National Alliance on Mental Illness, California State Organization 

NAMI California 2014 Conference Early Bird Registration Open through June 6, 2014

A 50th Anniversary Present to Our Young People:

A Way Free From Smoking

Column by Roger Greenbaum

FAMILY PROGRAMS NEWS

NAMI Family Programs will soon begin its season of winter and spring trainings. Beginning in February there will be a Basics and Support Group training in Modesto.  Basics is a program for parents and caregivers ho have a child exhibiting symptoms of mental illness.  Family Support Group training is a structured style of support group that gives volunteer facilitators the tools they need to conduct a support group successfully.

Keep up with what is going on in NAMI Family Programs by following the newly -reactivated blog at  

http://NAMIfamily.blogspot.com.

Master Trainings Calendar

Program Updates

In Our Own Voice Anti-Stigma Arts Network Training 

Presenter trainings: February 8-9, 2014 in Ontario, CA and March 8-9, 2014 in San Diego, CA.  

Have you used creative expression as a tool for maintaining mental health and wellness?  

Anti-Stigma Arts Network Project is designed to promote anti-stigma and discrimination messages regarding mental illness through various forms of art (including: visual, performing, decorative, written, spoken, etc.).  The goal of the project is to provide a better understanding of stigma and recovery, while advocating the use of creative expression as a healing tool.  The project is funded by counties through voter-approved Mental Health Services Act (Prop 63).

You will learn how to present your story and make a difference.  While audiences benefit from the inspirational stories of the speakers, IOOV also helps the Presenters. Increased confidence, the joy of helping to inspire and motivate others and developing leadership skills are common experiences for IOOV Presenters.

We are currently seeking individuals (18 years and older) with lived experience throughout California who have utilized creative expression as a tool for maintaining wellness and recovery to participate. The training is absolutely free of charge, meals will be provided and/or costs will be reimbursed for all attendees, and travel and lodging expenses will be covered for eligible participants. 

These trainings are open to any individuals with lived experience (18 years and older) throughout California. Applications for February 8-9, 2014 in Ontario are due by January 24, 2014. Applications for March 8-9, 2014 in San Diego are due by February 14, 2014.

Please feel free to pass this invitation on.  If you have any questions, please contact Stephenie Gardella at stephenie.gardella@namicalifornia.org or (916) 567-0163.

NAMI Peer-to-Peer Trainings Set

To be a Persona a Persona 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
• Speak Spanish fluently

 Time Commitment, Expectations & Support for Mentors

• 3 days of training to be certified as a Persona a Persona Mentor
• Mentors then teach the Persona a Persona Program; each class is for 10 weeks, 2 hours a week.
• A Persona a Persona mentor will be teaching with a fellow mentor and an assistant

NAMI California is having a Spanish only Peer-to-Peer (Persona a Persona) Mentor training in Ontario on February 21-23, 2014. We are still accepting applications until February 6, 2014. 

Additional Upcoming trainings are:

• In Our Own Voice Anti-Stigma Arts Network February 8-9, 2014 Ontario - Applications due by January 24, 2014
• In Our Own Voice Anti-Stigma Arts Network March 8-9, 2014 San Diego - Applications due by February 14, 2014.
• Connection March 15-16, 2014 Ontario - Applications due by February 28, 2014
• Peer-to-Peer May 9-11, 2014 Ventura - Applications due April 10, 2014
• Peer-to-Peer May 16-18, 2014 Sacramento - Applications due March 27, 2014

For more information or for applications please contact:

Stephenie Gardella  

916-567-0163

Stephenie.Gardella@namicalifornia.org 

Upcoming Connection Training in March 2014

AFFILIATE NEWS

NAMI Western Riverside County

Passing the Torch in 2014

Former NAMI Board President, Amanda Wilbur and (right) new Board President, Dr. Jo Anne Umezurike, present a Certificate of Appreciation to the outgoing President (center) Patricia Carrillo at NAMI Western Riverside County's first 2014 general meeting. Dr. Umezurike is a graduate of the University of La Verne in field of Education and Organizational Leadership and she is excited about the opportunity to assist the NAMI board with its vision for Western Riverside County. Both former board presidents remain on the NAMI Western Riverside Board to contribute their talents and experience to NAMI's ongoing effort of helping individuals and families affected by mental illness. 

NAMI San Diego

NAMI California Financial Statements and Supplemental Information