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MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
December 2013

National Alliance on Mental Illness, California State Organization 

Welcome Members and Affiliates
We welcome your ideas for topics to cover, your feedback on issues that face consumers, families, and providers across the state. Contact us at [email protected].
NAMI Ventura County Celebrates 30 Years

 

November 2nd was a stellar night for NAMI Ventura County, celebrating the 30th year since acquiring nonprofit status. Founding members Lou and Jim Matthews were honored, with their children and grandchildren in attendance. Lou urged the affiliate to continue advocating for housing and other problems facing the seriously mentally ill. Other honored guests who took part in the early beginnings of NAMI Ventura County were Ed Nani, Sonna Gray, Fred Robinson and Carol Luppino.

 

Board member Roberta Rodriguez shared a brief history of the last 30 years, stating that NAMI Ventura County started as a tiny group of parents who knew the treatment and care of their mentally ill loved ones must change. A few people met to discuss the issues they faced, and a few months later they hosted the State Conference of the organization then known as AMI, Alliance for the Mentally Ill. 

 

That small but courageous group of parents has since grown to an organization 600 members strong, which has impacted thousands of lives in the county over the years. NAMI Ventura County Board of Directors president Duane Bentzen thanked the founders.

 

Along with 120 NAMI Ventura County members and friends, the Chief Executive Officer of Ventura County, Michael Powers, as well as Ventura County Supervisor Steve Bennett joined in the fun as part of the Casino Night theme, and lauded NAMI Ventura County for the work that it does.

NAMI California 2014 Conference Super Early Bird Registration

Looking for a thoughtful holiday gift, answer to a New Year's resolution, or just like to get things over and done with? We've opened Super Early Bird registration for the conference just in time for the holidays.

The conference will be held at the Newport Beach Hotel and Spa, August 1 and 2, 2014. 
 
Pack your sandals! Remember: Super Early Bird registration adds up to super savings on the conference registration fees.
 
This special offer deadline ends on December 31, 2013.  
Mark Gale Honored as Community Champion

Former NAMI California Board Member Mark Gale has received the Paradigm Award from Words to Deeds. Words to Deeds' mission is to "end the criminalization of individuals with mental illness by supporting proven strategies that promote early intervention, access to effective treatments, a planned reentry and the preservation of public safety."

 

Gale, serving as co-coordinator of the California Treatment Advocacy Coalition, Los Angeles, received The Community Champion Award in recognition of his "incredible advocacy work" in Los Angeles and in the state as a whole. He has been involved in criminal justice and mental health initiatives as a member of the NAMI Board, a chair of several NAMI committees, a member of several work groups for the Administrative Office of the Courts.

 

Read the story.

Mental Health Alternatives at Juvenile Hall

Column by Roger Greenbaum

 

gavel

If a young person in your family, or the family of someone you know, is in Juvenile Hall awaiting charges or trial, and if the mental health of that young person may be a factor related to the offense, recommend that they ask about the availability of a mental health court or similar diversion program as a means of resolving the charges against them. In those counties which have such programs, the evaluation could be helpful.

 

Read the column.

FAMILY PROGRAMS NEWS

 

NAMI California Programs Department:  2013 Summary and Highlights

Family to Family

As we wrap up the year and head into 2014, the NAMI CA Programs Department wanted to thank all of the dedicated Affiliates and Members for their contributions to an outstanding year delivering of programs to the communities in our state. Your commitment to providing these programs and services, participating in and recruiting for trainings, and communicating with NAMI CA has resulted in serving over 17,780 people in 2013. We thank you for your work and look forward to another incredible year!

 

Here's a snapshot of the past year of the Programs Department:

 

Program

# of Trainings

# of New Trainers

# of Presentations

Total # of People in Audience

P&TasA

2

33

71

864

ETS

10

118

281

8053

IOOV

7

98

339

6333

Provider Ed

8

129

8

157

Family to Family

10

18

N/A

N/A

Peer to Peer

9

119

36

329

Connection

2

30

330

2044

 

"I was welcomed and engaged from the first day of training. Any h

esitation I had melted away as our group began to connect, share and learn with each other." -P2P Trainee

 

"This was one of the best trainings that I have been to since I have been giving back as a volunteer."  -P&TasA Trainee

 

"My experience in this class was 'eye opening' and inspiring. It was nice to hear so many stories, which helped me feel a strong sense of camaraderie with the group." -Provider Ed Trainee

 

Again, thank you for your support and efforts. Happy Holidays!

 

-- The NAMI California Programs Department 

NAMI Peer-to-Peer Training a Great Success

The NAMI Peer-to-Peer training held in Costa Mesa, CA on November 22-24, 2013 was a huge success. We graduated 12 new Peer-to-Peer Mentors. A big thank you to our trainers: Minnie Lucas of NAMI Orange County and Shannon Peterson of NAMI Orange County. Everyone enjoyed the training and it was wonderful to meet everyone. 

 

Please welcome our new Peer-to-Peer Mentors:  

  • Lori Wolf of NAMI Antelope Valley
  • Christine Miranda of NAMI Glendale
  • Janet Mulvihill of NAMI Kern
  • Janice Boberg of NAMI Kern
  • Teri Broughton of NAMI Orange County
  • Victoria Sanhamel of NAMI San Fernando Valley
  • Donna Klein of NAMI San Luis Obispo
  • Jess Rosenstein of NAMI Temecula
  • Brenda Jones of NAMI Urban Los Angeles
  • Linda Henderson of NAMI Urban Los Angeles
  • Reba Stevens of NAMI Urban Los Angeles
  • Shayne Holzman of NAMI Westside Los Angeles

Here are some quotes from satisfied graduates of NAMI California Peer-to-Peer Trainings: 

 

"The trainers were great, kept it interesting, gave lots of time for questions and gave me confidence to put this into practice."

  

"It was informative and engaging. I enjoyed myself immensely."

  

"I was welcomed and engaged from the first day of training. Any hesitation I had melted away as our group began to connect, share and learn with each other."

  

About Peer-to-Peer:

NAMI Peer-to-Peer is a free, 10 session class for adults living with mental health challenges. Information on various aspects of mental health and recovery are taught by trained teachers who have also experienced mental health challenges and are living in recovery.

 

Apply Today!

NAMI California is currently recruiting for qualified, passionate people to be trained as Mentors for the Peer-to-Peer Program in your community! We are interested in getting your help in finding the best individuals to be trained as Mentors.

 

To be a Peer-to-Peer Mentor, a person must meet the following criteria:

  • Be or become a NAMI Member
  • Be an adult with a mental illness who is living in recovery
  • Be comfortable sharing your story
  • Be passionate about teaching others about mental illness and recovery

Upcoming Trainings:

Persona a Persona (Spanish) in Ontario on February 21-23, 2014

Peer-to-Peer in Ventura on May 9-11, 2014

Peer-to-Peer in Sacramento on May 16-18, 2014

 

For Peer to Peer information, email:

[email protected]

 

First IOOV Presenter Training in Campbell 

NAMI California's Community Engagement Department would like to give a special thank you, to In Our Own Voice (IOOV) trainers Joe Teixeira with NAMI Sacramento and Jack Waldorf with NAMI Stanislaus, for their excellent facilitation at our recent Anti-Stigma Arts Network Project's first IOOV Presenter Training in Campbell, CA.

 

The Anti-Stigma Arts Network is a unique and special project that NAMI California has had the opportunity to be a part of.  The project was developed as an effort to eliminate mental health stigma and discrimination and promote wellness and recovery, through the use of various forms of art and creative expression. 

 

Many of the 14 participating individuals shared samples of their beautiful work at the training. These talented individuals are now certified to share their stories of hope and recovery through the IOOV Program. Congratulations to all of you!

 

NAMI Connection Training Is a Huge Success

The NAMI Connection training held in Campbell, CA on November 9-10, 2013 was a huge success. We graduated 18 new Connection Facilitators. A big thank you to our trainers: Alysse Adularia of NAMI Sacramento, Doug Smith of NAMI Sacramento, and Joe Teixeira of NAMI Sacramento.  Everyone enjoyed the training and it was wonderful to meet everyone.

 

Please welcome our new Connection Facilitators:

  • Jane Napper of NAMI Amador
  • Tina Waklee of NAMI Amador
  • Jan Olson of NAMI Butte
  • Melinda Daniel of NAMI Butte
  • Carolyn McClain of NAMI Contra Costa
  • Karmelle Patterson of NAMI Merced
  • Kimberlee Snyder of NAMI Merced
  • Sheila Smilie of NAMI Monterey
  • Briana Rideau of NAMI San Joaquin
  • Kerrie Melton of NAMI San Joaquin
  • Michael Fields of NAMI San Joaquin
  • Eleanor Russell of NAMI Santa Clara
  • Heather Burke of NAMI Santa Cruz
  • Jackie Butzbach of NAMI Antelope Valley
  • Lauren Petersen of NAMI Sonoma
  • Carlos Fierros of NAMI Stanislaus
  • Ema Reynoso of NAMI Stanislaus
  • Carlye Wilder of NAMI Yolo

Family Programs Trainings

 

Family Support Group and  Basics Trainings:

February 7-9th, 2014 - Modesto, CA 

 

De Familia a Familia Teacher Training

March14-16, 2014 - Ontario, CA

 

Family Support Group and Basics Trainings:

April 11-13, 2014 - Encino, CA                                                 

 

Family to Family and de Familia a Familia Teacher Trainings:

May 30-June 1, 2014 Elk Grove, CA

 

The Family Programs Blog at namifamily.blogspot.com is no longer in use. In the interim weekly postings will be made on Facebook. New blog address to be announced soon.

 

Peer and Stigma Reduction Programs Trainings

 

Persona a Persona (Spanish) in Ontario on February 21-23, 2014  

Peer-to-Peer in Ventura on May 9-11, 2014  

Peer-to-Peer in Sacramento on May 16-18, 2014  


Connection 3/15/14 - 3/16/14 - Ontario

 

In Our Own Voice Training of Trainers - 3/28/14 - 3/30/14 - Sacramento

 

Provider Education Trainings: To be announced

 

Send inquiries to:  

Family Programs

[email protected]


IOOV, Peer to Peer and Connection

[email protected]

 

Parents and Teachers as Allies, Ending the Silence, NAMI on Campus, Provider Education

[email protected] 


Programs Director

 

NAMI California Office: 916-567-0163

AFFILIATE NEWS

NAMI Sonoma County



NAMI Sonoma County will be hosting a free event titled: "NAMI's Program Expo: Planning for a Healthy 2014" on December 17th, 2013 at the Hyatt Vineyard Creek Hotel from 8:30am - 2:30pm. 

We will be showcasing our signature programs, including a sneak peak at our newest collaborative panel class titled Provider Education!  This event will also serve to recognize and acknowledge the significant efforts of our agency staff, interns, volunteers and program facilitators. The event includes a catered breakfast and lunch


NAMI Merced County

Special Presentation by Family Education and Resource Center

 

The next NAMI Merced County monthly board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 22, at 5:30 pm, 1137 B Street, Merced. At 6:30 pm, immediately following the board meeting, we are delighted to offer a presentation by Family Education and Resource Center (FERC) titled "An Emerging Crisis--What Families Should Know Before, During and After a 5150." We encourage you to take advantage of this great opportunity to learn more about the 5150 process. If you have any questions, please call Jan Morita at (209) 812-4058.     Family to Family Education Class in English and Spanish The next 12-week series of Family to Family Education classes--both in English and Spanish--are scheduled to begin on Thursday, January 22.

  • Family to Family in English: 5:30 - 8:00 pm, 1137 B Street, Merced
  • Family to Family in Spanish: 6:00 - 8:30 pm, Buhach Colony High School, B6, Atwater

For addition information, call our NAMI message line at (209) 381-6844. Leave your name and phone number, and a NAMI volunteer will return your call. 

NAMI California Financial Statements and Supplemental Information

 

Click below to view the NAMI California 2012-2013 Final Audit.

PROUD SPONSORS OF NAMI CALIFORNIA

Sutter(1)
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Teva logo
Santa Clara
Telecare
Triology
Otsuka


Lilly


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Contact Information
[email protected]
or call NAMI California
(916) 567-0163
In This Issue
NAMI Ventura County Celebrates 30 Years
NAMI California 2014 Conference...Super Early Bird Registration
Mark Gale Honored as Community Champion
Family Programs News
First IOOV Presenter Training in Campbell
Affiliate News

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NAMI California's Tree of Tribute
Fiscal Year 2012-13

tree of tribute

Each year many donors elect to give a gift in celebration of an event, in honor of a special individual or in memory of a loved one. The Tree of Tribute formalizes this tradition by providing a lasting acknowledgement for individuals who are remembered, individuals who are honored or have an enduring record of a significant celebration.
 
Gifts of $500 or more will be eligible for an engraved leaf on the Tree of Tribute or an engraved stone at the base of the tree.

$500 - Bronze leaf
$1,000 - Silver leaf
$2,000 - Gold leaf
$3,000 -- Small stone
$5,000 - Large stone

Major Donors donors

NAM
I California thanks the following for their very generous contributions of $500 or more, 2012-2013.

Humanitarian: $5,000 - $36,000
Ruth Knudtson
California Community Foundation Short Term Liquidity Account
American Endowment Foundation
May S. Farr  
 
Patron:  $2,500 - $4,999
The Thompson Family Trust UA
Attias Family Foundation
William Ortega
Benefactor:  $1,000 - $2,499
Stephen Dwelle
Frances Tibbits
Sons of Italy Western Foundation
Gunnar Christiansen
Ronnie Okon
Albert Bendich
Alison C. Marer
Donna Butcher
Henry Garner
Miriam C. Wille
Rita Tamerius
Santos Properties
Schwab Charitable Fund
William Ruiz 

Shareholder: $750-$999

United Way
Ralph & Denise Nelson
Ray & Dorothy Hendrickson
Teresa A. Walker  

Sponsor:  $500-$749
Order Sons of Italy in America
Monterey Lodge
Rita Tamerius
The Clorox Company Foundation
George Greenspon
Linda K. Pontious
United Way Silicon Valley
Arnold Klein
Bryce Tanner
Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC
Jack Glantz
Jane Hanauer
Joseph Kotzin
Katherine Kitchens
Lorna B. Bjorklund
Rita J. Boppana
Sergio Aguilar-Gaxiola
Virginia Whitcombe
  

     _________________________

 

All donations,
large and small,
are greatly appreciated by
NAMI California and help
us achieve
our mission
at the state level.
_______________________
state-advocacy-2013

This educational newsletter is supported, in part, by an educational grant from Lilly USA, LLC.  For further information concerning Lilly grant funding visit www.lillygrantoffice.com.