Changing Minds FALL 2019

OCT 7: IN OUR OWN VOICE Rock River Branch Library

3128 11th Street, Rockford, IL 61109

6:30-7:30PM

Admission: Free

Join us and listen in- Chad Brooks and Tracy Meinert are excited to share their stories with you!

This presentation change attitudes, assumptions and ideas about people with mental health

conditions by providing a personal perspective of mental health conditions, as leaders with lived

experience talk openly about what it's like to have a mental health condition.

OCT 8: ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES WORKSHOP

Rockford City Hall

425 E State Street, Rockford, IL

6:00-8:00PM

Admission: Free We all know that traditional therapies aren't the only way to heal. You can pair medication and

counseling with many alternative forms of healing. Self-care is all about what works for you! Join

us to experience what some of our friends, and fellow community members, have to offer.

Miranda Grisales-Buell has been a student of yoga for 22 years. In June 2018 Miranda opened her

own business, The Calm Company Wellness and Yoga on the West side of Rockford. The Calm

Company exists to close the wellness gap by being accessible, healing centered, and community

inspired. Miranda will lead us in the powerful practice of breath work coupled with creating

affirmations to empower ourselves daily. This will be a trauma sensitive practice.

Erica Charron is a recovering alcoholic who has been sober for 3 years. She has a long family

history of mental illness and lost her brother to suicide when he was 18. After battling depression

and anxiety for years, she decided to stop treating these issues with alcohol and face her past

head-on. It was there that she started to heal. At the beginning of her sobriety journey, she started

her own business, Erica’s Board Creations. She teaches classes where people come to sand, stain,

and paint boards. Art has been therapy to her and she finds painting to be extremely calming. She now

owns her own shop in Rockton, IL. During this event, Erica will have boards already sanded & stained

that guests can paint inspirational quotes on. We will use stencils so no artistic ability is required!

Victor Rivera is a Rockford born Mexican American, struggling like anyone else to find out who he was

as a teenager he stumbled on to the hip hop culture in 1999 since then he has used breakin’

(breakdancing) and DJing to express himself honestly and as a means to take a time out from the

“real world”. Vic hopes to share what he knows to others, so they can also find inner rhythm and

inner peace.

Northern Illinois

2

“NAMI Northern Illinois is dedicated to

improving the lives of individuals living with

mental illness and their loved ones through support, education, advocacy and hope.”

MIAW 1

MIAW Cont’d 2

Kevin Hines 3

Group Hope 4

Programs 5

Don’t Miss This 6

Support 7

In this Issue: OCT 9: TIP NIGHT Pizza Ranch

4797 Bluestem Road, Roscoe, IL 61073

4:00-8:00PM

Admission: Dinner Charge

Come on up to watch your favorite NAMI Northern Illinois volunteers bus tables at Pizza

Ranch. 10% of dinner sales and ALL the tips go directly back into our local affiliate.

OCT 10: SHELTER CARE MINISTRIES’ HARVEST FEST

Jubilee Center

413 N Court Street, Rockford, IL 61103

5:00-8:00PM

Admission: $15 for Adults, $5 for Children

Join us during Mental Illness Awareness Week to support our friends at the Jubilee Center

and Emmanuel Episcopal Church for a chili supper, music, silent auction, and kids

activities. Proceeds from the event support programming at Jubilee, which is the only

daytime drop-in center for adults living with chronic mental illness.

OCT 11: RALLY FOR MENTAL HEALTH Veterans Memorial Hall

211 N Main St, Rockford, IL 61101

12:00-1:00PM

Admission: Free

Each year, NAMI Northern Illinois along with many other individuals and organizations,

come together to share stories, ideas and community around the topics of mental illness

and mental health. We will be gifting 5 inspirational people with the Making a Difference

Award. You don’t want to miss it! This event is free of charge, open to the public, and lunch

will be provided! Come one, come all! RSVP today at tinyurl.com/y4mbb5qm.

OCT 19: Retail Therapy

Forest Hills Lodge

1601 W Lane Road, Loves Park, IL 61111

10:00AM-5:00PM

Admission: Free Beginning in January of this year, the fundraising committee made the decision to host a

handmade arts and crafts fair to help support the NAMI Northern Illinois. We have worked

throughout the year, obtaining vendors to join us in selling their wares and crafts at our

event and it has been fun. Save the Date!! Put it on your calendar. Bring your friends and

family. Bring your neighbors. Tell everyone you work with and bring them too!! With just a

few short weeks away, we ask that you all join us in attending this event and supporting

our vendors who in turn are supporting us. RETAIL THERAPY is our name because we all

know just how therapeutic it can be to do a little fun shopping. Think of those feel good

moments for our mental health. We look forward to seeing you on Saturday, October 19,

2019 at the Forest Hills Lodge in Loves Park, Illinois. There will be concessions sold in the

event hunger sneaks up during your shopping excursion.

Awareness Week (MIAW) Northern Illinois

Northern Illinois

Board of Directors

President David Gill

Vice Presidents

Steve Huber Mary Ann Abate

Secretary

Melissa Westphal

Treasurer Christina Peacock

Directors

Eric Brown Stephanie Franchini

Tim Gaumond Joan Lodge

Therese Michels Michael Schultz Tony Valentino Xavier Whitford

Executive Director Danielle Angileri

Board Meetings

Meetings held last Tuesday of the

month at 5:30 PM; open to the public at Stepping Stones of

Rockford

3 FALL 2019

#BeHereTomorrow

“In 2000, Kevin attempted to take his life by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge. Many

factors contributed to his miraculous survival including a sea lion which kept him afloat until

the Coast Guard arrived. Kevin now travels the world sharing his story of hope, healing, and

recovery while teaching people of all ages the art of wellness & the ability to survive pain

with true resilience. He is one of only thirty-six (less than 1%) to survive the fall and he is the

only Golden Gate Bridge jump survivor who is actively spreading the message of living

mentally healthy around the globe.”

THANK YOU, KEVIN HINES! You reached around 400 people in our community and because

of you, others will #BeHereTomorrow and every day after that.

A special shout out to the local leaders who showed up to participate in a discussion on how

to better mental health care in out area. And thank all of our sponsors and donors:

BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois, Shatter Our Silence, The Tommy Corral Memorial

Foundation, Patrick Radcliffe & Family, In memory of Thomas Radcliffe, Rosecrance Health

Network, Karyn Martin-Bohl, LCSW, One Love Candle & Bath, SwedishAmerican, A Division

of UW-Health, Mercyhealth, Sound Physicians, Sinnissippi Centers, Friends of Tom

McNamara, Gregory & Laurel Franchini, Prairie Street Brewing Co., Halo Cupcake, Custom

Copy & Printing, Marco Technologies, Mary’s Market, Casey’s General Stores, Woodman’s

Pictures by Solrite Productions & DC Photography

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Adopting Group Hope Northern Illinois

After much thought and consideration, NAMI Northern Illinois has decided to adopt

Group Hope, a support and mutual help group, under our umbrella of programming we

provide the community. Extra support is always needed when it comes to our mental

health! We saw this opportunity as an appropriate fit for all of us. In the spirit of

collaboration, we welcome all Group Hope support members to their new home!

Created by Dr. Charles Smith, Group Hope support’s intent is to offer opportunities to

speak and be heard in a safe space with others impacted by mental illness. Previously

Group Hope fell under the Mental Health Association of Rock River Valley, which will,

unfortunately, dissolving this year. Being that the group is a lifeline for people seeking

understanding of their illnesses, and a place to be understood, both the Smith family and

NAMI Northern Illinois decided that the groups were too much an asset to our community

to lose.

About NAMI Northern Illinois’ Group Hope

Our facilitator assisted meetings encourage those suffering with mental illness to meet

with other interested people who come to support each other. The groups are certainly

open to loved ones that are being impacted secondarily to mental illness. As we help

each other we help ourselves. At this time there are 7 adult support groups that meet

EVERY WEEK! Here, participants find that with gentle and respectful discussion, there

comes some relief.

Throughout each month there is another special meeting of minds, Teen Group Hope.

This support group meets twice a month and is reserved for those 13 to 19 years of age.

This group is also led by trained adult facilitators and offers a safe and all encompassing

place for the teen brain! No family members are allowed in this group, for the respect and

consideration of our teens. Another ideal thing about this group is that is meet

simultaneously as NAMI Northern Illinois Parent & Caregiver support… at the same place!

Here parents can learn how to better care for their children, who are experiencing

symptoms of a mental illness, and themselves.

Did we mention these groups are free of charge?

In addition, NAMI Northern Illinois’ Group Hope is associated with Mental Health America

(MHA) and the Depression Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA).

Some of the Many Benefits

We see each other’s courage

We find hope

We learn ways to express ourselves to others

We get to engage face-to-face

We gain knowledge about finding counseling, medicines, and local resources

We become more informed about mental illness

WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN IN

Not Sure If You Should Attend?

Maybe you feel that there is something bothering you deep inside, that you are not quite

yourself. Perhaps you have feelings of sadness, confusion, or complete hopelessness.

If you or someone you care about feels this way… please join us for a meeting and hear

what others have to say. Group Hope may offer you the chance to share your inner most

thoughts and feelings. Please note that you do not have to have a diagnosis to attend.

Nursing students are also welcome to sit in on groups. All participation welcome.

Monthly Programs

Continuing

Education

Units available through

Rosecrance Health

Network for counselors,

social workers, marriage

and family therapists,

nurses and teachers.

5 FALL 2019

Northern Illinois Alternative Therapies Workshop

Tuesday, October 8, 2019

City Hall of Rockford @ 6PM Join us as a part of our Mental Illness Awareness Week Festivities!

Please see Page 1 for details.

Assisted Outpatient Treatment Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Stepping Stones of Rockford @ 6PM

Speaker: Matthew Davison, Illinois Guardianship & Advocacy Commission

“Assisted outpatient treatment (AOT) is court-supervised treatment within the community.

To be a candidate for AOT, a person must meet specific criteria, such as a prior history of

repeated hospitalizations or arrest.

AOT laws have been shown to reduce hospitalization, arrest and incarceration,

homelessness, victimization, and also to prevent violent acts associated with mental

illness, including suicide and violence against others.

Also known as “involuntary outpatient treatment” or “outpatient commitment,” AOT

commits local mental health systems to serve participants at the same time it commits

participants to adhere to their treatment plans. Developed by patients with their

healthcare providers, these plans are highly individual but typically include case

management, personal therapy, medication and other tools known to promote recovery.

AOT participants receive due process protections and orders are made only after a

hearing before a judge.

With the exception of Connecticut, Maryland, and Massachusetts, every state and the

District of Columbia have enacted laws to authorize the use of AOT. The Department of

Justice, Office of Justice Programs and SAMHSA have deemed AOT to be an

evidence-based practice, and its use has been endorsed by the American Psychiatric

Association, American College of Emergency Physicians, International Association of

Chiefs of Police, National Sheriffs’ Association and National Alliance on Mental Illness.”

(Treatment Advocacy Center)

Gifts of Hope

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Stepping Stones of Rockford @ 5:30PM

Help us make this the best Christmas yet for everyone who will be in the hospital or

residing in our local group homes over the holiday season. Ho, Ho, Ho! NAMI

Northern Illinois elves do all the work, so please join us to pack up our gift bags, wrap

presents, and write cards to our neighbors in need! Bring your favorite dish to pass,

because after preparing our gifts, we will sit down to share a holiday dinner.

Friends of NAMI Northern Illinois, new and old are invited. Family friendly. Lots of

laughs. Our gift to you is the gift of giving. Sponsors/Donors welcome.

6

Committees

Annual Events Danielle Angileri

Consumer Council

Darius Perry

Education Danielle Angileri

Jean Morrow

FaithNet Michael Schultz

Finance

Christina Peacock

Fundraising Jean Morrow

Media Contact

Danielle Angileri

Awareness Week Xavier Whitford

Outreach

Stephanie Franchini

Northern Illinois

IGNITE Rockford Gives Back

The annual mixed nut and cashew sale has begun! Buy your one-pound gift

box of large cashews and/or mixed nuts (no peanuts) today! Each box is

$16. They will all be delivered before Thanksgiving. These delicious snacks also make

great Christmas gifts! We look forward to your continued support of funding our

educational programs, support groups and other activities in our region

Order below and remit with payment to NAMI Northern Illinois at PO Box

6971, Rockford, IL 61125 or pay online at:

https://naminorthernillinois.org/annual-fundraisers/gift-boxes-nuts/

The Rockford Chamber of

Commerce developed a young

professional group

called IGNITE back in 2008-

2009. Their mission is to attract

and retain young professionals

to the Rockford region. IGNITE

does this by connecting and

engaging young

professionals with leadership,

professional and personal

development and volunteer

opportunities.

IGNITE Cup is a summer-long

event series designed to connect and engage young professionals in the Rockford

region. Teams of 10 (comprised of co-workers, friends, or friends-to-be) compete in

games to earn points. Throughout this tournament, IGNITE runs a special event called

Penny Wars.

For Penny Wars, each team picks a Rockford Chamber Member non-profit. Each team

will received points for the money collected. Spare change (which equates to positive

points) was collected by most of the teams. Other teams can “bomb” the jars with

dollar bills (which equate to negative points). At the end of the summer, the top teams

were chosen and their non-profits received a portion of all of the money raised by each

team. The team Dirty Thirties picked NAMI Northern Illinois as their non-profit. They

were the winners, therefore NAMI Northern Illinois received $1,000! Thank you, IGNITE Rockford!!

The “Fun” in Fundraisers

Family Support: A confidential, safe group for family members of adult (18+) individuals struggling with their mental health

that meets 3x a month for 90 minutes.

Parent Support: A support group for parents and caregivers of youth (under 18) living with mental illness that meets 90

minutes 2x a month.

NAMI Connection: A recovery support group for adults living with mental illness– regardless of their diagnosis. Group meets

weekly for 90 minutes and is led by trained individuals who are also in recovery.

All courses are taught by trained family members of those living with mental illness

NAMI Educational Courses Free Registration Required

7

Family-to-Family: A 12 session education program specifically for adult (18+) family members and friends of

adults who live with mental illness. Attend to gain information on conditions, understand treatment

options, discover problem solving skills, coping strategies, communication skills, and support.

NAMI Basics: A 6 session education program specifically designed for parents and other caregivers of

children and adolescents experiencing mental health challenges. Attend to find support, gain mental health

information, develop problem solving and communication skills, as well as learn how to effectively advocate your child.

FALL 2019

NAMI Connection Family Support Family Support Family Support Parent & Caregiver Support

Every Sunday 1st Tuesday

of the Month

3rd Monday

of the Month

3rd Tuesday

of the Month

1st & 3rd Tuesdays

of the Month

2:00 PM 7:00 PM 8:00 AM 7:00 PM 5:30 PM

SwedishAmerican SwedishAmerican Ned’s Restaurant Our Savior’s Riverside Community Church

1401 E State St,

Rockford, IL 61104

1401 E State St,

Rockford, IL 61104

2132 US-20 BUS,

Belvidere, IL 61008

3300 Rural St,

Rockford, IL 61107

6816 North 2nd St,

Machesney Park, IL 61115

Charles Street Entrance,

Conference Rooms 2 & 3

Charles Street Entrance,

Conference Rooms 5 & 6

Fireside Room; Park

off of Guilford Road

Meets simultaneously with Group

Hope Teen support (for ages 13-19)

NAMI Support Group Schedule Free No Registration Required

Each group is led by trained peers

Group Hope Support Free No Registration Required Adult Group Adult Group Teen Group Adult Group Adult Group Adult Group Adult Group

Every

Monday

Every

Tuesday

1st & 3rd Tuesdays

of the Month

Every

Wednesday

Every

Thursday

Every

Thursday

Every

Saturday

6:30 PM 6:15 PM 5:45 PM 3:30 PM 10:00 AM 6:15 PM 4:30 PM

Rochelle

Hospital

Rosecrance

Harrison

Riverside

Community Church

Rosecrance

Ware Center

Carpenter’s

Place

UIC College of

Medicine

Mercyhealth

900 N 2nd St,

Rochelle, IL

61068

3815 Harrison

Ave, Rockford, IL

61108

6816 North 2nd St,

Machesney Park, IL

61115

2407 N Main

St, Rockford, IL

61103

1149 Railroad

Ave, Rockford, IL

61104

1149 Railroad Ave,

Rockford, IL 61104

4200 N Rockton

Ave, Rockford IL

61103

Lower Level Follow Signage Resource

Center

Resource Center Room A115 Conference

Rooms 4& 5

Please see page 4 for more information on Group Hope.

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage

PAID Rockford, IL

Permit NO. 757

Planning to move? Please let us know your new address, so

Changing Minds may follow you to your new home! Call 815-963-2470

NAMI

Northern Illinois

P.O. Box 6971

Rockford, IL 61125

Please mail to: NAMI Northern Illinois, P.O. Box 6971 Rockford, Illinois 61125

By joining NAMI Northern Illinois, you also become a member of NAMI Illinois and NAMI National

Further Donations—

Open Door (Limited Funds) Membership $5.00 Name(s):

Individual Membership $40.00 Address:

Household Membership $60.00 City:

In additional support of NAMI Northern Illinois

you may choose to be a/an:

State:

Advocate $75.00 Zip:

Professional $100.00 Phone:

Business/Organization $200.00 Email:

Membership Level: $

In Memory of (print name):

In Honor of (print name):

Gifts of Hope: Other Donation: Total Amount Enclosed

Membership Form

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