NAMI CARES
Concern, Advocacy, Research, Education, Support
August 2012
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Myths and Facts About Therapy From WebMD in the slideshow: Myths and Facts About TherapyMyth: You'll Be in Therapy Forever
That idea of being in therapy for years? It's another TV cliché. Yes, some people may benefit from ongoing therapy, especially if they have a long-lasting mental illness. But many mental health and quality of life issues can be addressed in a few weeks or months.
Fact: Short-Term Therapy Works
As few as one to four sessions can help you make significant changes in your life, Khatri says. And the benefits go beyond relieving stress and anxiety. Short-term therapy can help you improve your relationships, brush up on parenting skills, sleep better, manage your weight, adopt healthy habits, and become more effective in pursuing your goals.
 Myth: All Therapy Is the Same
All kinds of therapy are, in essence, a conversation. But the content and structure of that conversation depend on the type of therapy. Solution-focused therapy helps identify and implement strategies that have worked for you in the past. Interpersonal therapy helps improve your interactions with the people in your life. Other options include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).
Facts About CBT
Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most studied forms of psychotherapy. This approach teaches you to recognize and change self-defeating thoughts and behaviors. It is especially effective at treating depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, but can also be helpful for everyday issues, like sleeping better and adopting healthy habits. A typical course of CBT lasts six to 20 sessions. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a form of CBT that helps you become more flexible in meeting challenges. This approach emphasizes acceptance of uncomfortable experiences, along with a commitment to actions that support your personal values. It is particularly helpful in coping with workplace stress, chronic pain, and other long-lasting medical conditions.
Myth: Therapists Just Listen
It has become a running joke: therapists just listen and say things like, "How does that make you feel?" Although listening is a critical part of the job, good therapists also do a lot of talking. This includes asking targeted questions, helping you set goals, and teaching skills that will help you meet those goals. Your therapist may even assign homework to help you practice your new skills.
From WebMD in the article: Top 7 Therapy Myths Debunked
Myth: It's not going to work
Though almost anyone could benefit from a good dose of professional discussion about the state of their mental health, many people are doubtful it will do them any good.
"Lots of people have misinformation about therapy," Berman says. "It's not a passive experience in which you can come in, talk, leave, and get better. It only works if you work at it, and if you are an active participant in making a difference in your own life." Fear also plays a role in creating skepticism about the value of therapy for some people.
"When people are resistant to therapy, they are generally afraid," Lieberman says. "They know there are issues they need to deal with and they are fearful of addressing them, which creates a barrier that comes through as, "It's not going to work." But once a person overcomes the fear and starts to engage in the process, Lieberman says they're headed in the right direction.
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| Important Note from the Editor: The email address from which you receive this email newsletter will be changing to: newsletter@namidkk.org beginning this month. Please add that address to your contact list so that this newsletter will not go to spam. Thanks! |
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Elected Officials and Candidates Forum
On Issues Affecting People with Disabilities
Thursday, September 20, 2012
5:30-8:30 pm
Christ Community Church
37w100 Bolcum Road (Off Randall Road)
St. Charles, 60175
Featuring:
~Updates on local service needs and concerns
~Opportunity to state your position on disability issues
~Opportunity to speak directly to state & local officials
Sponsored by Advocates Network
Contact:
Gina Richter (847) 515-8998
ginar_30sbcglobal.net
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NAMI BasicsNew Session of NAMI Basics starting this fall 
The fundamentals of caring for you, your family and your child with mental illness
A FREE six week education course taught by parents/caregivers of children and adolescents with mental illness.
Classes include:
· Introduction - it's not your fault
· The biology of mental illness
· Treatment works
· Problem solving skills
· How to work within systems (school,
juvenile justice, mental health)
· Shared stories
Classes for Fall 2012
Oct. 14-Nov.18
2:00pm-4:30pm
Class day/date flexible
Registration is required
To register please call Carol: 630-947-4430
or Karen: 630-664-9103 or
NAMI DeKalb, Kane South & Kendall Counties
400 Mercy Lane, Aurora, IL 60506
630-896-6264
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 Mental Illness Awareness Week 2012: Oct. 7-13, 2012
Help us Reduce Stigma
In 1990, the U.S. Congress established the first full week of October as Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) in recognition of NAMI's efforts to raise mental illness awareness. Since 1990, mental health advocates across the country have joined together during the first full week of October in sponsoring many kinds of activities.
MIAW has become a NAMI tradition. It presents an opportunity to all NAMI state organizations and affiliates across the country to work together in communities to achieve the NAMI mission through outreach, education and advocacy.
The National Day of Prayer for Mental Illness Recovery and Understanding is Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2012. Special resources for outreach to faith communities also can be downloaded.
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Tips to help parents and children with Back to School AnxietyBy Carol Klopp, Co-leader NAMI Basic's
Back to school anxiety is not a new phenomenon. It is not much different than the adult who is anxious about a new job or change in boss, going back to college, your wedding day, having that first baby, etc. By the time we are adults we have had numerous experiences with transitions and have created our own ways to deal with life changes.
While all children have some anxiety returning to school after summer break, children and adolescents who are living with a mental illness experience even more anxiety. The following are some tips to help parents/caregivers and children with Back to School Anxiety:
Time to adjust:
A week or 2 before school starts, begin going to bed and getting up close to the time necessary to start a school day. Quality sleep is needed by all ages to function well. As well as sleeping, also try to eat on a more regular schedule.
Getting your home ready for back to school:
Kids will feel more in control and less anxious if they help to establish a routine; making lunches and getting backpacks ready, deciding on clothes to wear, etc. for the next morning. Discuss and/or establish a comfortable area to do home work.
Take away as many unknowns as possible
1. Talk with your child about what they will be doing this school year.
2. Set up a time with the teacher to bring your child to school during the week before classes begin. Perhaps, when the teacher is setting up the class room. Have the teacher walk you and your child through his/her day from the time the child reaches school whether by bus, car, or walking, showing where to hang his/her coat, the classroom, gym/recess, music/art rooms, bath room, where he/she will eat lunch, etc. Maybe the teacher can show the child his/her desk and even allow help to set up part of the classroom.
3. Obtain an itinerary from the teacher so you can help your child know where he/she will be for any change in rooms or any transition between subjects in the same classroom.
4. Role play: If your child has never been on a school bus or is nervous about riding on a school bus. Set up an area in your house and "pretend" ride to school. Take turns being the bus driver, your child or his/her classmate.
5. Make the first week of school a special happening for your family. Research has shown that the first week of school is tough for all kids no matter what age. If possible have a parent or trusted caregiver home after school the first week. If not possible set aside some time in the evening to talk about your child's day and listen to any concerns. Have family meals together if possible, serve your kid's favorite meal, and put special notes or treats in his/her lunch.
Read the rest of the article including the following topics:
Converse with your child
Try some problem solving role play
Resource links:
www.empoweringparents.com
www.familyeducation.com
www.americanacademyofperiatrics.org
www.about.com.stressmanagement
www.nami.org
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NAMI DKK Run for Mental Health
Run/Walk in OctoberJoin us in October
for the 7th Annual NAMI 5k.
The Nami 5k is NAMI DKK's largest fundraiser.
On-Line Registration $25* Mail in Registration $30* Day of Race Registration $35* * Registration fee will be waived / refunded for anyone who collects over $150 in fundraising. If you are interested in setting up a fundraising page, go to http://www.active.com/donate/NAMI5K and click on the "become a fundraiser" link at the top of the page. Download Registration formCan't be with us on that day?
Please help us fight stigma and educate people about mental illness by donating today.  Back to Top |
Understanding Suicide
From NAMI Illinois Aug 3 Newsletter (Week 9 of weekly series Excerpted from "Quick Series Publishing")
Emotional State When Suicide is About to Happen
When people who attempted suicide were asked what they were feeling just before they attempted to kill themselves, this is what they said: ~Intense emotional pain (although some appear calm and controlled to others). ~Extreme hopeless, helpless, hapless and worthless feelings. ~Finds no meaning in life.Great difficulty asking for help because one feels emotionally drained and weak. ~Cut off from other people. ~Despair. ~Angry, resentful and hostile (the anger often drives the final act). ~Vague feelings of hope that someone may rescue them at the last minute. Thought Process When Suicide is About to Happen
Those who have attempted suicide say that just before they attempted to kill themselves their thoughts were: ~Mentally confused.Repetitive thinking (could not get a particular steam of thoughts out of their head). ~Rigid thinking ("either-or" thinking with little ability to problem-solve). ~Tunnel vision (extremely rigid thinking during which only one option is seen). ~Extreme thinking (exaggerations of fears, failures, embarrassment, humiliation).
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NAMI DKK Saturday Coffee
August Coffee
Saturday September 29th
9:30 am - 11 am
Your hosts will be:
Centennial Counseling
1120 E. Main Street
Suite 102
Cedar Crossing Building
St. Charles, IL 60174
~There will be coffee, lite refreshments
and a speaker
~There will be time to socialize
All are welcome.
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Coming Events
NAMIDKK Board Meeting -
The next meeting will be Sept 10, 2012.
Sept 29, 2012: The Next Saturday Coffee will be at Centennial Counseling Center in St. Charles
Wednesdays: NAMI Connections Recovery Support Group from 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm at Provena Mercy Center (details)
Thursdays: NAMI Connections Recovery Support Group from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm at Association for Individual Development details
Sept 6, 2012 - NAMI Support Group meets in St. Charles 7:00 to 8:30 pm (details)
Sept 11, 2012 - NAMI Support Group meets in Yorkville 7:00 to 8:30 pm (details)Sept 11, 2012 - NAMI Support Group meets in Elgin 6:30 to 8:00 pm (details)Sept 18, 2012 - NAMI Support Group meets in Aurora 7:00 to 8:30 pm (details) August 20, 2012 - Family-to-Family Classes begin in DeKalb (details) Save the Date: October 6, 2012 - NAMI DKK 5 K Run for Mental Health |
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Other Events in the Area
Events of Interest in our Communities
September 12th - 13th, 2012 - Supportive Housing Conference and Supportive Housing Bus Tour September 11th
Saint Paul RiverCentre
175 W Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul, Minnesota
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Research Volunteers Needed
Middle School Students Research
Students needed for a one-hour interview
Receive a $20 Gift Card
Each student that participates will receive a $20 thank-you gift card to a store of his or her choice Qualifications for the Study
The Student Must: ~be a middle school student (6th-8th grade) ~have an IEP for emotional disability (ED), behavior disorder (BD), or both ~spend part or all of his/her school day in an alternative classroom setting (e.g. learning resource room, self-contained classroom, BIP program or therapeutic day school) What will happen during the interview?
Students will talk about themselves, their interests, and their lives as student For more information contact:Email: susan.r.terrell@gmail.comCell phone: 773-396-6750Sue Terrell, LCSW, RN, PhD Candidate,Institute for Clinical Social WorkThis research is part of a dissertation entitled "The experience of middle school students identified as having a behavioral disorder"
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NAMI-DKK Family-to Family
Classes starting in Dekalb
in August The NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program is a free, 12-week course for family caregivers of individuals with severe mental illnesses.
The course is taught by trained family members
All instruction and course materials are free to class participants
Over 115,000 family members have graduated from this national program
NEW CLASS STARTED IN ELBURN: Started Monday Aug 20, 2012 continuing weekly through Nov 5, 2012 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm THE NEXT CLASS BEGINS IN
FEBRUARY IN ST. CHARLES
Classes are free
Registration is required
To register call Denise at 630-405-9336
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August Fast Fact
Finding the right match is crucial to establishing a good relationship and getting the most out of your counseling sessions or appointments.
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Connection Recovery Support Groups
For People living with Mental Illnesses such as Depression, Bipolar, OCD, etc. Now meeting TWICE WEEKLY! I want to say that I appreciate the support of NAMI Support Groups. NAMI Connections is helpful because people share their experiences with insight about how they recover. That gives each of us hope for a better future. We gain comfort and respect for others from the friendships that we develop in the groups - Brian Hanson
NAMI Connections Support Group for People with Mental Illnesses is a weekly recovery support group in which people learn from each others' experiences, share coping strategies, and offer each other encouragement and understanding. Wednesday evenings from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm Provena Mercy Behavioral Health Building 1325 North Highland Ave Aurora, IL 50506
Thursday afternoons from 2:00 to 3:30 pm at Association for Individual Development
1230 N. Highland, Aurora, IL 60506
Please call Denise at 630-405-9336 or NAMI DKK at 630-896-6264 for more information or if you are interested in joining the group. Back to Top
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Research Opportunity for Ages 10-18
Research to Discover Causes and Treatments for Bipolar DisorderThe research is being conducted at the Pediatric Brain Research and Intervention Center at UIC under the direction of Dr. Mani Pavuluri. The goal is to understand how the wiring mechanisms in the brain work in these children (pathophysiology), as well as finding biomarkers for medication treatments, and effective psychotherapies.
The research program is open for all patients with bipolar spectrum disorders as well as healthy participants (Controls). All participants undergo fMRI brain scanning. We have several ongoing NIMH-funded studies; our general age range is 10-18. Currently we are in great need of participants for the following studies:
· Children and teens who may benefit from lithium treatment could contribute to our "Affective Neuroscience in Pediatric Bipolar Disorder" trial.
AND · Children and teens aged 9-16 for our longitudinal "Developing Brain Function in Adolescent Bipolar Disorder or Bio-DANCES" study.
A side benefit is the structural scan to rule out any brain abnormalities. The studies are free of cost, and participants are compensated at least $75 for their time. School off-days, holidays, or Saturdays are perfect times for families to participate, and it's a great way for kids and families to engage in scientific research.
To learn more or for families seeking an appointment, please call 312-996-1945 or e-mail Gail Schuck at gschuck@psych.uic.edu. Each new discovery leads to a better quality of life for our kids and our community! We hope you will join us in translating science to service.
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Supportive Housing Conference
September 12th - 13th, 2012
and
Supportive Housing Bus Tour
September 11th
Saint Paul RiverCentre
175 W Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul, Minnesota
Visit www.csh.org/centralregion, for more information!
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Yorkville's Support Group
NAMI DKK adds another support group for families
~For family members/loved ones of someone living with a mental illness ~Meets once a month "Using the support group model is so essential to the success of our family support groups. Without the training, networking, and support of the group members I fear that support groups would become nothing more than "cry" sessions or "gripe" sessions. As a group the collective wisdom covered a lot of possibilities towards the issues." 2nd Tuesday of the Month 7:00 to 8:30 pm Yorkville Congregational Church 409 Center Parkway, Yorkville, IL 60560 If interested call Carrie 630-779-4933
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NAMI 360
NAMI has a new online system to update your membership and demographics
Want to renew your membership early so you don't forget to do it later? Want to change your email address, mailing address, phone number or other information so that your local NAMI affiliate can contact you? Want to do it online? Now you can! All you need to do is go to the NAMI National website: nami.org. Once there, either sign in or register to get a username and password. This will automatically open up a page that is your personal home page. In the middle of the page is a row of words starting with: "myHomePage" and ending with: myBio. Click on: "myInformation". It will bring up a page that shows you how long you have been a member, when you are due to renew and all of your demographic information. If you want to make changes you can click on the bright blue list of choices on the right side of the page near the top. You can edit your name or demographics. You can add an address, phone number, etc. The changes will take place immediately. In the row that gives your membership information is a bright blue word: "renew". If you want to renew just click on that and it will take you through the process of renewing your membership. Right now the only way to pay is by credit card. If you renew before your renewal date it will automatically add one year to the end of your membership. So for example, if you renew in June, 2012 but are not really due to renew until August, 2012 it will make your new renewal date August, 2013. If you want to renew through your local affiliate, of course you can still do that by check or credit card.
This is just the beginning of changes that will help us keep our information more organized and make it easier for you to update your information. We will keep you informed when we learn more. |
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NAMIDKK
Vision Statement
VISION: NAMI-DKK is dedicated to the eradication of the stigma of mental illness by improving the quality of life of all those striving for mental health wellness.
NAMIDKK
Mission Statement
MISSION: The mission of NAMI-DKK is to provide support education and advocacy for persons, family members and communities dealing with mental health issues
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Forward This Newsletter
PLEASE PASS THIS ON
If you know someone that might benefit from getting this newsletter you can use the link below to forward this newsletter to them. If they enjoy it and want to get it all the time they can subscribe, but only if they want to. They will not be automatically put on our mailing list.
The newsletter is a great way to keep up with what is going on with NAMIDKK, find resources, and learn about ways you can help.
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DONATE TODAY
NAMI DKK needs your help to continue providing support and education for those with mental illness and their families.
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Support Groups
NAMI DKK Support Groups are sponsored by Illinois Children's Mental Health Partnership
NAMI-DKK FAMILY SUPPORT GROUPS
(No charge, no reservations needed)
These support groups provide relevant information, valuable insight, and the opportunity to engage in support networks. The groups are led by family members that have been trained in classes provided by NAMI Illinois. Family members are invited to join more than one group to provide more frequent support.
Aurora:
3rd Tuesday of the month,
from 7:00-8:30 p.m.
The McDermott room, Provena Mercy Hospital (lower level), in Aurora.
630-761-6971 (Buzz Hays)
St. Charles:
1st Thursday of the month at 7 p.m.
The Congregational United Church of Christ, 40W451 Fox Mill Blvd. St. Charles, IL. (To get there, go west on Route 64 to Fox Mill Blvd. and turn left. The church is south of Fox Mill on the left. The entrance is on the south corner from the parking lot.) 630-584-7481 (Lynette Niequist) Yorkville:
2nd Tuesday of the Month
7:00 to 8:30 pm
Yorkville Congregational Church
409 Center Parkway,
Yorkville, IL 60560
630-779-4933 (Carrie)
2nd Tuesday 6:30-8:00 p.m.
St. Joseph Hospital
77 N. Airlite, Elgin
(St. Mary's Room lower level)
Call Laurie 847-695-7957
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OTHER AREA SUPPORT GROUPS
KENDALL COUNTY SUPPORT GROUPS:
The Kendall County Health Department provides the following support groups lead by mental health professionals. For further information please contact the KCHD Admissions Coordinator, Rhonda at (630) 553-9100 X8053
· Life Strengths: Peer Support for those dealing with chronic mental illness.
· Understanding your Diagnosis: Family support and for those individual(s) working towards mental health recovery.
. Dual Diagnosis Group: Treatment for those individuals addressing both substance abuse and mental health issues.
DEPRESSION & BIPOLAR SUPPORT ALLIANCE:
DeKalb(NIU): Meets Monthly the last Saturday at 12 noon in Immanuel Lutheran Church on Russell Rd.
Follow signs. Easy parking
Contact person: Charles Smith Phone: (815) 398-9628 Fax: (815) 398-5995 Email: mrsippy1d@comcast.netWebsite: www.grouphope.org
Fox Valley: Meets 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month at:
Behavioral Health Services Bldg.
Campus of Central DuPage Hosp.
27 W 350 Highlake Rd.
Winfield Rd., Winfield, IL.
Contact person: Judy Kramer, Pres.
Phone: 630-466-4851
Email: Judykramer@MCHSI.com
Website: www.DBSAFoxvalley.org
CARES Support Group - led by and for individuals working towards recovery
Monday mornings 11:00 - 12:00 p.m.
Ecker Center, Elgin - 2nd Floor
for information: NAMI - 847-426-4594
NAMI DUPAGE COUNTY SUPPORT GROUPS:
NAMI DuPage has several support groups that are open to anyone no matter where you live. There is no charge for these groups. To find out more about these groups and where they meet you can go to: click here
NAMI BARRINGTON SUPPORT GROUPS: NAMI Barrington has two family support groups that are open to anyone no matter where you live. There is no charge for these groups. To find out more about these groups and where they meet you can click on this link. |
Consumers' Corner
Calling all consumers!
We would love to have contributions for our newsletter from Consumers who would like to share personal stories, poetry, ideas that have helped you make it through the rough times, or any creative work. If you would like to contribute visual art please contact Nina for details on how to do that.How do you feel about the word "Consumer"? That is the word used by NAMI to indicate a person with a mental illness. Does that word work for you? Do you have an idea for another word that might indicate who you are, yet do it in a positive way? Let us know what you think. Please send your ideas to Nina and she will pass that information on to our Board for consideration.
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Resources
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Lazarus House offers housing
Housing Resource for Kane County
If you know someone in mid Kane County who needs a place to stay, encourage them to call Lazarus House at 630-587-2144 about shelter services.
If it's rent or utility help that they need, have them call 630-587-5872 for a confidential appointment to see if they qualify for assistance. Lazarus House grants help low-income persons in Kane County who struggle to make ends meet. Pass out our number. We are here to help!
Lazarus House
214 Walnut Street, St. Charles, Illinois 60174
Main number (shelter) 630-587-2144
Outreach (rental assistance) 630-587-5872
Email: Info@LazarusHouseOnline.com
Web Site: lazarushouseonline.com
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Volunteer Opportunities
Do you want to help?
NAMIDKK would love to be doing more but there is just not enough time in our days to do everything we think of. If you have an hour or more to help us out we would be glad to hear from you. For some things you do not even need to come into our office to help. If you can help us returning phone calls we will provide training and resource materials. If this is something you would like to do, please contact: Elaine at 630-377-1563 or epmulligan1@gmail.com.Your help as volunteers would increase our ability to help improve the quality of life for individuals with mental illness and their families. We need: a grant writer, a publicity coordinator, librarian, speakers bureau volunteers, help line call takers, dinner/raffle help, more people for our educations programs, someone to join NAMI National's Stigma Buster Alert program, people to help update resource information, as well as newsletter submissions.
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Membership
BECOME A MEMBER OF NAMI DEKALB, KANE SOUTH & KENDALL COUNTIES
NAMI DKK is a nonprofit organization affiliated with NAMI - The National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Membership includes: Membership in Illinois and National NAMI
NAMI National's publication Advocate (quarterly)
NAMI Illinois' publication Stateline (quarterly)
NAMI DKK CARES email Newsletter (monthly)
New members receive a welcome packet and our NAMI-DKK Handbook (when available).
Please complete the information below and mail your check or money order to
NAMI-DKK
400 Mercy Lane,
Aurora, Illinois 60506
Name:___________________
Address:_________________
City:________Zip:_________
Telephone (s):____________
Email (s): _______________
Individual: $30/year _______
Advocate: $100/year _______
Lifetime: $500 _______
Written Newsletter Only _______
($10 suggested donation)
Open Door $3/year _______
(Those with limited means/fixed incomes are invited to join at this reduced rate)
Donation Only $ _______
Total Enclosed: $ ________ Note: Membership and donations are tax deductible. Back to Top |
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About Us
NAMIDKK can be reached by
phone: 630-896-6264
fax: 630-896-6365
email: info@namidkk.org
mail: 400 Mercy Lane
Aurora, IL 60506
website: namidkk.org
NAMIDKK is an affiliate of a national network of NAMI groups all over the world. The national website
has many resources for both consumers and families, educational
information about mental illness and treatments, and the latest news
concerning our issues. NAMI Illinois is the state organization
that can direct you to local events and groups as well as keeping us
updated about what is happening in our state. The state website also has resources and links to other organizations.
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NAMIDKK Board of Directors
Phyllis Graeser - President Nina Finch - Vice President Walter Deuchler - Treasurer Mary Ihnenfeld - Secretary Suzanne Deuchler Denise Edwards Jim McNish Glenn Tredinnick Advisory Board
Elaine Mulligan Buzz Hays Jack Hazel Cheryl Johnson Legal Advisor: Alschuler, Simantz & Hem, LLC - Jan OPittman, Legal Assistant Accountant: Borhart, Spellmeyer & Co. Back to Top
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Educational Programs
Helping schools reach out to children with mental illness
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PARENTS AND TEACHERS AS ALLIES:
Parents and Teachers as allies was created to help families and school professionals identify the key warning signs of early-onset mental illnesses in children and adolescents in our schools. The program is intended to provide an educational tool for advancing mutual understanding and communication between families and school professionals. This program is designed for two-hour teacher in-services, parent PTA sponsored evenings, and mental health professional classes.
RED FLAGS:
Red Flags is a depression awareness program for middle school students. It is generally taught in health classes and takes 3-5 class periods. The teacher can choose between 2 DVD's: "Claire's Story," or "Thick'n Thin," a more recent story of teenage depression. Two additional DVD's go with the program, as well as suggested class activites, information on mental illness and discussion topics.
ENDING THE SILENCE:
Ending the Silence is a high school health class presentation, typically presented during the mental health portion of the curriculum. This interactive program teaches the basic signs and symptoms of mental illnesses in teenagers, presents personal stories to reduce stigma, and provides many resource materials for students.
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Ways to donate to NAMI-DKK:
 By phone: Call 630-896-6264 By mail: Click here to fill out a form that you can print out and mail to our office. At your workplace: An easy way to double - even triple - the value of your contribution to NAMI-DKK! Thousands of companies (of all sizes, in all industries) have Matching Gift programs that "match" their employees' contributions (often Board members and spouses too) to their favorite charities. To learn more about how to match your donation to NAMI-DKK click here. Planned Giving: You can plan the giving from your estate with the help of an attorney using a number of legal mechanisms, such as a charitable remainder trust, that may enable you to maintain your estate, provide for yourself and your family, and leave a lasting legacy. Sponsorship of Events or NAMI-DKK Programs: Opportunities to donate to NAMI-DKK include sponsoring events such as our Dinner/raffle and our annual Run/Walk. You can designate funds for specific programs. NAMI-DKK programs include Family to Family classes, Crisis Intervention Training for law enforcement, adult and student based educational programs, family support groups, a monthly newsletter, printed informational materials and a help call line staffed by volunteers.
To find out more about these and other programs contact NAMI-DKK office at 630-896-6264. Buy Raffle Tickets: Call our office for more information about buying raffle tickets for our annual Dinner/Raffle. They are usually available in January and the first week of February of each year. Drawing is at our annual dinner. You do not need to be present to win. Memorial and Honorary Giving: Memorial Giving: Your memorial gift to NAMI-DKK is a personal remembrance that honors the life and memory of a friend or loved one, and offers the gift of hope for the future.
Honorary Giving: Holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, Mother's or Father's Day, or the arrival of a new baby are special moments that we can help you celebrate. A gift to NAMI is a wonderful way for individuals, organizations, businesses, and groups to honor these special occasions in our lives and pay tribute to a friend or loved one. Based on the information you provide, NAMI-DKK will send a letter to the family of the memorialized or to the honored person, notifying them of your thoughtful gift. NAMI-DKK is a 501(c)(3) organization. All donations are tax deductible.
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Employer Matching Donations How do I secure a matching gift for my donation to NAMI-DKK? Contact your Human Resources Department to find out if your company has a Matching Gift Program. If they have a matching gift program, your company likely uses one of two ways to secure your additional matching gift to NAMI-DKK: (Most common) Obtain your company's matching gift form, fill out the "Donor" section, and mail it to NAMI-DKK when you send your donation. NAMI-DKK will complete the "Charity" section of the form, and mail it back to your company. This will confirm that we received your gift and request their matching gift. (Less common) Make your donation to NAMI-DKK through the mail or phone. Upon receipt of your gift, NAMI-DKK will send a letter acknowledging your contribution. Bring this letter to your Matching Gift program coordinator who will distribute your company's matching gift to NAMI-DKK. Why should I give a matching gift to NAMI-DKK? Matching gift programs allow you to allocate your company's charitable dollars to the cause nearest and dearest to you heart, greatly increasing your donation's value to NAMI-DKK. What's more, NAMI-DKK considers your corporation's matching gift as part of your total contribution. Therefore, your $50 gift can become a $100 or $150 gift to NAMI-DKK. So please -- go ahead and make a donation to NAMI-DKK today!
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