Civic Center. Free, but registration required - call 847-716-2252.
Starting Saturday, February 11. Family to Family in Elgin. Free, but registration required. Please call Laurie Huske at 847-695-7957 or email lauriehuske@wowway.com now for information or to register.
Saturday, February 18 at 2 pm. The Arlington Heights Young Adult Depression Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) will meet for a craft project at the church. PARENTS will have their own facilitated group at the same location and time but in a separate place. For location and details about what to bring for either group, contact Leah at mrsn@comcast.net or 847-541-7754.
Starting Tuesday, February 21, 6:30 - 9:00p.m. Family to Family in Aurora. Free, but registration required. Please call Denise at 630-405-9336 or NAMI DKK office at 630-896-6264 for information or to register.
Tuesday, February 21, 7:00p.m. NAMI BA hosts Bob Wohlgemuth from Guardianship Services Associates. Bob will address what guardianship is and isn't for people with mental illness. At the Barrington Village Hall, 200 S. Hough Street, Barrington. Free, no registration required.
Sunday, February 26 at 1 - 4 pm, The NAMI Northwest, BA and Elk Grove/Schaumburg Recreation Group outing to Dave and Buster's Arcade and Restaurant in Addison. NAMI pays $10.00 of the $15.99 + tax/tip cost for the food/game combo. Meet at the ABCMH at 1 pm, 3436 N. Kennicott Ave., Arlington Hts. RSVP to Dawn at 847-471-4888 or naminwsub@aol.com by Feb. 24.
Wednesday, February 29 at 7:00 pm, NAMI Northwest Suburban Speaker Meeting at NEW LOCATION of Alexian Brothers Center for Mental Health, 3436 N. Kennicott Ave., Arlington Hts. (Near Dundee and Rt. 53). Guest Speaker is Scott Burgess, Executive Director of ABCMH. For more information call 847-899-0195 or email naminwsub@aol.com.
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March Events
Thursday, March 1, 7:00-9:00p.m. Mark your calendars for this important evening if you have school age children with mental illnesses, behavioral or emotional disorders, or those who are just plain "difficult." Dr. Ross Greene will be speaking on Kids Do Well If They Can: Collaborative Problem Solving. With Free, no registration required. At Glenbard West High School Auditorium, 670 Crescent Blvd., Glen Ellyn, 60137. For more information contact Gilda Ross at (630) 942-7573 or at gilda_ross@glenbard.org.
Sunday March 4 at 2pm. The Arlington Heights Young Adult Depression Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) will meet at the Arlington Heights Corner Bakery for their monthly Snack & Yack. PARENTS will have their own facilitated group at the same location and time but at separate tables. For details about either group contact Leah at mrsn@comcast.net or 847-541-7754.
Starting Wednesday, March 7, 7:00 - 9:30p.m. Family to Family in Northfield, presented by NAMI CCNS. At New Trier Northfield High School. Free, but registration required - call 847-716-2252.
Starting Thursday, March 9, 6:30 - 9:00p.m. NAMI Basics, an education program for parents and other caregivers of children and adolescents living with mental illnesses. Presented by NAMI Barrington Area. At Alexian Center for Mental Health, Arlington Heights. Free, but registration required - call 847-496-1415.
Thursday, March 15, OCD Chicago hosts forum discussing "Ten Things You Need to Know About Successful Treatment of OCD and Anxiety." Learn from a leading treatment expert and enjoy a memorable evening of friendship and understanding. For more information, contact OCD Chicago at 773-661-9530.
Sunday March 17 at 2 pm. The Arlington Heights Young Adult Depression Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) will meet for an activity. PARENTS will have their own facilitated group at the same location and time but in a separate place. For location and details about either group, contact Ann at (847) 253-6184 or annwhitney847@gmail.com.
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Area Support Groups
You may find that a support group can be very helpful, especially if you, a partner, friend or family member is going through a crisis. A very large number of groups meet in our area for consumers as well as family members and friends.
Each month, we publish a list of support groups that you can attend, generally at no charge and with no need to make a reservation. You can access that list in a printable format here.
We would also like to invite you to the groups hosted by our own chapter, NAMI Barrington Area. This month we will offer a NAMI Connection group for consumers and a family support group every Thursday at Northwest Community Hospital at 7 p.m. (call Nora at 847-899- -6264 for more information), a NAMI PACT group for parents the first and third Friday of the month, also at Northwest Community (call Toni at 847-804-2088 weeknights), a new family support group in Kildeer the third Wednesday of each month, 7 p.m., at the Kildeer Village building, 21911 Quentin Road, Kildeer (call Nancy at 537-3009), a new family support group in Lake Villa the third Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m., at the Lake Villa Assessor's Office, 37850 North Route 59 (email tonihoy@comcast.net or helmick6@comcast.net) and a new support group for spouses and significant others the first Monday of each month (call 847-496-1415 for information).
Special note: All support groups that have been meeting at the Alexian Brothers location on Salt Creek Lane will move to the new Alexian location, 3436 N. Kennicott, Arlington Heights, after February 20.
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How to Talk to Someone about Depression
From NAMI Advocate magazine, Winter 2012
A short, to-the-point article offering practical guidelines for those who need to talk to a loved one who is experiencing depression-written by someone who has been on the receiving end.
Outstanding advice.
Read the article.
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In the Trench
A Little Tough Skin Goes a Long Way - by Toni Hoy
Your loved one lives in a constant state of crisis, or so it seems. Does unconditional love mean you must live in a constant state of crisis as well?
The problem begs the question: What defines unconditional love? And how do you commit to unconditional love amongst so many setbacks?
This month, I'd like to share some ideas about unconditional love-and about setting boundaries Read the February In the Trench
Second Time Foster Child by NAMI Barrington Area board member, Toni Hoy, is now available for pre-orders on Amazon.com. The book is about the state of Illinois forcing families to trade custody rights for mental health treatment. Purchase your copy now or plan to attend an Author Speaker Meeting with the Hoy family along with their juvenile court attorney and federal court attorney in May (date and location to be announced). The book will be launched in bookstores in May, 2012, which is also Mental Health Month.
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Medicare to Pay for Supportive Housing
Housing Update by Hugh Brady
There is good news in housing on two fronts.
The first is that concerns the case of Colbert v. Quinn. A consent decree has been signed, and when it is implemented, it will allow thousands of residents who have a mental illness to move out of nursing homes and into community-based supportive housing.
The problem has been that Medicaid would not pay for supportive housing, meaning that most people with mental illness who are receiving Medicaid had no meaningful alternative to living in a nursing home, which many found substandard and unacceptable. Soon almost 6,000 area residents with mental illness will have the opportunity to move into community-based supportive housing instead.
The second is that construction is set to begin on the Mt. Prospect permanent supportive housing apartments for people with mental illness. The building, which should be ready for lease in the spring of 2013, will have 39 individual apartments, a mix of efficiency/studio and one-bedroom units.
Learn more about these developments
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Mentally Ill Woman Dies on Hunger Strike
From the President's Desk - by Joseph M. Jason
From Lake County, where I live, comes the heartbreaking story of Lyvita Gomes, who died of starvation while under the care of the Lake County Sheriff's department. The basic story is that Lyvita Gomes, a 52-year-old woman died on January 3rd in Vista Medical Center-East after a hunger strike she started in Lake County Jail. All of this was for a minor offense.
One cannot be a human being without feeling the pain and anguish of somebody who was mentally ill, arrested for a minor infraction and then dies from a starvation diet. This should never have happened.
Read more in From the President's Desk for February.
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Squeaky Wheel Time
Legislative Alert by Hugh Brady
The Illinois state legislature begins its 2012 session on January 31, and it poses great peril to mental health programs.
As a cost saving measure, Governor Quinn is pressing ahead with plans to close several state mental hospitals and to reorganize services at the rest. Many state legislators are calling for the state to repeal the recent income tax increase. If it is repealed, state funding for mental health services will plunge even further. As a result of Illinois Medicaid's change over to a managed care system in Chicago and the collar counties, access to medications and treatment has become quite difficult for many people with mental illness. And that's just for starters!
So we hope all NAMI members will get be ready to contact and meet with their state legislators to advocate for better mental health care
Read more about the 2012 legislative session. And here's an interesting article on the governor's proposed closures of two state-run mental health facilities.
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Virginia Man Won't Let His Mental Illness Define Him
From Everyday Health
Loren Booda experienced his first psychotic break when he was 19 years old, and he eventually was diagnosed with schizo-affective disoorder-but he won't let that experience define him.
His parents had enough money that he didn't have to work, Booda said, so he spent most of his time working volunteer jobs. "A lot of times I think a volunteer job can be ideal, in that people are able to overlook disabilities," he said. He volunteered for an energy company, for the Boy Scouts and for Goodwill Industries. "Finally, for 17 years, I worked at a park and worked my way up to the point where I could operate the park and nature area," Booda said.
Today he has a paying job at NAMI. "I relish it," Booda said. "It's like a sustenance. I am making a difference."
Read the article.
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Volunteers Needed
Do you really mean it when you say you want to help people with mental health issues?
If so, we can use your help at NAMI Barrington Area. I want to invite you to help us support and advocate for people with brain disorders, and in so doing, help yourself. Are you willing to lend a hand? It's a wonderful experience to be involved and make a difference!
There's so much we can accomplish, but only with more good people like you pitching in. Please call Maryrose at 847-496-1415.
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Local Hospitals
With Mental Health Serivces
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We hope you'll pass this newsletter on to friends, family members or professionals who might get some useful information from it. Even though you don't know if your friend would need this valuable information and support, you never know who may have a co-worker or neighbor who would. (Just hit the 'forward email' button at the bottom of this page.)
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Join NAMI
We hope you will join NAMI and support our advocacy for the mentally ill. The cost is only $35 (individual, family or consumer membership). If this cost will create a financial hardship, we have open door memberships available for $3. Please register online if possible or download our paper membership form.
If you don't wish to join right now, but you'd like to receive our free newsletter, simply use the "Join our mailing list" button to the left.
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Emergency Numbers
Local police/ambulance: 911
State police: 847-294-4400
Crisis team, Alexian Brothers, Hoffman Estates
(24 hour): 800-432-5005
Illinois state suicide line: 800-784-2433
Ecker Center 24-hour emergency program (Elgin) 847-888-2211
More emergency numbers
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