NAMI CARES
Concern, Advocacy, Research, Education, Support
January 2013
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We Cordially invite you to attend
the 10th Annual
NAMI Dinner
Certified Recovery Specialist The Jim McNish Advocacy Award presented to The NAMI 5K Run/Walk Committee
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Saturday,
February 2, 2013
6:00 pm Cash Bar & Basket Raffle
7:00 pm Dinner
9:00 pm Basket Winners Announced
Herrington Inn & Spa
15 South River Lane,
Geneva, IL 60134
For dinner tickets please contact us at:
630-896-6264
or info@namidkk.org
Kindly respond by January 24, 2013 Click here for a pdf version of the reply card
Special Event for 2013:
Basket Raffle
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Lombard Downtown
Business Distric
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We have raffle donations from: a jewelry company, gift cards from restaurants, a Mary Kay basket, a Spa Basket, a case of wine, a basket from Trader Joe's, store gift cards, hour long massage certificates, candy gift baskets and
much more......
NAMI DKK wants to thank the following sponsors:
Gold Level ($1,000 - $2,499)
Dolan & Murphy
Julia & Casey Mulligan with the Wrigley Foundation
Silver Level ($500 - $999)
KishHealth System
Elaine & Tom Mulligan
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NAMI Connections: Recovery Happens
They say good things come in threes.
Hope, Possibilities, Progress.
Change, Healing, Growth.
Transformation, Wellness, Recovery.
And for good measure, (in keeping with the NAMI mission)...
Education, Advocacy, Support.
The words above are expressions of encouragement to all those touched by mental illness. Although there is loss, there is hope. Although there are limitations, there are possibilities. Although mental illness happens, recovery happens, too. And, although there is stigma, there is also support. NAMI Connection Recovery Support Groups are weekly drop-in meetings that all people living with mental illness are welcome to join. NAMI Connection is an opportunity to build, or continue to build, a solid support network for one's recovery. And, each NAMI Connection group is facilitated by trained individuals living in recovery, themselves.
There is no mandatory attendance or binding requirement to attend NAMI Connection - any individual with a psychiatric disorder can drop in. The only necessary "qualification," if you will, to attend NAMI Connection is for all group members to participate as individuals seeking support solely for themselves, in their personal process of recovery from living with mental illness. For the comfort and safety of the group, NAMI Connection ensures that students, interns and family members are not allowed to sit in and simply observe group happenings. In this way, NAMI Connection is an exclusive support group...it is only for people living with mental illness.
Two NAMI Connection support groups are available through NAMI DKK; details are as follows:
Wednesdays
6:30-8:00 PM, Provena Mercy Hospital, Behavioral Health Building, 1325 N Highland Ave, Voris Conference Room
Thursdays
2:00-3:30 PM, A.I.D. (Aurora), Behavioral Health Services, 1230 N Highland Ave, Small Group Room
Questions? Call NAMI DKK @ 630.896.NAMI (6264). Or to search for NAMI Connection groups outside of NAMI DKK's area, go to www.nami.org/connection to find out more.
NAMI DKK hopes to one day develop a third NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group. The future is bright, and each week, this recovery support program makes a difference in people's lives. NAMI Connection remains one of the leading support services NAMI offers to people in recovery.
Good things come in threes.
Experience, Understanding, Encouragement.
Check out a NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group for yourself this week.
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How the NAMI Connection support group can dramatically improve family life. |
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NAMI DKK Saturday Coffee
Our first coffee of 2013
 Saturday January 26th 9:30 am - 11:30 am Your hosts will be: Innovative Behavioral Health
58 Chicago Rd, Oswego (they share the building with
Kettley Realty at the
corner of Routes 34 & 25)
Speaker - Veronica Lickfelt
Topic - Anxiety Light refreshments will be served
All are welcome
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New Family Support Groups
Family Support Groups in DeKalb and Aurora
NAMI DKK is adding two new family support groups to their growing list of family programs. DeKalb will be home to a Family Support Group that will meet monthly at the NIU Founder's Memorial Library Room 202. The first meeting will be Feb 19, 2013 from 7:30 to 9 pm. Following meetings will be on the third Tuesday of the month.
A bilingual (English/Spanish) Family Support Group will begin within the next month in Aurora. Call NAMI DKK for more information at 630-896-6264. Registration is not required
and there is no charge.
NAMI DKK support groups offer a safe and respectful environment for family and friends of individuals living with mental illnesses. Groups provide members with time to share, listen and learn through a mutually supportive audience of their peers. All groups are confidential and participants may share as much or as little personal information as they wish.
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Obtaining Social Security Disability Benefits Requires Perseverance
Excerpts from NAMI DKK General Meeting by Nina Finch
 Jeffrey A. Rabin, Esq. broke down the process of obtaining SSDI/SSI benefits into manageable bites of information that we all could understand. It would be impossible to recreate his entire presentation for our newsletter readers, but I will try to give you some of the highlights. He explained that to those making the decisions about disability the symptoms of an illness are more important than the diagnosis. They want to know if the symptoms will prevent the person from functioning in a work environment. Mr. Rabin provided the criteria for acceptance, the steps in the process of applying and tips for success. He said that the most important part of the process is to see the doctor on a continuing basis and be totally honest about the symptoms. That includes telling him or her exactly how you are coping even if you are only asked, "How are you, today?" Filing online is a good way to start, but if the application is denied it is important to keep the process moving along by sending in appeals immediately. Having someone like Mr. Rabin involved early in the process helps to make sure that answers are interpreted correctly. He can still have success if he becomes involved later in the process but it makes things more complicated. Don't become discouraged and give up! It sometimes takes 9 month or more for the entire process. If a person deserves benefits there are many things that can be done to help with the appeal decision. Mr. Rabin provided a handout on Social Security Disability and one on issues and recommendations on SSDI/SSI when your child is turning 18. These handouts are available at the NAMI DKK office. Here is the information on how to contact Mr. Rabin and a website that has good background on all programs: Jeffrey A Rabin & Associates, LTD. 636 S. Des Plaines River Rd., Suite 300 Des Plaines, IL 60016 847-299-0008 www.RabinSSlaw.com jeff@RabinSSlaw.com(DuPage, Will, Lake, Cook County and downtown offices) www.ssa.gov Back to Top
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NAMI BasicsNew Session of NAMI Basics starting Feb, 2013 
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 2013
Feb 10 through March 17
2:00pm-4:30pm
in St. Charles
Registration is required
To register please call Carol: 630-947-4430 or
or you can email us at
NAMI DeKalb, Kane South & Kendall Counties
400 Mercy Lane, Aurora, IL 60506
630-896-6264
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Kay Redfield Jamison Speaks at AU
AU presents author of "An Unquiet Mind"
 In 1995, as professor of psychiatry at Johns Hopkins University, Kay Redfield Jamison shocked her colleagues by going public with her own struggle with manic-depressiveness in a Washington Post article and subsequent best-selling book, "An Unquiet Mind." Jamison has since become a trusted spokesperson for millions who suffer from mental illness and their loved ones. She addresses the clinical and personal realities of depression and bipolar disorder in a manner that encourages dialogue, empathy and hope.
Date: 2/25/2013 Time: 7:30 PM Crimi Auditorium The event is free. Registration is Required. To register
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NAMI-DKK Family-to Family Classes starting in February, 2013
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
More details about Family-to-Family.
Classes start Tuesday, February 12, 2013
continuing weekly through April 23, 2013
in St. Charles
Classes are free
Registration is required
To register call Denise at 630-405-9336
or email us at education@namidkk.org
NAMI DeKalb, Kane South & Kendall Counties
400 Mercy Lane, Aurora, IL 60506
630-896-6264
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New Veteran's Home Opens with Hope for Tomorrow
Exerpts from Beacon New article, December, 2012
The house at 469 N. Lake St (Aurora)....will house Hope For Tomorrow's newest home for returning military veterans.
"Important in all of our hearts is the recognition that there should never, ever be a homeless veteran," said Hope For Tomorrow Executive Director Jeff Gilbert, addressing a crowd of veterans and their supporters at the home's ribbon cutting ceremony, Friday (December 7,2012). "This really is a great day for the city and for its veterans."
The new Hope for Tomorrow home will house 16 returning veterans, and includes first-floor living space for one disabled resident. Returning vets in Hope for Tomorrow's program will receive counseling and treatment for addiction or mental illness.
Nearly three dozen organizations, from veterans' groups to local unions--along with countless individuals, tradesmen, apprentices, students and volunteers--helped make the new home a reality.
Gilbert said he expects the home to be filled by mid-January. |
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Help for veterans
* U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs www.va.gov
* Edward Hines Jr. Medical Center in Hines, (708) 202-8387
* Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago, (847) 688-1900
* Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans in Wheaton; helpaveteran.org; (630) 871-VETS
* Volunteers of America; www.voa.org; (800) 899-0089
* A Safe Haven Foundation in Chicago; www.asafehaven.org/; (773) 435-8300
* Thresholds in Chicago; www.thresholds.org; (773) 572-5500
Veterans & Military Resource Center at nami.org
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Affordable Care Act fills need in mental health care
By FORMER REP. PATRICK KENNEDY and FORMER REP. JIM RAMSTAD in Politico
 Like millions of Americans, we have struggled with addiction. Fortunately, we were able to access the treatment and recovery services necessary to get well. But for many people facing addiction or mental health issues without the necessary insurance coverage, such lifesaving services have been out of reach. The Affordable Care Act changes that. A provision that passed with unanimous support requires that starting in 2014, health insurance plans cover mental health and addiction services as part of the essential benefits. As a result of these historic changes, approximately 68 million Americans will have access to lifesaving mental health and addiction treatment services. Furthermore, these services, which have been misunderstood and marginalized for so long, will finally be fully integrated as part of a comprehensive approach to health care. That is, if the law is implemented as intended. The far-reaching impact of this change cannot be overestimated. Research has found that one out of every five Americans will experience some type of mental illness at least once in their lifetime while over 20 million Americans currently need treatment for a problem with alcohol or drugs. Untreated mental health and substance-use disorders cost American employers an estimated $17 billion annually in absenteeism and lost productivity. Studies have shown that every dollar spent on mental health care results in a savings of $12. But Americans don't need a lot of statistics to know that effective programs to address mental health and addiction save lives. Polls show that three in four Americans are concerned that people addicted to alcohol or drugs may not be able to get treatment because of cost or lack of insurance coverage. While health care reform is designed to address these obstacles, unfortunately, there are many opportunities for this historic achievement to be derailed. Read what might derail health care reformBack to Top
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Coming Events
NAMI DKK Board Meeting -
The next meeting will be February 11, 2013.
The Next Saturday Coffee will be on January 26, 2013. Please watch our announcements for more details.
Support Groups:
Wednesdays: NAMI Connections Recovery Support Group from 6:30 pm to 8:00 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
Feb 7, 2013 - NAMI Support Group meets in St. Charles 7:00 to 8:30 pm (details)
Feb 12, 2013 - NAMI Support Group meets in Yorkville 7:00 to 8:30 pm (details)Feb 12, 2013 - NAMI Support Group meets in Elgin 6:30 to 8:00 pm (details)Feb 19, 2013 - NAMI Support Group meets in Aurora 7:00 to 8:30 pm (details) Feb 19, 2013 - NAMI Support Group meets in DeKalb 7:30 to 9:00 pm (details) Sundays from Feb 10, 2013 through Mar 17, 2013 - NAMI Basics (see details below)
Tuesdays from Feb 12, 2013 through April 23, 2013 - Family-to-Family (see details below) Save the Date: February 2, 2013 - NAMI DKK Dinner/Auction at The Herrington in Geneva. More details soon! |
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Healing Touch with Guided Imagery Shown to Relieve Combat PTSD
By Julie Erickson, NAMI Education Program Coordinator in NAMI Now
 According to a recent study, the alternative medical techniques of healing touch and guided imagery can be effective in relieving symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in returning active duty military personnel, when combined with regular PTSD treatment. Healing touch therapy employs gentle touch to restore the body's energy balance and is meant to promote healing, relieve pain and reduce anxiety. Guided imagery uses visualization by the patient in an effort to send a message to the emotional control center of the brain, which then affects the endocrine, immune and autonomic nervous systems. These systems influence vital bodily functions, such as heart rate, breathing rate and blood pressure For more information on this study and information on healing touch and guided imagery techniques Back to Top |
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PIAT Conference
How Children's Mental Health & Mental Illness Affects Home, School & Community
Piecing It All Together (PIAT) strives to bring parents/caregivers of children who have mental health conditions together with school and mental health professionals all under the same roof, hearing the same message of hope for our kids.
Keynote Speaker:  Blaise Aguirre, M.D.
Dr. Aguirre is an expert in child, adolescent and adult psychotherapy, including dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and psychopharmacology. He is medical director of 3East at Harvard - affiliated McLean Hospital, a unique, residential DBT program for young women exhibiting self-endagering behaviors and borderline personality traits.
March 1 & 2, 2013
Southern Illinois University
Edwardsville, Illinois
Piecing It All Together South
For the latest information on presenters and sessions,
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Treating Mental Health Needs of Juvenile Offenders
From:
Trends in Juvenile Justice State Legislation: 2001-2011
By Sarah Alice Brown
Between 65 percent and 70 percent of the 2 million youth arrested each year in the United States have some type of mental health disorder. Mental health needs of court-involved youth challenge juvenile justice systems to respond with effective evaluations and interventions. During the past decade, state policies have focused on providing proper screening, assessment and treatment services for young offenders who have mental health needs.
Highlights include a 2005 omnibus state mental health law passed in Washington that expanded mental health services and addressed treatment gaps. It also encouraged criminal and juvenile justice diversion and treatment by authorizing counties to establish a 0.1 cent sales tax to establish therapeutic courts. The same year, an Idaho measure also created mental health courts to be incorporated into existing state drug courts. A similar Colorado law allowed a 90-day suspended sentence, during which treatment is provided to developmentally disabled or mentally ill juveniles. In 2009, Texas provided that mentally ill youth be eligible to receive continuity of care and treatment while in the juvenile justice system. And the same year, Colorado established a family advocacy program to work with the community to collaborate in providing services to young people with mental illnesses.
To read more trends Back to Top
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January Fast Fact
Prescription drug misuse is second only to marijuana as the nation's most prevalent illicit drug problem, with approximately 22 million persons nationwide initiating non-medical pain reliever use since 2002, according to a report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (Good news for Illinois: We are on the list of the 10 states with the lowest rate. Finally a stat about Illinois that is positive!)
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2013 NAMI National Convention
San Antonio, Texas
June 27-30.
Save money by registering now! The First on Board registration deadline is Jan. 15, 2013
Visit www.nami.org/convention for more details.
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Emerging Technologies to Improve Care
By Sarah Christen, Convention Manager, NAMI
Ken Duckworth and Keris Myrick recently talked to NAMI about the latest on emerging technologies to improve care as well as their own personal experience on online tools to improve self-management of mental illness.
Conversation with Keris Myrick, M.B.A.,
M.S., Ph.D.c
What are some of the latest technologies you recommend?
There has been a rise in the number of online tools to help people with mental illness monitor their moods. And of course with the plethora of affordable smart phones-there's an app for that, too. Some apps are even connected to the online tools. The security encrypted online tools also permit the user to "invite" their providers, family, certified peer specialists and others to view their profiles as a means of support. Conversation with Ken Duckworth, M.D.What are some of the latest examples of emerging technologies in treatment of mental illness?Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is a recent treatment for major depression that has not responded to medications. RTMS is a technology that involves placing a specialized coil over the scalp, and the magnetic field induces electrical activity in the brain, usually in the left side prefrontal cortex. The treatment takes about an hour and requires no anesthesia and does not induce a seizure. A course of rTMS involves 30 treatments, usually five per week with six taper treatments. Read about some of the arguments against using this technology or how it might fit into a treatment plan
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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 Bennett 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)
DeKalb:
3rd Tuesday of the Month
7:30 to 9:00 pm
NIU Founders Memorial Library
200 Carroll Avenue, DeKalb, IL 60115
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 Loved Ones Diagnosis: Family support
. 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. |
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Creativity Corner
Share your Creative Endeavors!
We would love to have contributions for our newsletter from anyone 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.
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Resources
Mental Health ResourcesNAMI Contact Information:NAMI DKK (DeKalb, Kane South & Kendall Counties) 630-896-6264 NAMI Illinois (state organization) 800-364-4572 or 217-522-1403 NAMI National 800-950-6264 or 703-524-7600 Back to Top
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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 Glenn Tredinnick - Treasurer Mary Ihnenfeld - Secretary Denise Edwards Jim McNish Bobbie McQuade Nigg Robyn Vickers 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 ProgramsHelping 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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