MAY 2018 E-NEWSLETTER
PLEASE SUPPORT US & MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Has NAMI Sussex helped you in any way? Perhaps you've participated in our free courses, community education events or support groups. It is through the generous donations of others that we are able to offer our services for free.

With less than 3 weeks until the walk on Sat. May 19, we are $1000 short of our $5000 goal. Please help us reach our goal by joining our team as a walker, or a "virtual walker" if you can't walk with us, or supporting our team with a donation (any amount is appreciated). Just ask 20 family members, friends or co-workers for $5 each and raise $100, plus get a free NAMI Walks t-shirt. Or post your fundraising campaign on social media. Thanks to all walkers and donors!

To join as a walker or donate online: https://www.namiwalks.org/team/namisussex.
For check donations, see link below.

Young adult presenters living well with a mental health condition needed!
NAMI Sussex is proud to announce our new mental health awareness program for teens called “ Ending the Silence .” Created by NAMI National, Ending the Silence (ETS) is designed to be presented to middle and high school students in one class period.  The interactive program helps teens learn about the warning signs of mental health conditions, as well as the steps they can take to find support for themselves or their friends.  Each presentation is provided by two trained NAMI volunteers, one of whom must be a young adult between 18 and 35 who can speak firsthand about living with a mental illness and tell their story of recovery.  The other presenter can be an adult of any age who is either a family member or an individual with a mental health condition.  

Teens will have the opportunity to ask questions and gain understanding of the widely misunderstood topic of mental health challenges.  The ETS presentation and interactive dialogue help to eliminate stigma and discrimination, which too often cause young people to feel isolated and reluctant to ask for help.

NAMI Sussex Board Members Ria Smith and Jeri Doherty will coordinate the program.  They are prepared to train volunteer ETS presenters later this spring and summer.  Volunteers will be required to take 4-6 hours of online training at their own pace, and then participate in a four-hour live training with Ria and Jeri.  NAMI Sussex plans to begin offering the free program to Sussex County school districts in September.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN STEPPING UP TO THE PLATE FOR THIS IMPORTANT MISSION?   If you think you might be, please contact Ria and Jeri by emailing  nami.sussex@gmail.com or calling  973-214-0632 as soon as possible .  Also, please consider sharing this with a friend or family member who might fit the criteria to be a young adult presenter or a family member co-presenter.

May is Mental Health Month
There’s a virus spreading across America.
It harms the 1 in 5 Americans affected by mental health conditions.

It shames them into silence.
It prevents them from seeking help.
And in some cases, it takes lives.
 
What virus are we talking about?
It’s stigma. Stigma against people with mental health conditions.

But there’s good news.
Stigma is 100% curable. 

Compassion, empathy and understanding are the antidote.
Your voice can spread the cure. 

Join NAMI , The National Alliance on Mental Illness. 

Together we can #CureStigma
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Following NAMI Sussex's annual meeting on Apr. 23, the board trustees convened and elected the officers as follows:
  • President - Annie Glynn
  • Vice President - Lauren Capaci Hirtes
  • Secretary - Annette Hoffman
  • Treasurer - Jeri Doherty
Board trustees are Ria Smith, Christie Farber & Mary Anne McInerney.

Thanks to past and current board trustees for their service and commitment. Thanks also to all our volunteers, and to the members who attended and helped us celebrate our 20th anniversary. Congratulations to the prize winners! If you missed this opportunity, please join us at our picnic on Sun. Jun. 3 (see Upcoming Events).
UPCOMING EVENTS
Mon. May 21 - The Mental Health Players performance co-sponsored by Intensive Family Support Services of Sussex County and Bridgeway Rehabilitation Services. The Mental Health Players is a group of volunteer performers who use theatrical improvisation and role playing to bring the realities of mental illness to life. See flyer for information and registration details.

Sun. Jun. 3 - Picnic at Station Park, Sparta. Please join us as we continue to celebrate our 20th anniversary. See flyer for information and registration details.
FREE SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS - JUST SHOW UP
Support, information and referral For family members/friends who have a loved one with mental illness
Tues. May 1st - 7:00-8:30 p.m. at Newton Medical Center, 175 High St., Newton, NJ. Enter through the main entrance and ask at the Reception Desk to be directed to the Emergency Department Conference Room. 

NAMI Connection Support Group  – (monthly, 2nd & 4th Mondays - excluding legal holidays)
For adults who have experienced mental health challenges
Mon. May 14th - 6:00-7:30 p.m., followed by informal conversation from 7:30-8 p.m. at A Way to Freedom Wellness Center, 29 Trinity St, Newton, NJ. Parking lot and entrance are at rear of the Mitchell Agency Building on the corner of Trinity and Moran Streets. 

Parent/Guardian Support Group   – (monthly, 4th Tuesday)
For parents/guardians of children and teens with emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges, in collaboration with Family Partners of Morris & Sussex Counties.  
Tues. May 22nd - 7:00–8:30 p.m. at Family Partners, 67 Spring St. (use Spring St. entrance), Newton, NJ

For veterans, police & first responders recovering from post-traumatic stress as a result of their service
Tues. May 22nd - 7:00­‐8:30 p.m. at Bridgeway, 93 Stickles Pond Rd., Newton, NJ 

FAMILY-TO-FAMILY COURSE ALUMNI SUPPORT GROUP

For those who have completed our Family-to-Family course - (monthly, 3rd Tuesday)
Tues. May 15th - 7:00-9:00 p.m at Bridgeway, 93 Stickles Pond Rd., Newton.  
For more information, call Toni at  973-786-5507 .
Clergy Outreach
Board trustees Annie Glynn & Jeri Doherty delivered a presentation on NAMI Sussex's services at the Apr. 19 meeting of pastors held at Branchville United Methodist Church (see photo), and to St. Mary's Episcopal Church's adult forum in March.
FREE ONLINE EVENTS

The Food Revolution Summit - Through May 6
Chronic Lyme disease Summit - Apr. 30 - May 9
Autism Hope event - May 14 - 23
Mindful Living Week - May 14 - 20
Congratulations to NAMI Basics Spring 2018 Course Graduates!
Thanks to course teachers Lauren Capaci Hirtes and Kelly Brooks, and to Education Committee Chair Jeri Doherty for organizing it.

NAMI Basics will next be offered in fall.
NAMI Sussex
P.O. Box 652, Sparta, NJ 07871
Tel no. 973-214-0632
NAMI Sussex is an all-volunteer 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides support, education, and advocacy throughout the Sussex County, New Jersey area on behalf of individuals and families affected by mental illness.