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NAMI SWI
Gateway Regional Medical Center
2100 Madison Avenue, 4th floor
Granite City, IL 62040
April - May 2015
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Jessica Gruneich
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dr. Beverley Watkins, President
Peter J. Dodge, Vice President
Mary Pat Dejarnette, Secretary
Royal Boeder, Treasurer
Irma Cummins
Marion Endress
James Fraser
Jennifer Gerlach
James Isaac
Cathy Malear
Kimberly McClellan
Kelly Medlin
Kris Gamm-Smith
Larry Stevens
Susy Woods
Website: http://namiswi.org
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: (618) 798-9788
Fax: (866) 332-5338
MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH MONTH
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental
Illness) works every day to raise awareness
and educate the public about mental illness.
The month of May is a time when we can
join forces to make a bigger statement by
observing Mental Health Month. Each year
NAMI provides support, educates the
public and advocates for equal care for the
millions of Americans affected by illness—
and each year the movement grows stronger. We encourage you to
speak up and step out during May—whether that’s on your own or
with NAMI.
We believe that these issues are important to address year round,
but highlighting these issues during Mental Health Awareness
Month provides a time for people to come together and display the
passion and strength of those working to improve the lives of the
tens of millions of Americans affected by mental illness.
GO GREEN FOR MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS
NAMI Southwestern Illinois
proudly serving the 12 IL counties of:
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Bond
Calhoun
Clinton
Greene
Jersey
Macoupin
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Madison
Monroe
Montgomery
Randolph
St. Clair
Washington
See page 2 for HOTLINE phone #s &
state crisis psychiatric services for the
12 counties of NAMI SWI.
Wear a green ribbon. Pin it on your shirt or on
your computer bag or backpack. Wear the green
ribbon to raise awareness and to show your support
of people with brain disorders. When someone asks
you what the green ribbon represents, tell them that
May is Mental Health Month and we are trying to
inspire hope and rid stigma that is still so prevalent
with mental illness in this day and age. Tell them
“mental illnesses of the brain are no different than
illnesses of other organs because the brain can get sick too.”
During May, make some green ribbons to hand out for people to
wear. Wear green clothing. Be creative; don’t just limit this to your
everyday wardrobe. Wear green shoelaces, dye your hair green or
even paint your fingernails green!! Initiate a "Wear Green Day" at
work and encourage your co-workers and friends to wear green to
help spread the word.
Green ribbon awareness pins will be available to all NAMI SWI
members during the latter part of April at all support meetings.
Start off the month of May wearing your pins with pride and
continue wearing them all year round. Everyone knows what the
pink awareness ribbon stands for; our goal is to make sure everyone
becomes familiar with our green mental health awareness ribbons.
“IT’S TIME TO ELIMINATE STIGMA
IT’S OK...PASS IT ON!!”
Table of Contents
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Hotline Information
May is Mental Health Month
Table of Contents
Moving???
Social Media
Message from NAMI SWI Newsletter Team
Hotline Information
News from NAMI SWI President, Beverley Watkins
Alice Adcock
NAMI SWI Support Meeting Locations/Times/Contacts
Other Local Support Meetings
Education Program Training Procedures for 2015
2015 Newsletter Article Due Dates
NAMI IL Presents Piecing It All Together
Team Walking
Earth Day Festival
NAMI SWI Volunteer Spotlight Is On…
Do You Shop Online with Either Amazon or eBay?
Executive Director’s Report
May I Have Your Attention Please?
Rest in Peace
Sharing Our Stories
A New Act Will Help Those Affected by MI Save Money
Snapshots/Artwork
Say It Out Loud
SILEC - CIT Training
Special Thanks!
Get Linked
No Family Left Behind” Conference
Meaning of Memorial Day
Diversity Conference
Walk/Run Registration Form
What is NAMI SWI?
BOND COUNTY
Prairie Counseling Center
(618) 664-1455 (8:30AM - 4:00PM)
After hours, call Greenville Hospital (618) 664-1234
CALHOUN COUNTY
JERSEY COUNTY
WellSpring Resources
(618) 639-2016 (Call 24/7)
CLINTON COUNTY
Community Resource Center
(618) 533-1391 (Call 24/7)
GREENE COUNTY
MACOUPIN COUNTY
Locust Street Resource Center
Weekdays only - (217) 854-3166
After hours/weekend - (217) 854-3135 calls go to
Police Department who will notify a crisis worker
NORTHERN MADISON COUNTY
WellSpring Resources
(618) 465-4388 (Call 24/7)
If you move, don’t forget to call the
NAMI SWI Office at (618) 798-9788
or send an email to [email protected]
with your new address, phone number
and email.
NAMI Llama,
Carol, David,
Jessica, Lynn,
Mary, Sandy
& Tom wish
our NAMI
friends a very
blessed and
happy Easter!
Website
WordPress
Twitter
Facebook
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SOUTHERN MADISON COUNTY
Chestnut Health Systems
(618) 877-0316 (Call 24/7)
MONROE COUNTY
Human Support Services
(618) 939-4444 (8:00AM-4:30PM)
After hours, dial 911; Police will contact crisis worker
MONTGOMERY COUNTY
County Health Dept. - Hillsboro
1-888-324-5052 (Call 24/7)
WESTERN ST. CLAIR COUNTY
Comprehensive Behavioral Health
(618) 482-7330 (Call 24/7)
EASTERN ST. CLAIR COUNTY
Chestnut Health Systems
(618) 877-0316 (Call 24/7)
RANDOLPH COUNTY
WASHINGTON COUNTY
Human Service Center
(618) 282-6233 (8:00AM-4:30PM)
After hours, dial 911; Police will contact crisis worker
____________
...Beverley Watkins, NAMI SWI President
March 14, 2015
Our big challenge at this time is the state budget and funding situation. NAMI Illinois is preparing to offer conference calls
in late March, April, and May to train affiliate members in advocating effectively with state legislators. The Governor has
prepared his budget. It is now up the legislature to make decisions regarding mental health, addiction, and other health care and
social service funding. We need to be very focused and strategic in contacting members of the legislature to advocate for funding for our most vulnerable citizens. In our last Board meeting on March 10, 2015, the necessity of contacting our local representatives and leadership was discussed, with good input from Board and other members. I plan to be very proactive in encouraging our affiliate members to advocate tirelessly.
On a more positive note, our affiliate is doing well in increasing our presence in underserved communities. Latino
Outreach is going strong thanks to Carlos and Efrend Garcia. Kimberley McLellan and Eugene Luster are doing great work with
the East St. Louis Initiative. Kimberly was instrumental in making the 40 Days of Nonviolence presentations happen and in
getting great participation from the community.
The Youth MOVE Illinois Annual Conference (also the Youth Track of PIAT) will be on Saturday, April 11, 2015.
Our planning committee has been hard at work planning sessions for youth focused on such topics as living successfully after
experiencing bullying, living well with seasonal depression, and surviving and thriving through difficult situations. I would like
to encourage all adult NAMI members to attend PIAT and to encourage youth to attend the Youth Track.
Ann Barnum, our social media “expert,” has been doing a great job using Facebook to create awareness of mental
health issues. Good job, Ann!
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. We plan to “blanket” our area with the green mental health awareness ribbon
pins during the month. Please plan to help us with this. Other mental health awareness activities are also being planned.
Plans are underway for the Walk/Run on June 27, 2015. Mary Pat Dejarnette and Kristine Gamm-Smith, cochairs, have
begun holding planning meetings. Please plan on walking/running and volunteering. Activities are being planned for all ages.
Let’s make it the biggest success yet!
Beverley Watkins, Ph.D., LCSW
opportunities, and other local community mental health information. In September 2013, in honor of her tireless commitment to F2F, Alice was named to the NAMI National Hall of
Fame!! In February 2015, Alice worked with NAMI St. Louis
Programs Coordinator, Joyce Johnston, and our two affiliates
worked together and five NAMI SWI members participated in
Alice Adcock announced her
the NAMI St Louis local F2F teacher training!
retirement recently from active
On behalf of the board of directors, project leaders, memvolunteer education, support, and
bers, staff, and volunteers we extend a special thanks and
advocacy work with NAMI SWI.
recognition for many of years serving our affiliate and bringing
Before moving to Edwardsville,
Illinois Alice was very active in the NAMI St. Louis affiliate hope and help to families and individuals impacted by mental
_____________
and spent six years as a state trainer for the NAMI Missouri illness.
Family-to-Family (F2F) Program. Alice served on the NAMI
SIDE NOTE: Our Webmaster, Mary Gauen, was looking
SWI Board of Directors for several years as well as serving as
online
for a photo of Alice Adcock to use with the above
the NAMI SWI F2F Education Program Coordinator. In addiarticle.
What she found was much more than a photo. Mary
tion to her work with F2F, Alice has also given her time to
found
a
24 page publication where individuals gave their
community outreach efforts and has worked with local commupersonal
story
addressing the issues of access, medical treatnity leaders, volunteer organizations, and community mental
ment,
and
helping
relationships around mental health. One of
health providers, to help raise awareness of brain disorders and
those
individuals
who
told their story was our one and only
the education and support available through our NAMI SWI
“Alice
Adcock”!
affiliate. Alice has also generously supported the annual walk/
The publication is the Spring 2007 issue, titled “The Round
run fundraiser and spent many years as a walk/run volunteer
Table”.
Alice’s story can be found on page 15 of the docuhelping to ensure the event’s success!!
ment
.
Click
here to read the publication:
Alice also co-coordinated the NAMI SWI Helpline with
NAMI SWI past President Pat Rudloff. Together they trained http://karenhousecw.org/documents/AwarenessandHealingand mentored a volunteer staff of helpline volunteers. The Mental_Illness.pdfe.
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Helpline provides information on support groups, education
Alice Adcock
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You are not alone…
attend a support meeting!
NAMI SWI CONNECTION RECOVERY SUPPORT GROUP
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GRANITE CITY (Madison County)
First Tuesday of each month, a support meeting for individuals living with mental illness, 6:30PM - 8:00PM at
Gateway Regional Medical Center, 2100 Madison Ave, Granite City, IL 62040 in the Pascal Hall Meeting Room
(use ground floor entrance across from Doctor's building parking lot and to the right of Emergency Room
entrance). Contact Jen Gerlach at (636) 358-1800 or log onto http://namiswi.org.
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EDWARDSVILLE (Madison County)
First and Third Wednesdays of each month, a support meeting for individuals living with mental illness, 12:001:30pm, Center for Spirituality, Room MLK, at SIUE Campus #1 Circle Drive, Edwardsville, IL 62026, for more
information contact Jen Gerlach at (636) 358-1800 or log onto http://namiswi.org.
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BELLEVILLE (St. Clair County)
Second Friday of each month, a support meeting for individuals living with mental illness, 3:30PM - 5:00PM,
Chestnut Health Systems 12 N. 64th St., Belleville, IL 62223. For more information, call NAMI SWI office at (618)
798-9788 or email [email protected].
NAMI SWI SUPPORT GROUPS
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BELLEVILLE (St. Clair County)
Third Tuesday of each month, a support group for Family Members and Individuals Living with Mental
Illness, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM, St. Matthew’s Methodist Church, 1200 Moreland Drive, Belleville IL 62223, in the
library. Use the Fellowship Hall entrance from parking lot. Contact Mike or Kathy Janik (618) 277-5459 or log
onto http://namiswi.org.
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EDWARDSVILLE (Madison County)
Fourth Tuesday of each month, a support meeting for Family Members, 7:00 - 8:30PM, First Baptist Church,
534 St. Louis St., Edwardsville, IL 62025; use church parking lot entrance, Contact Mary Ann Miller at (618) 9776542 or log onto http://namiswi.org.
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GREENVILLE (Bond County)
Third Tuesday of each month, a support meeting for Family Members, 7:00 to 8:30PM, St Lawrence Catholic
Church, 512 S. Prairie Street Greenville, IL 62246. For more information contact Facilitator Linda Methvin
at (618) 541-2407 or log onto http://namiswi.org or call the NAMI SWI office at (618) 798-9788.
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WATERLOO (Monroe County)
Second Monday of every month , s support meeting for Family Members, 7-8:30PM , at the Immanuel Lutheran
Church, 522 S. Church Street, Waterloo, IL 62298. For more information contact Royal Boeder at (618) 340-8825
or call the NAMI SWI office at 618-798-9788 or log onto namiswi.org.
NAMI SWI MILITARY FAMILIES SUPPORT GROUP
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MARYVILLE (Madison County)
First Tuesday of each month, a Military Family Support Group, 7:00 to 8:45PM, YMCA, 1 Town Center Drive,
Maryville, IL 62062. Contact NAMI Office at (618)798-9788 or email at [email protected] or log onto
http://namiswi.org.
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Inclement Weather Warnings: When Southwestern Ill College (SWIC) classes are cancelled because of
bad weather (snow, sleet, etc.), NAMI support meetings are also cancelled. SWIC cancellation notices will be
broadcast on all major TV and radio stations in the St. Louis area. If there is a tornado watch or warning for
the area where a support meeting is to be held (Belleville, Granite City, Edwardsville, Greenville, Maryville
and Waterloo) during the time frame of 6:00-9:00PM, that support meeting will be cancelled.
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OTHER LOCAL SUPPORT MEETINGS
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St. Louis Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Support Group: 3rd Saturday of each month,
10:00AM to Noon at Missouri Baptist Hospital
Auditorium #1, 3015 N. New Ballas Road, Creve
Coeur, MO 63141. Contact: Jan at (314) 291-7556.
 DBSA (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance)
of Madison County Meeting: Every Monday
7:30PM - 9:00PM, Anderson Hospital, Maryville, IL,
on Level B, behind cafeteria. Facilitated by Tina
Jackels, (618) 960-2902.
 DBSA of Hope - Belleville: Every Saturday at
12:00PM AND every Tuesday at 7:00PM, St. Elizabeth Hospital, 211 S. 3rd St., Belleville, IL, 7th Floor,
Room 722. Facilitated by Tod Jurke at (618) 5670986 or by email at [email protected] or Lisa
Wojick at (618) 581-4179.
 “With Hope in Mind” Support Group: for family
members or caregivers; meets the 4th Tuesday of
each month from 7:00-8:30PM at Christian Hospital
Northeast (CNE), 11133 Dunn Road, St. Louis, MO,
Room 2100. For more information contact Linda
Hossin
at
(314) 302-2740 or by email at
[email protected].
 GROW meeting for individuals living with mental
illness, every Wednesday, 7:00PM at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, 2167 Grand Ave, Granite
City, IL 62040. Contact Sharon at (618) 977-1133.
 GROW meeting for individuals living with mental
illness, every Thursday, 7:00PM at St. Elizabeth’s
Hospital, 211 S. Third St., Room 729, Belleville, IL
62221. Contact Sharon at (618) 977-1133.
 ADHD Support Group: The location/time/date for
the April & May meetings to be determined.
Please call Kristen Weber at (618) 406-0842 or
Important
email
[email protected].
changes!
Summer break during June, July, and August;
meetings will resume in September 2015. Please
call for more information.
 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call toll-free
1-800-273-TALK (8255) or go to their website at
http://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
 Youth M.O.V.E. meets concurrently with Family
Voices Parent & Caregiver Group above. Same time,
same location, but separate room. Contacts for
Youth M.O.V.E. Group are Jennifer Johnston at
[email protected] and Beverley
Watkins at [email protected].
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Karla Smith Foundation Support Group for family
and friends of anyone with mental illness: 1st and 3rd
Thursday of each month, 7:00–8:30PM, Peace Chapel, 10101 W. Main St., Belleville. For more information call Tom or Fran Smith at (618) 624-5771 or
send email to [email protected].
Belleville Location—Karla Smith Foundation
Suicide Survivor Support Group: 2nd & 4th Thur. of
each month, 7:00 – 8:30PM, Peace Chapel, 10101
W. Main St., Belleville. For more information call
Tom or Fran Smith at (618) 624-5771 or send email
to [email protected].
Karla Smith Foundation Support Group in St Louis for family and friends of anyone with mental illness: 1st & 3rd Wednesday of each month, 7:00 8:30PM, Lutheran Family and Children's Services,
8639 Delmar, St. Louis, MO 63132. For information
contact Linda or Jim Murphey 314) 481-0008 or
[email protected]
Friday Night Social: for persons living with mental
health conditions on the first Friday of each month
from 7:00 - 8:30PM, 607 Vandalia, Suite 500, Collinsville, IL. Contact Jen Gerlach by phone (636)
358-1800 or send email to [email protected].
REFRESH (formerly Family Voices Parent
ON HOLD
& Caregiver Group in Fairview Heights) IS
ON HOLD TILL FURTHER NOTICE.
Questions, contact Kim McClellan at 618-407-9081
or email at [email protected].
Youth M.O.V.E. meets concurrently with Family
Voices Parent & Caregiver Group above. Same time,
same location, but separate room. Contacts for
Youth M.O.V.E. Group are Jennifer Johnston at
[email protected] and Beverley
Watkins at [email protected].
REFRESH (formerly R.E.S.T. Parent &
ON HOLD
Caregiver Group in Alton) IS ON HOLD
TILL FURTHER NOTICE. Questions,
contact Kimberley McClellan at (618) 855-4806 or
send email to [email protected].
Nar A Non meeting for families seeking help and
support who are facing dual diagnosis issues. Every
Monday, 7:00PM at Bridge Church, Steiss Road,
Glen Carbon, IL 62034. For more information
NEW!!
call 618-973-6863.
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CONTACT PERSONS: Please check that the information (time, location, contact info, etc.) for your meeting is still current.
Send any changes to Sandy at [email protected].
ATTENDEES: These support group meetings are not affiliated with NAMI SWI. For questions please call or email the contact
person for that particular meeting.
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How to Get More Information on Conference or
on the Speakers: Visit http://il.nami.org/PIAT.htm or
contact NAMI Illinois at 217-522-1403 or email
[email protected]
Click here to register for the Piecing It All Together
South Conference at SIUE:
https://namiil.ejoinme.org/MyPages/
PIATSouthRegistration/tabid/257478/Default.aspx
Education Program Training
Procedures For 2015
NAMI Illinois’ goal is to accommodate each NAMI
Illinois Affiliate’s training needs to assist you in bringing
NAMI Signature Programs into communities throughout
Illinois.
New procedures have been established to provide more
frequent teacher, facilitator and presenter trainings. The
2015 NAMI IL Program Training dates follow:
 Apr. 2015 (Date TBD) - NAMI Basics
 Apr. 17-19, 2015 – Parents & Teachers as Allies
 Jun. 20-21, 2015 – In Our Own Voice
Training applications can be found at:
http://il.nami.org/education_trainings.htm
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As the 2015 NAMI SWI Run/Walk committee continues its work to coordinate a fun, successful event for all,
the 2015 event will include a professional timed 5k race
besides our annual one mile walk. All NAMI SWI
members and supporters who are not
entered in the race are encouraged to
organize walking teams as in the past
to support the one mile walk for
mental health awareness.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!!
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2015 Newsletter
Article Due Dates
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Jun - Jul 2015 newsletter articles due May 15th
Aug - Sep 2015 newsletter articles due July 15th
Oct - Nov 2015 articles due September 15th
Dec 2015 -Jan 2016 articles due November 15th
Earth Day Festival
On Saturday, April 25th, NAMI SWI will
help to celebrate the 7th Annual East St. Louis
Earth Day Festival at the Jones Park Community
Gardens Greenhouse.
The theme for 2015 is "Nutrition and Mental Health The Missing Piece" exploring the interaction between nutrition, fitness and mental health. There will be education
on healthy eating, growing healthy foods at home, fun
fitness for improved mood, and the way our foods affect
our mood.
There will be a very diverse group of community members participating and enjoying the beauty of the park and
the NEWLY RENOVATED greenhouse. Vendors include
organizations concerned with mental health, Autism, Nutrition, fitness, the environment, agriculture, etc. A
children's village and a sensory village will incorporate
environmental issues, recycling and sensory integration
activities in fun and exciting child friendly activities.
For information contact Kimberly McClellan, Earth
Day Festival Director, 618-407-9081 or email [email protected]. You can also find them on
Facebook at: www.facebook.com/eastst.louisearthday.
Email your articles to Sandy at [email protected]
AND Mary at [email protected].
Email ON or BEFORE due date!
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NAMI IL Presents
11th Annual Conference
Piecing It All Together
April 10 & 11, 2015
Southern Illinois University
Edwardsville, IL
Piecing It All Together (PIAT) strives to bring
parents/caregivers of children who have mental health conditions together with early childhood, school and mental
health professionals all under the same roof, hearing the
same message of hope for our kids.
Who should attend PIAT: Parents, Caregivers, Social
Workers, Teachers, Mental Health Professionals, Early
Interventionists, and Early Childhood Teachers.
Friday Keynote Presenter...Michael Trout
In the mental health field since 1968, and in private
practice since 1979, Mr. Trout directs an institute engaged
in research, clinical practice and clinical training related to
problems of attachment.
Saturday Keynote Presenter...Ron Glodoski
Ron Glodoski is a living example of why we should
Leave No Child Behind. An author and remarkable
motivational speaker, Ron is an inspiring example of
personal transformation.
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Humor is good
for the soul!!
Hoppy Easter
to All!!!
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NAMI SWI VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT IS ON…………
Mike & Kathy Janik!!
Our affiliate is proud to announce that Mike and Kathy Janik are the NAMI SWI spotlight
volunteers!! The Janiks have been members of NAMI SWI since 2012. Mike and Kathy
served on the NAMI SWI Board of Directors in 2013. Mike and Kathy have both completed
NAMI Basics Teacher training and NAMI Family Member Support Group Facilitator
training. Together they facilitate our affiliate’s monthly Belleville, IL meeting at St.
Matthews Methodist Church on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 7:00PM. Additionally,
Mike and Kathy teach the NAMI Basics education course for parents and caregivers of
children and adolescents dealing with mental health conditions. They have also volunteered
for numerous years at the affiliate annual NAMI SWI 5k race and mile walk fundraiser. Mike
and Kathy have been instrumental in helping expand NAMI SWI programming in St. Clair
County. The Janiks have also represented the affiliate at the Piecing It All Together (PIAT)
South Youth Mental Illness and Advocacy Conference held annually at the SIUE campus in
Edwardsville, IL. Our affiliate extends a huge “THANKS” to Mike & Kathy for all their time
and talents to help provide help and hope to individuals and family members affected by
brain disorders!!
If you want to find a NAMI SWI Support Group in your area please the call the office at 618-798-9788 or send an email to
[email protected] or log onto namiswi.org!!!
DO YOU SHOP ONLINE WITH EITHER AMAZON OR EBAY?
If you shop online with either business, you can support NAMI SWI
while shopping. Our Executive Director, Jessica Gruneich, learned that
NAMI SWI could earn money when you purchase from AmazonSmile
(instead of Amazon.com) and Ebay Giving Works (rather than Ebay).
Thanks to Jessica, NAMI SWI is now signed up with both! You’re
account info does not change. The only change is that NAMI will reap
some donations because of your purchase.
AmazonSmile
eBay Giving Works
AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to
support your favorite charitable organization every time you
shop, at no cost to you. To start shopping at AmazonSmile
simply go to smile.amazon.com. You use the same account
on AmazonSmile as you do on Amazon.com. Your shopping
cart, Wish List, wedding or baby registry, log-in, and other
account settings are also the same.
On your first visit to smile.amazon.com, you need to
select a charitable organization to receive donations for
eligible purchases before you begin shopping. That’s where
we hope you select "NAMI SOUTHWESTERN IL GRANITE CITY, IL". Amazon Smile will even remember
your charity selection, and then every eligible purchase you
make at smile.amazon.com will result in a donation to NAMI
SWI.
You just order items like before except you’re ordering
from AmazonSmile rather than Amazon.
The AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the
purchase price from your eligible AmazonSmile purchases.
The purchase price is the amount paid for the item minus any
rebates and excluding shipping & handling, gift-wrapping
fees, taxes, or service charges. From time to time, they may
offer special, limited time promotions that increase the donation amount on one or more products or services or provide
for additional donations to charitable organizations.
____________
Through eBay Giving Works you can support the causes
that matter most - to you - by buying and selling on eBay.
This help nonprofits connect to over 145 million eBay
community members to raise money.
Integrated into eBay's regular buying and selling platform,
eBay Giving Works makes it easy for people to support
important causes, both in the U.S. and abroad. It enables
sellers to donate a portion of their sales and buyers to shop
while supporting their favorite charities — all the while giving
nonprofits an opportunity to engage new supporters.
To start shopping at eBay Giving Works, go to http://
givingworks.ebay.com/. Again, your account info remains
the same as on regular eBay. Then you’ll you want to pick
your charity that you would like to profit from your purchase.
When you buy items marked with the eBay Giving Works
icon (which is the navy and gold ribbon - see eBay logo
above), part or all of your purchase will support a certified
nonprofit organization that you choose.
You can also donate to a nonprofit at Give At Checkout as
long as you pay with PayPal, even if you buy an item that isn't
an eBay Giving Works listing. You can add a donation of $1
to $25 to the amount you pay when you checkout. Donations
made using “Give At Checkout” are tax deductible. Generally,
you can't claim a tax deduction for eBay Giving Works items
you buy. You should consult a tax professional with questions
about your specific circumstances.
____________
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...Jessica L. Gruneich,
NAMI SWI Executive Director
March 10, 2015
Office Administration:
The new NAMI.org has officially launched! Many of you have already noticed that when you log in, your home
page is now different. Instead of the NAMI 360 link being at the bottom center of your home page, it is in the Leader
Dashboard area of your MyNAMI page. The link still says NAMI State Organization and NAMI Affiliate Management Site as it did on the old website. The black NAMI 360 User text is just listing your role; it is not the link to
NAMI 360. Click NAMI State Organization and NAMI Affiliate Management Site to get to NAMI 360.
NAMI National is putting together a "Membership Care Package" aiming to build membership base, improve
renewal rates, and improve data management. Please use the link below to send NAMI National your thoughts. If
you have already filled out the survey, but have additional comments, please email [email protected].
My thanks to NAMI SWI Newsletter Editor Sandy Giger for her wonderful creative design skills!! Sandy has
created marketing material for May 2015, Mental Health Awareness Month! NAMI SWI will distribute green ribbon
pins and cards detailing the awareness and outreach projects running the entire month of May and beyond!!
Many of you may shop online at Amazon.com or eBay.com. Now you can shop at AmazonSmile &
eBay.GivingWorks with same product & prices, it’s just that they donate a percentage of your purchase to a charity
of your choice. NAMI SWI is currently set up with both and every purchase you make, at no cost to you, NAMI
SWI will receive a donation from them. See article on page 7 for more information.
Programming Updates:
NAMI SWI will present NAMI Sharing Hope at the Family Center in East St. Louis Illinois on Saturday March
21, 2015. Thank you very much to coordinator and board member Kimberly McClellan for presenting the program to
area families.
NAMI SWI has successfully partnered with NAMI St. Louis and we enthusiastically welcome Judi Boker, Roger
Boker, Amanda Corrado, Mary Ellen Bock, and Sonja Vauters as NAMI SWI Family to Family Education Teachers!! Thanks so much to Joyce Johnston, Program Director NAMI St. Louis and Dar Walker, Executive Director,
NAMI St. Louis for your support of our NAMI SWI Family to Family program. A special thanks to NAMI SWI
member, Alice J. Adcock, for her collaboration with Joyce Johnston and NAMI St. Louis. NAMI St Louis will host
annual local Family to Family trainings and generously has offered yearly openings to our Southwestern Illinois
affiliate members wanting to complete teacher training!!
The NAMI SWI Basics course will start Wednesday April 1, 2015 6pm in Maryville. De Familia a Familia de
NAMI will start September 12, 2015 in Collinsville. The next Family to Family program will start June 2, 2015 in
Swansea, Illinois in partnership with the Karla Smith Foundation and the Navigate programs. Our affiliate will offer
a Fall Peer to Peer education class, details are TBD, please check namiswi.org for the list of updated course information.
Development and Community Collaboration:
March 2: NAMI Ending the Silence Presentation Coordinated Youth, Granite City, IL
March 3: Youth Move Meeting, Fairview Heights, IL
March 6: United Way Reporting Training, O’Fallon, IL
March 12: CHADD Networking Meeting, O’Fallon, IL
March 18: Mental Health Diversity Presentation, SIU Edwardsville, IL
March 19: St. Clair County Mental Health Board Meeting, Belleville, IL
March 21: NAMI Sharing Hope Presentation, East St. Louis, IL
March 26: Parents and Teachers as Allies, CASA Offices, Belleville, IL
April 10: PIAT South, SIU Campus, Edwardsville, IL
April 16: Diversity Conference, CASA Belleville, IL
May 6: Southern Madison County Community Collaboration Meeting, Granite City, IL
May 14: CIT Training, Fairview Heights, IL
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8
“MAY I HAVE YOUR
ATTENTION PLEASE?”
March 10, 2015
“VOLUNTEERS,
YOU ARE TRULY APPRECIATED!!”
We want to give a shout-out to our list of ongoing
and new volunteers who donated their time since the
last newsletter. Call the NAMI Office at 618-798-9788
if a project strikes your fancy and you’d like to help
with it. We’d love hearing from you!!

SPECIAL THANKS TO:
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2015 NAMI SWI Walk/Run Co-Chairs, Mary Pat DeJarnette
and Kris Gamm-Smith.
Webmaster Mary Gauen for overseeing our affiliate’s online
walk/run registration set up with Final Lap Race Management!
Webmaster Mary Gauen for keeping the website current and
user-friendly.
Ann Barnum is assisting with Pathways in Belleville regarding a NAMI SWI presentation in Spring 2015!
Tom Giger for coordinating NAMI SWI brochures, resource
guides, community directories, and overseeing the office
equipment and keeping Kettler lobby stocked with brochures!
NAMI SWI Social Media Coordinator Ann Barnum.
NAMI SWI Helpline Volunteers: Bill Jeffreys, Ann Barnum,
Amanda Corrado, Joan Foster, Claudia Voris, and Bev
Churchill!
Linda Methvin who facilitates the Greenville, IL family
member support group!
Mike and Kathy Janik who facilitate the NAMI SWI
Belleville Support Group Meeting.
Mary Ann Miller and Bev Churchill who facilitate the NAMI
SWI Edwardsville Support Group Meeting!
Peter Dodge who facilitates the Maryville Military Families
Support Group!
Royal Boeder who is facilitating the Waterloo, IL family
member support group in Monroe County!
Our NAMI SWI IOOV Presenters: Katie Crockett, Dan
Crockett, Sharon Diaz, Dani Robinette, Heather Harris,
Jen Gerlach, Pat Norris, AJ French, Melody Corbin, &
Jeremy Lincicum!
Shirlee Byrd, Jen Gerlach, Matt Gauen, John Malson, and
Patrick Norris who facilitate the Connection Recovery
Support Group meetings in Edwardsville and Granite City!
Jim Isaac, Mary Gauen, Matt Gauen, Ann Barnum, and
Marilyn Vise for working on the marketing team!
Tom Johnson who is our NAMI SWI CIT Project Leader!
Chestnut Health Systems & WellSpring Resources who
have been printing our newsletters for many years as a service
to NAMI SWI!
Pat Rudloff for coordinating NAMI SWI press releases in
Madison County!
NAMI SWI Newsletter team including: Mary Gauen, Tom
and Sandy Giger, Jessica Gruneich, David Malear, Carol
Morrow, Lynn Piggott and NAMI Llama!
Judi and Roger Boker, Mary Ellen Bock, Amanda
Corrado, and Sonja Vauters completed Family to Family
Teacher Training at the NAMI St Louis offices in Brentwood,
MO!! THANK YOU!
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Jessica Gruneich for setting up NAMI SWI as an available
charity with AmazonSmile.
Kami Bonnell and Lisa McMichael have volunteered weekly
at the NAMI SWI office! Yeah!!
Bill Jeffreys is the NEW NAMI SWI Helpline Coordinator!
Thank you, Bill!
Sandy and Tom Giger designed the NEW NAMI SWI “May
is Mental Health Awareness Month” outreach flyer and the
cards for the green awareness pins.
NAMI SWI Board Member, Mary Pat DeJarnette, designed
the marketing material and registration material for the affiliate’s annual 5k Race and Mile Walk event!
Mint Green designed the NAMI SWI llama graphic design for
the Furry Friends Recovery annual fundraiser held March 14,
2015!
Donna Reedy, Jen Gerlach, and Herbert Lomax, presented
NAMI Ending the Silence in Granite City on March 2, 2015!
Royal Boeder attended the SEASONS Outpatient Open House
in Red Bud, IL on March 10, 2015!
Carlos and Efrend Garcia and Kim McClellan will speak at
SIUE on March 18, 2015!
Kim McClellan and Sonja Vauters will present NAMI Sharing Hope on March 21, 2015 in East St. Louis!
Jen Gerlach will speak at the CASA offices on March 26,
2015 in Belleville, Illinois!
NAMI SWI Board Members Beverley Watkins, Susy Woods,
Kim McClellan, and Marion Endress will represent NAMI
SWI at the PIAT South Conference at SIUE April 10 th and
April 11th!
Lynn Dean will present yoga sessions at PIAT South for the
Youth Move Youth Track on April 11, 2015!
Bill Jeffreys and Marion Endress will represent NAMI SWI
at the Dupo Community Resource Fair on April 18, 2015!
Peter Dodge will represent NAMI SWI at the No Family Left
Behind Conference on April 24th and 25th in Shiloh, IL!
Last, but not least...NAMI Llama for being an awesome
mascot!!!
____________
As a grassroots organization, NAMI
relies on volunteers. Special thanks to
ALL volunteers for your awesome work!!
The Annual Walk/Race, our biggest annual fundraiser, is set
for Saturday, June 27, 2015. This big event takes a lot of
helping hands. The
more hands we have,
the less work for all.
If you would like to
volunteer or just have
questions about the
walk, please call the
NAMI Office at
618-978-9788
and
leave a message with
your name & phone
number and then a
member of the Walk Committee will contact you.
VOLUNTEERS: Don’t forget to email your
volunteer hours to [email protected].
9
After lunch, there will be 7-10 innovative breakout
sessions and a resource breakout room with more detailed
information about local and national resources. Throughout the program, we will raffle off items to the youth
attendees. A survey will also be provided for feedback on
impact.
_____________
Rest
in
Peace
Mark Stolle Mueller, 53, born September 22, 1961 in
Belleville, Illinois, passed away on Friday, February 6,
2015 at his residence in Belleville, Illinois.
Mark honorably served the in United States Navy as a
Weapons Specialist Technician. He was a graduate of
Ranken Technical School. He was a loving son, brother,
uncle, great uncle and friend to many. He was a generous
man, always helping others in need. He was an avid
supporter of the Salvation Army. Mark was a Member of
DBSA of Hope Belleville, and NAMI Southwestern IL.
He was dedicated to his religious beliefs.
A memorial celebration of Mark’s life was held on
February 12th at The Abbey Coffee House in Belleville.
Past and present members of both NAMI and DBSA
honored and remembered Mark, and the impact that he
had on their lives.
____________
A New Act Will Help Those Affected
by Mental Illness Save Money
by Andrew Sperling,
NAMI Director of Federal Legislative Advocacy
The Achieving a Better Life Experience, or ABLE
Act, was signed by President Barack
Obama on Dec. 19. This new law
allows some families and individuals
to establish tax-free savings accounts
for the qualified expenses of people
with blindness, physical or mental
disabilities without the fear of losing government benefits.
Under the ABLE Act, people living with disabilities
will be able to deposit up to $14,000 annually in a qualified savings account and save up to $100,000 without
losing eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Setting up an account will not affect eligibility for
Medicaid. The law also allows the account to earn tax-free
interest. Funds in ABLE accounts can be used to pay for
health care, education, and other expenses, including
housing.
However, in the final stages of the legislative process
an important restriction was included on ABLE accounts:
only people whose onset of disability occurred before age
26 will be eligible. This means that many adults living
with serious mental illness will not be eligible for these
accounts. It is important to note that the age of 26 is not
related to the onset of illness, but rather the point at which
the Social Security Administration (SSA) deemed an
individual to be so disabled that they became eligible for
benefits under SSI. For many adults with serious mental
illness this is long after their initial diagnosis.
Why was this restriction put in the ABLE Act? The
cost. Earlier versions of the ABLE Act did not include this
restriction on eligibility. However, the Congressional
Budget Office (CBO) projected that the cost would exceed
more than $20 billion over the coming decade. With this
age 26 eligibility requirement in place, the projected 10
year costs were lowered to $2 billion. This forced the
bill’s sponsors to accept this restriction in order to pass the
bill.
NAMI will continue to work with ABLE sponsors
in 2015, including Senators Bob Casey (R-Pa.) and Richard Burr (R-N.C.) and Representative Ander Crenshaw (R
-Fla.), to remove this restriction.
____________
Sharing Our Stories
Connecting the Mind and the Body
Saturday, May 16, 2015 - 9:00AM – 3:00PM
Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) - Belleville
Presented by:
Gateway Regional Medical Center
Karla Smith Foundation
NAMI Southwestern IL
Family Renewed
Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House
FREE to participants/volunteers who register by May 1
Register by calling Jim Isaac at 618-798-3263
Speakers
9:00AM - 12:00PM
Workshops & Agency Fairs
1:00 PM - 3:00pm
Breakfast and lunch
will be provided.
Breakfast begins at 8:30 a.m.
The event, targeting youth and young adults, 6th grade
and higher, will be an interactive educational forum
emphasizing the connection between mental and physical
wellness for today’s youth. This program, which is free of
charge to all attendees, will kick off with personal presentations by two athletes (professional, if available). Following their personal testimonies, Dr. Dawn M. Porter, a
Board Certified Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatrist,
and Ms. Debbie Humphrey, Associate Director of the St.
Clair County Mental Health Board, will address the impact of health and wellness in our everyday lives and what
resources are available within the community to assist
participants in maintaining a healthy balance.
10
Say It Out Loud
NAMI SWI Board Member Jennifer Gerlach & NAMI SWI
Member Herbert Lomax presenting Recovery & Support
Services at the St Clair County Regional Offices of
Education on January 23 2015.
Furry Friends Recovery annual fundraiser was held on Saturday,
March 14, 2015 at Sqwires in St Louis. Standing on the steps is
Furry Friends Recovery President Kelly Pipkins Burt with Randy
Grim, Founder of Stray Rescue of St Louis. Mint Green provided
the artwork below for the fundraiser programs. NAMI SWI
Members in attendance were Shirlee Byrd, Marion Endress, Jessica
Gruneich, Mary Gruneich, and Tricia Hogan.
One in five teens lives with a mental
health condition and yet more than half
are not getting the help they need. Stigma
remains a huge barrier to teens seeking
help. Many cite fear of negative perceptions as a
major factor in choosing not to speak up.
Raising awareness by sharing information and
starting conversations about mental health is key in
reducing these perceptions and increasing the likelihood that teens will seek mental health care when
they need it. NAMI is committed to helping start
those conversations. We have created Say it Out
Loud to get teens talking about mental health.
Say it Out Loud gives adults the tools they need
to hold conversations about mental health with
teens in faith-based or community youth groups.
The toolkit includes the following links:
 A short film showing the 10 common warning
signs and three youth sharing their experiences.
 A discussion guide on how to hold a successful
group discussion.
 A narrated presentation for the group facilitator
to learn more about mental health conditions in
youth.
 Fact sheets and information about how to connect with NAMI in their community.
If you're ready to say it out loud, click the link
to download the toolkit:
http://www.nami.org/
sayitoutloud#sthash.BG73BSsm.dpuf
Thank you for making a difference in the lives
of teens!
____________
NAMI Llama with Two of his Furry Friends!
CIT Training
NAMI SWI will participate in the local CIT,
Crisis Intervention Training, for local law enforcement on Thursday, May 14, 2015 at 12 noon at
Grace Church in Fairview Heights, Illinois. NAMI
SWI members wanting to volunteer or want more
information, can contact NAMI SWI Executive
Director, Jessica Gruneich, at the NAMI SWI
office at (618) 798-9788 or by email at [email protected].
Special thanks to NAMI SWI CIT Project
Leader, Tom Johnson, for helping to organize
NAMI SWI participation at the training!!
____________
This artwork was on
the programs for the
2015 Furry Friends
Recovery Fundraiser.
Artwork by
Mint Green
11
Visit http://operationhonor.net/nflb-2015.html or at
[email protected] for more information on
“No Family Left Behind” Conference.
___________
NAMI SWI wishes to extend a special thanks to our
community partners!!
 LINC Inc. is hosting the NAMI SWI Family to Family
Education Program at their Swansea, Illinois office!
 Chestnut Health Systems is hosting the NAMI SWI
Peer to Peer Education Program at their Granite City,
Illinois office!
 Anderson Hospital is hosting NAMI SWI Basics
Education at their location in Maryville, Illinois!
We appreciate the continued support of local NAMI
Signature programs!!
____________
LINKS…
Get Linked
1. Five Tips to Manage Mental Illness
in a Marriage: http://
mentalhealth.about.com/od/problems/
fl/5-Tips-to-manage-mental-illness-in-a
-marriage.htm?
utm_campaign=list_mentalhealth&utm_content=20150223
&utm_medium=email&utm_source=exp_nl
keeping
you
connected
2. “Mental Illness to Trial” to Screen in Manhattan:
http://www.treatmentadvocacycenter.org/
Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for remembering the men and women
who died while serving in the
country's armed forces. The holiday, which is observed every year
on the last Monday of May, was
formerly known as “Decoration Day” and originated after the
American Civil War to commemorate the Union and memorial Confederate soldiers who died in the war. By the 20th
century, Memorial Day had been extended to
honor all Americans who died while in the
military service.
Memorial Day is not to be confused with
Veterans Day. Memorial Day is a day of
remembering the men and women who died
while serving, whereas Veterans Day
celebrates the service of all U.S. military
veterans.
We thank the men & women who gave the ultimate
sacrifice - their life - in fighting for freedom, liberty and
justice for all.
____________
Diversity Conference
by Bethany Prange,
CASA Communications Coordinator
3. Suicide Safe: The Suicide Prevention App for Health Care
Providers Free from SAMHSA: http://store.samhsa.gov/
apps/suicidesafe/?
utm_source=samhsahomebtmbanner&utm_medium=banne
r&utm_content=suicideprevention&utm_campaign=apps
____________
“No Family Left Behind” Conference
Helping Families Cope with the Invisible Wounds of War
Free and Open to the Public
Date: Fri., April 24, 2 015
Sat., April 25, 2015
Time: Fri., 9:00AM-4:00PM
and 5:30-9:00PM
This conference helps connect service members and their
families with resources to cope with a wide variety of mental
health issues. It will be held at Faith Family Church, 704 N.
Greenmount Rd, Shiloh, IL 62225. Guest speaker, Dr. Ed
Tick, is a noted expert on PTSD. He also is award-winning
author of War & the Soul and founder of Soldiers Heart.
Did you know...
 22 veterans commit suicide everyday?
 57% of children with deployed parents have behavioral

Meaning of Memorial Day
issues at home?
21% of spousal abuse cases involve someone diagnosed
with PTSD?
12
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is holding a free diversity conference with LaDonna Wattley that is open
to the public. It's called “Big Mama's
Chair” and will be held from 9:00AM to
2:00PM on April 16, 2015 at the Shrine of
the Lady of the Snows in Belleville, IL.
Join CASA of Southwestern Illinois to learn the skills that
make it possible to move from the "company" furniture to the
kitchen table.
This workshop is ideal for social service agency staff,
counselors, social workers, nonprofit leaders, volunteer managers, volunteers and community advocates. CEUs available
from Northern Illinois University. Free but registration is required. Register by calling 618-234-4278 or click here:
http://www.eventbrite.com/e/big-mamas-chair-a-diversity
-conference-with-ladonna-wattley-tickets14983295440
CASA of Southwestern Illinois is a Belleville-based nonprofit that serves Madison, St. Clair and Monroe
counties. We recruit, train and support Court Appointed Special
Advocate volunteers to work for the best interest of abused
and neglected children. Our CASAs serve as a voice for
these children in juvenile court systems, helping to ensure
every child has a safe, loving home. Become a CASA volunteer, donate or learn more at www.stclaircasa.com.
_____________
 Tear th
is
page ou
t to
register
for the w
alk.
 It’s OK
to make
more
copies o
f th
friends & is form for
family.
 Registe
r by June
5
to guara
ntee
receivin
g a t-shir
t.

Family-Friendly Activities

Rain or Shine Event
Home of the Gateway Grizzlies

Flat and Fast Course

Professionally timed by Final
Lap Race Management
2301 Grizzlie Bear Blvd
Sauget, IL 62206

First 50 registrants receive a
FREE ticket to the evening
Grizzlies game
GCS Ballpark
Sign In: 7:15 am
Run & Walk: 8:15 am
Register online https://runsignup.com/NAMI5KRaceforRecovery or use the form below.
For more information, visit http://namiswi.org
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INDIVIDUAL REGISTRATION FORM
Name ______________________________________________
Address ____________________________________________
5K Race Participant
$30.00
1 Mile Walk Participant
$30.00
Method of Payment
Cash
Check
Make check payable to:
NAMI SWI
T-Shirt Size (Register by June 5th to guarantee shirt)
Phone _____________________________________________
Child Large
Email ______________________________________________
Child Medium
Age* __________
Gender ___________
*For 17 and younger, a parent/guardian signature is required
SM
M
L
XL
2XL
3XL
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
Participant Signature
Parent/Guardian Signature If Applicable
Your donations and participation are greatly appreciated. NAMI receives no state funding and relies on your financial support to help us spread the news
through our education programs and support groups that there is hope for those who have mental health conditions and for their families who love and
support them. NAMI Southwestern Illinois is a 501(c)3 Not-for-Profit Organization. Donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law.
Release, Waiver of Liability, Assumption of Risk: NAMI SWI, affiliates, volunteers and employees are not responsible for any
injuries incurred during the walk/run. We recommend seeing a physician before starting or participating in any physical activity.
Mail form with payment to: NAMI SWI 2100 Madison Avenue, 4th Floor Granite City, IL 62040
13
NAMI Southwestern IL
Gateway Regional Medical Center
2100 Madison Avenue, 4th Floor
Granite City, IL 62040
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
TO:
What is NAMI SWI?
NAMI Southwestern IL
(NAMI SWI), a grassroots
organization, is an affiliate
of the National Alliance on Mental
Illness, a non-profit,
self-help,
volunteer organization dedicated to
improving the quality of life for
people with mental illnesses and their
families.
NAMI has state organizations in
all 50 states as well as in Puerto Rico
and District of Columbia. This area
encompasses more than 1,200 local
affiliates. NAMI SWI is one of 30
affiliates in Illinois.
NAMI SWI serves the following
12 Illinois counties:
Bond
Calhoun
Clinton
Green
Jersey
Macoupin
Madison
Monroe
Montgomery
Randolph
St. Clair
Washington
We provide free education and
support programs for persons with
mental illnesses and their families.
We also provide a voice for
individuals affected by mental
illnesses by advocating for them with
public and private policy makers for
better legislation and more effective
treatment options. NAMI SWI is
here to help. Please call the office at
(618) 798-9788 or send an e-mail to
[email protected] or attend one of
the support group meetings listed on
page 4.
What Are the Benefits
of NAMI SWI Membership?
All NAMI members receive the
benefits of membership at all three
levels of the organization, including:

NAMI Affiliate, NAMI State
Organization, and the NAMI
National organization;
 Eligibility to vote in all NAMI
elections;
 A subscription to The Advocate,
NAMI's flagship magazine, as
14
well as access to optional subscriptions to specialty newsletters
and information at the national,
state and local levels;
 Member discounts on brochures,
videos, promotional items and
registration at NAMI's Annual
Convention and many state and
local conferences;
 Access to exclusive membersonly material on www.nami.org;
 Access to NAMI SWI library;
 And maybe the best of all,
you’ll meet a great group of folks
who share your same concerns.
Not a NAMI SWI member yet?
Call the NAMI SWI Office at (618)
798-9788 to have a registration form
mailed to you or register today by
clicking:
http://namiswi.org/
namiswiMembershipAPP.pdf.