May is Mental Health Awareness Month
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Mental Health Awareness Month is about more than raising awareness — it's about showing up for one another.
Whether you're living with a mental health condition, supporting a loved one, or simply trying to get through a hard season, you don't have to do it alone. NAMI Metro Suburban is here with programs, resources, and real human connection.
Our Living Rooms are calm, welcoming spaces where you can be heard — no judgment, no pressure. Our trained Recovery Support Specialists offer free, peer-based support grounded in lived experience, because sometimes the most powerful help comes from someone who truly gets it.
The Living Room is free and open to adults 18+.
- La Grange & Summit locations are open 24/7
- Oak Park is open daily from 12 PM to 8 PM
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 anytime.
This month — and every month — we're in this together. Healing happens in community, and we're honored to be part of yours.
– The NAMI Metro Suburban Team
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| The Latest from NAMI Metro Suburban | | | |
What An Unforgettable Night Exploring The Art of Healing!
To everyone who joined us for this year’s Celebration of Hope Gala: thank you for showing up, sharing your energy, and helping make The Art of Healing such a meaningful night for our community.
We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, donors, partners, staff, and attendees who made this event possible. Your support helps NAMI Metro Suburban continue providing free mental health programs, education, peer support, and resources to individuals and families across our communities.
Check out the recap video on our Instagram!
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2026 True North Award Recipient
We proudly presented the 2026 True North Award to the Illinois Department of Human Services’ Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery accepted by Division Director Dr. David Albert.
We thank DBHR's dedication to building healthy, thriving communities and supporting individuals and families across Illinois.
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Another Year of Successful Transitions — a partnership with Madden State Hospital
Behind every successful transition is a person rebuilding trust, stability, and hope.
At NAMI Metro Suburban, our partnership with Madden State Hospital is centered on something simple but powerful: making sure individuals leaving inpatient care are not navigating recovery alone.
This program is about compassionate guidance during some of the most vulnerable periods of someone’s recovery journey and helping people access housing, mental health resources, and employment support.
Stories like Sam’s remind us what can happen when people are met with persistence, dignity, and community instead of barriers.
Recovery does not happen in isolation — it happens through support systems that continue showing up. Thank you to everyone helping make these transitions possible.
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RaÃces & Rememberance Healing Garden (bilingual)
Saturday, May 23
1-2 PM
Summit Living Room location
Join us for a free 8-week workshop series centered on healing, identity, and connection. Activities include gardening, storytelling, and creative expression, as we cultivate a vertical healing garden and create poems.
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Military Support Group
Saturdays at 2 PM
Drop-In Center
814 Harrison St, Oak Park, IL
For those who have served — and those currently serving — you don’t have to carry it alone.
NAMI Metro Suburban’s Drop-In Center is proud to host a Military Support Group for veterans, service members, and their loved ones. This space offers real conversation, real support, and no judgment.
Whether you’re navigating transition, stress, connection, or simply looking to be understood by others with shared experience, you are welcome here.
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Memorial Day Cookout

Monday, May 25
1-5 PM: Hot Dogs & Burgers Served
Open 'til 7PM!

At the Oak Park Drop-In Center (814 Harrison St)
NAMI peers, staff, family, and community friends are welcome to attend!
Show your NAMI pride and wear your blue NAMI Drop-In shirt!
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HEAL Virtual Speaker Series, featuring NAMI Metro Suburban CEO, Shelly Lustrup

Friday, May 29
Topic: Mental Health Awareness & Peer Support

Each month, Blue Cross Blue Shield, alongside HCD International, hosts the HEAL (Health Education Advocacy Leadership) Virtual Speaker Series.
The HEAL Virtual Speaker Series is a monthly, 60-minute virtual webinar that brings together subject-matter experts, practitioners, and community leaders to explore issues impacting vulnerable populations and population health outcomes. Topics are selected based on relevance to health equity, systems change, and real-world impact.
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New Blog Post
Understanding Anxiety Disorders: When Worry Becomes More Than Normal Stress
The relationship between sleep problems and mental health conditions is well-documented and profound. When we don’t get enough sleep, our brains struggle to regulate emotions effectively, process stress, and maintain cognitive function.
Read the Blog →
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Emotional Well-Being Videos with Sesame Street
Sesame Workshop
Children who are healthy in mind, body, and heart can thrive in every way. Mental health IS health! Check out video resources from your childhood best friends.
View More →
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When Mother's Day isn't a joyful holiday, there are ways to cope
Heart.org
For many people, Mother's Day celebrates special relationships, reinforces family bonds or evokes fond, poignant memories.
But not for everyone. In some circumstances, the day of flowers and hugs and tributes to Mom can spark sadness, stress or even resentment.
Read More →
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