You’ve got to eat, right?  So on Wednesday, June 25 head on up to the Max & Erma’s on Rand Road in the Deer Park shopping mall.  You’ll have a great meal and NAMI BA will get a generous donation.  If you go with a group of friends, everyone at the table can use the same benefit coupon.

There won’t be any formal meeting or presentations, or even a special meeting room.   Just present the coupon and enjoy your meal.

See you on the 25th.

(PS:  If you order cookies when placing your meal order, the cookies will bake while you’re eating, and you can enjoy them fresh from the oven for dessert.)

Friday, June 6, 9:00am – 12:00pm.  Engaging Individuals who are Homeless: Using Motivational Interviewing to Facilitate Change.  Todd Stull, LCSW and Chris Colangelo, LCPC, Journeys from PADS to HOPE present an effective way to defuse resistance and develop a sense of trust with a goal of honoring the feelings and motivations of the client.  Kenneth Young Center, 1001 Rohlwing Road, Elk Grove Village.  Registration and $10 fee required, breakfast is served.  To register contact Beth Lindley at (847) 933-8208 or beth.lindley@skokie.org.

Wednesday, June 11, 1:00 – 2:00pm. Conference call about Domestic Violence and Families.  This 1-hour will feature local providers who are currently working with families and children and their strategies for providing support in permanent housing.  The call is sponsored by the Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH).   To Participate:  RSVP to the call by signing up online.  To join the call, simply call in to 1-866-840-0048 on the day of the call and enter code 303619.  All calls are free and open to all.  For more information, contact Liz Drapa at liz.drapa@csh.org or 312-332-6690.

Wednesday June 11, 8:00am – 4:00pm.  Skills and Strategies for Mental Health Courts in Illinois.  Keynote presentation by Mark Heyrman.  At the College of DuPage
Student Resource Center, Room 2800, 425 Fawell, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137.  Registration required, $50 fee.  For more information please contact Sandra Emory at the DuPage County Health Department, 630-682-7979, extension 7607 or email address
Semory@dupagehealth.org

Friday, June 13 through Monday, June 16. The NAMI National Convention in Orlando, Florida offers training and exhibits meant mainly for chapter and state leadership. If you'd like to attend, visit the NAMI national website for details. (Registration and fees required.)

TV Journalist Jane Pauley will accept an award at NAMI's National Convention in Orlando for her significant national contributions in the fight against stigma and discrimination.

June 16-19 U.S. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association will hold its annual conference, subtitled There’s A New Wind Blowing: Innovations in Psychiatric Rehabilitation.   Conference tracks will feature: innovative services, system change, interventions, administration and management, assessment, planning and outcomes, research, and sessions for professional educators and trainers.  At the Westin in Lombard Yorktown Center.  Registration and fee required.

Monday, June 23 through Wednesday, June 25 in Washington D.C.  National Coalition for Homeless Veterans Annual Conference "Special Challenges on a New Era" considers the emerging needs of a new homeless veteran demographic.  Deadline to register is June 10.  Registration and fee required.  For more information visit NCHV.org.

Tuesday, June 24, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. NAMI Barrington Area board meeting in the Barrington Area Library, Large Meeting Room B. Drop in and learn what's going on in the chapter!

Wednesday, June 25, Lunch & Dinner.  Max and Erma’s FUNdraiser for NAMI Barrington Area.  20% of your bill goes to NAMI BA!  Print flyer and bring it to Max & Erma’s, 20506 North Rand Road, Deer Park.

Wednesday, June 25 at 7:30 p.m. NAMI Northwest Suburban Chapter presents Svetlanna Konstantinovic, staff supervisor at Alexian Center for Mental Health speaking on "Day Treatment & Recovery Group Programs" at Alexian Center for Mental Health, 3350 Salt Creek Lane, Suite 114, Arlington Heights. No charge. No registration. Call Star at 847-899-0195 or email NAMINWSub@aol.com  for details.

Wednesday, June 25, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm.  Scott R. Peterson, LCSW, CADC, Heartland Health Outreach will lead workshop Harm Reduction in Homeless Services.  Offers service providers a basic understanding of how harm reduction principles, practice, and policy work together to address drug-related harm affecting clients.  Kenneth Young Center, 1001 Rohlwing Road, Elk Grove Village.  Registration and $10 fee required, breakfast is served.  To register contact Beth Lindley at (847) 933-8208 or beth.lindley@skokie.org.

Friday, July 18, 9:00am – 4:00pm.  Thresholds Institute hosts a conference, From Cliff to Slope: Easing the Transition to Adulthood for Youth with Mental Health Needs.  Tanya R. Anderson, M.D. will discuss practices navigation of systems, services and supports during and beyond transition.  At the Orrington Hotel, 1710 Orrington Ave., Evanston.  To register or questions, contact contact Whitney Key at (773) 572-5138 or wkey@thresholds.org or Marc Fagan at (773) 572-5402 or mfagan@thresholds.org.

Tuesday, July 22, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. NAMI Barrington Area board meeting in the Barrington Area Library, Large Meeting Room B. Drop in and learn what's going on in the chapter!

Every Monday, the Depression Bipolar Support Alliance support group meets in Arlington Heights from 7.30 to 9.00 p.m. It's open to people living with depression and bipolar disorder and their family and friends. No charge. Contact Leah at mrsn@comcast.net or (847) 541-7754 for information and location.

Every Tuesday, the RECOVERY Inc. self-help mental health support group (led by trained consumers using cognitive behavioral methods) meets at at the NAMI-McHenry County offices, 333 Commerce Drive, Suite 900A, Crystal Lake. For information call 815-338-5609, email 50_@recovery-inc.org, or visit www.recovery-inc.org.

Monday, June 2. NAMI Cook County North "Care & Share" family support group meets from 7 - 8:30 p.m. the first Monday of the month at the Kenton-Knox Conference Center at Rush North Shore Medical Center, 9701 N. Knox, Skokie. No charge. No reservation needed. Call Jan Magoc at at 847-297-0396 for information.

Monday, June 2 and 16. NAMI Greater Chicago consumer support group meets twice monthly (usually the first and third Mondays), 2:30 - 4 p.m. at their offices, 536 W. Chicago Ave, 1st Floor, Chicago. Call Betty at 312-563-0445 or visit their website for information or for other city and suburban support groups.

Thursday, June 5. NAMI McHenry County Chapter dual diagnosis family support group meets the first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at the NAMI-McHenry County offices, 333 Commerce Drive, Suite 900A, Crystal Lake. Call 815-444-9991 for information.

Monday June 9 and Thursday, June 19. NAMI-C.A.R.E. (Consumers Advocating Recovery through Empowerment), a peer-based, mutual support group program led by trained consumers for individuals facing the challenges of recovering from a serious mental illness. The group meets twice a month: on the 3rd Thursday at the McHenry County Mental Health Board, 620 Dakota Street, Crystal Lake, following the 7:00 p.m. general support group, and on the 2nd Monday at the NAMI-McHenry County offices, 333 Commerce Drive, Suite 900A, Crystal Lake at 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, June 10 and 24. The NAMI DuPage Chapter family support group meets the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the NAMI office, 2100 Manchester Road, Bldg. B - Suite 900, Wheaton. (No charge, no reservation needed.) Phone 630-752-0066 with any questions.

Wednesday, June 11. NAMI Barrington Area Chapter family support group, 7 – 8:30 p.m. at the Barrington Area Library, Large Meeting Room B. (No charge, no reservation needed.) Call Mary at 847-381-6919 for information.

Wednesday, June 11. NAMI Greater Chicago family support group meets monthly (usually the second Wednesday), 7 - 9 p.m. at their offices, 536 W. Chicago Ave, 1st Floor, Chicago. Call 312-563-0445 or visit their website for information or for other city and suburban support groups.

Thursday, June 12. The NAMI Elk Grove Chapter family support group meets the second Thursday of the month from 6:45- 8:45 p.m. at the Kenneth Young Center, 1001 Rohlwing Rd., Elk Grove. Family, friends, and recovered consumers are welcome Call Sue at 630-529-3037 or Gina at 630 302 2530 for more information.

Thursday, June 12. The NAMI CCNS support group for caregivers of children with mental illness meets the second Thursday of the month (except August) from 7:30 - 9 p.m. at the Kenilworth Union Church, 211 Kenilworth Ave, Kenilworth. Call 847-716-225 for more information.

Wednesday, June 18. NAMI Hanover Township family support group meets the third Wednesday of the month from 7 - 9 p.m. at Downey Hall, 250 S. Route 59, Bartlett, IL. Call 630-736-2823 for details.

Wednesday, June 18. NAMI Northwest Suburban Chapter family support group meets the third Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. at Alexian Center for Mental Health, 3350 Salt Creek Lane, Suite 114, Arlington Heights. Call Star at 847-899-0195 for details.

Thursday, June 19. NAMI McHenry County Chapter general support group meets the third Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at the McHenry County Mental Health Board Building, 620 Dakota St., Crystal Lake. Call 815-444-9991 for information.

Thursday, June 19. The NAMI Elk Grove/Schaumburg family support group meets the third Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Hanover Park Branch Library, 1266 Irving Park Road, Hanover Park. Call Linda: at 847-985-9128 for information.

Friday June 19. The NAMI CCNS support group for caregivers of children with mental illness meets the third Friday of the month (except August) from 9:30 - 11 a.m. at the Wilmette Public Library, 1242 Wilmette Avenue, Wilmette. Call 847-716-225 for more information.

Monday, June 23. The NAMI DuPage Chapter's parents with children with a mental illness support group meets the 4th Monday of the month at 7:30 pm at the NAMI office, 2100 Manchester Road, Bldg. B - Suite 900, Wheaton.(No charge, no reservation needed.) Call 630-752-0066 for information.

It's not too early to register for our next sessions. We expect to offer one in Barrington and one at the Northwest Community Mental Health Network in Arlington Heights.

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 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 or email maryrosepeters@hotmail.com.

Therapy is a very powerful tool when dealing with issues surrounding brain disorders, but there are a number of things you need to know to get the most out of your therapy sessions.

First, it is imperative that you seek a therapist who is knowledgeable in dealing with your individual needs, and there are some important steps you can take to find one you can work with. These include getting referrals, asking questions in advance of an appointment, explaining your issues to the therapist, and being sure the therapist uses individual assessments to outline your care. 

Once you find a therapist, you need to set goals for the work you will do together. These can include learning about your disorder, identifying and changing behaviors that negatively affect you, exploring relationships, learning coping skills and regaining a sense of control of your life.

Finally, your therapist should help educate you about your illness and how to deal with it. Being well informed will allow you to make choices regarding your treatment and move you towards recovery.

On Wednesday, May 14 four intrepid NAMI BA members joined the more than 1,500 mental health advocates from across the state at the Mental Health Rally and Lobby Day in Springfield.  The rally was sponsored by the Mental Health Summit, an umbrella group of Illinois mental health advocacy groups, including NAMI.  And we went over to the capitol building and looked up our legislators.

It was a great day.  It was heartening to see so many people concerned enough about mental health issues to take the time to go to the capitol and bring the word to our legislators.  If it’s true that the squeaky wheel gets the grease in Springfield, there was a whole lot of squeaking going on! 

This month Patrick Rogers explains how earned and unearned income affect your Supplemental
Security Income (SSI) benefits. You may not realize it, but you can earn income and still receive SSI benefits. Some, but not all of that income will be deducted from your benefits. And certain types of income are not deducted at all.

We hope these articles will help you navigate the system.

This month, Part Nine: Additional Income

(Or read Part 1, Part 2 , Part 3, Part 4, Part 5 , Part 6, Part 7 or Part 8 )

One of the biggest problems people with brain disorders or other disabilities face is finding affordable housing. Many with serious disabilities live on Supplemental Security Income (SSI), but SSI payments have not even come close to keeping up with inflation. In the Chicago area, for example, a person living on SSI must spend 135% of his or her monthly check on rent for the average one bedroom apartment, an obvious mathematical impossibility.

But last month groundbreaking legislation was introduced. The Frank Melville Supportive Housing Investment Act of 2008 (HR5772) will establish a demonstration project that will create as many as 3,500 new units of affordable housing per year, and it will greatly streamline the process by which state and local governments can access HUD funds as well as leverage state and local funds to provide permanent supportive housing for this disabled. We hope that all NAMI members will dash off a short not to their US Representatives and Senators urging their support.

In addition, we need to keep up the pressure on Congress as the House and Senate discuss how they can compromise to pass legislation requiring group health plans to cover mental illnesses the same way they cover other illnesses--something they have each passed separately in incompatible forms.

As you know, mental health services in Illinois are abysmal.  Permanent supportive housing for folks with mental illness is almost nonexistent.  In fact, Illinois was one of only eight states to receive the grade of F in NAMI’s recent state-by-state comparison of mental health services.  To fix the problem will take money.  Lots of money. 

The good news is that there are currently two bills in the Illinois State Legislature to fix Illinois’ broken budget and to provide additional money for education, human services, and Medicaid.  (Medicaid by the way is the largest single source of US funding for mental health services.)  The bills are HB750 and SB2288.  Now no politician likes to vote for a tax increase, but that’s what’s needed - and you can help by contacting your representative in support of these bills. . 

Mr. Sperling spoke about the crisis in supportive housing for people with serious mental illness.  Part of the problem, he noted, is that most low cost housing programs sponsored by the US Department of Housing and Urban Renewal (HUD) are aimed at people who are earning about 50% of the median income.  The problem for people with serious mental illnesses is that many are forced to live on SSI (Supplemental Security Income), which means their incomes are less than 15% of the area’s median income.   So they’re too poor to be able to afford HUD low income housing.  And to make matters worse, until recently at least, most mental health providers weren’t concerned about housing.

But, Mr. Sperling said, there is beginning to be a major shift in thinking by both HUD and mental health providers.  Both groups have realized that permanent supportive housing is both cheaper than keeping mental health patients homeless or adrift without services and is a key component of treatment.  The typical mix of hospitalization, homeless shelters, arrest and imprisonment which we currently provide for many persons with serious mental illness is much more expensive than permanent supportive housing.  And once people with mental illness have the security of a permanent roof over their heads, guess what?  Their stress levels go down and their symptoms are reduced. 

Mr. Sperling also said that our elected officials and both the state and national levels need to hear from us.  They need to know that folks with mental illness and their families are a very large group, and that we demand a fix to the current housing mess. 

The Army has been using yoga to treat post traumatic stress disorder at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, with very good results. This is something that may be of interest to consumers or family members, since both groups are at risk for the disorder.

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?

Our biggest need right now is for people to serve on our publicity committee, but we have many other needs as well. There's so much we can accomplish, but only with more good people like you pitching in. Please call.

If you can help, call Maryrose at 847-382-6623.

Thresholds (for rehabilitation help and housing)
Wilpower (for rehabilitation help and housing)
Community links from Wilpower
Alliance to End Homelessness in Cook County newsletter
St_Hubert_Job_Ministry
Government Benefits portal
Social Security Administration
Veterans Administration
Alexian Center for Mental Health
Ecker Center for Mental Health, Elgin
Lake County Behavioral Health Center
NAMI Help Line (agency referrals): 800-950-NAMI (6264)

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