NAMI Marion County E-Newsletter
Volume 1 Issue 9 October 2018
NAMI Marion County, P.O. Box 5753, Ocala, Florida 34478-5753
(352) 368-2405 www.namiocala.org
NAMI Marion County is ensuring that all Marion County residents have access to mental health services....here's how...
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Support groups are free, confidential, respectful and supportive.
No registration is necessary for support groups.
 
The Connection Recovery Support Group (for people diagnosed with a mental illness): Meets at First United Methodist Church, 1126 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, on the first and third Tuesday of every month at 2 p.m. in the Old Fellowship Hall (on the northwest side of the campus, downstairs).
 
The NAMI Family Support Groups (for family/friends of people diagnosed with a mental illness):

1) Meets every first and third Tuesday of the month at First United Methodist Church of Ocala, Room #17, 1126 E. Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, at 7:00 p.m. in Building D (in the courtyard) Note: October 16 meeting is cancelled.
 
2) Meets on the second Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in St. Timothy's RC Church Hall, Room #7, 1351 Paige Place, Lady Lake. Note: November 12 meeting is cancelled.
NAMI Marion County at the 2nd Annual Ocala Recovery Fest
We were we so proud to have one of our peers, Krystofer Grindle, speak at the Recovery Fest. Everyone was so inspired by what he had to say that we are sharing his speech here in his words:

At the age of 4, or 5, or 6, I can't really remember, I broke into what I much later found out in my life was Schizoaffective Disorder.
School was a struggle to me. While many other kids were having the best days of their life, I was trying to just graduate. At the age of 15, I broke into a severe Psychotic state, and was forced to move from my father's home in Washington State, to Florida, where the laws allowed minors to be put on Atypical Antipsychotics. I then found out some insight into what was going on in my brain, thanks to my mother and uncle. Things were going ok for a while, I got my high school diploma, a job, and eventually graduated 2 year college.
I tried for a 4 year degree, and that is when I faced another Psychotic Breakdown. At this point in my life is when I started applying for disability, and found an organization called NAMI, or National Alliance on Mental Illness. For the first time in my life, I was with other people just like me; people taking one day at a time while managing their disorder. I took the courses, joined the support groups, and started to volunteer.
Helping NAMI in its efforts to debunk stigma was not just what I consider a calling, but also personal. When I was going through school, the few friends I had, we stuck together and had each others' backs. This was like a continuation of this.
NAMI focuses on 3 things, Advocacy, Education, and Empowerment. We advocate for the rights of the mentally ill, educate anyone willing to listen to the reality of mental illness, and empower those who are ill. (Note: Krystofer Grindle is a Connection Recovery Support Group Leader, NAMI Marion County.)


NAMI MARION COUNTY APPRECIATES THE SUPPORT OF:
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 Never give up on someone with a mental illness.

When "I" is replaced by "we," illness becomes wellness.
Knowledge is Power:
How can you identify the signs of mental illness?
People often turn to their faith as a source of solace and support in their most stressful moments. In fact, some groups such as the elderly and minority groups may be more likely to look to their faith for help than to family, friends and the health care system. NAMI Marion County is working closely through the FaithNet Program to reach out to area places of worship. If you belong to a faith-based organization and would like us to speak to your group about mental illness signs, symptoms and help, please contact Gerry Brent at (352) 368-2405 or send an e-mail to [email protected] - For more information, go to:
https://www.nami.org/NAMIFaithnet
Speakers Available!
In our continuing effort to stop the stigma associated with mental illness, NAMI Marion County has speakers available who can explain what it is, what causes it, and how you can help yourself or people you love. Call us at (352) 368-2405 or send an e-mail [email protected]
  • Donate money
  • Donate a brick
  • Donate a slab
  • Donate a bench
  • Donate a car
  • Donate a building
Honor a loved one and support NAMI's mission at the same time!
The holidays are coming. Unfortunately, not all of our loved ones will be celebrating with us. You can still remember them at that time. Donate in memoriam to someone dear to you. * A brick can be embossed with the wording of your choice and placed at The Centers. * A Granite Recognition slab can include a logo or artwork making this a special way to show your support. * Memorial benches are available with a brass plaque for your special engraving requests. Ask for more information and pricing or visit our website at www.namiocala.org (click on Donate).
Facebook user? NAMI Marion County. Visit our page and
"like" us today!
Visit our website! Information is kept informative and dynamic. Check it out! www.namiocala.org
NAMI Marion County has a warmline to provide information and resources for people affected by mental illness? Just call (352) 368-2405 and leave a message and someone will return your call. This is not a hotline - no crises please!

BECOME A NAMI MARION VOLUNTEER AND GET A T-SHIRT!
( Front & back of shirt modeled by our wonderful member and volunteer, Holly.)

Wear it loud and proud to show our community that you are not just standing by but rather helping to stop the stigma of mental illness and helping people affected by mental illness. We can't do it alone.

On our website www.namiocala.org, you will find a listing of volunteer opportunities as well as a volunteer application. Please review the information and submit an application.

Together we can make an impact on mental health in Marion County, our state and our country.
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT DOING A NAMI WALKS IN MAY 2019!
Every journey begins with a first step.

NAMIWalks brings together people of all ages and fitness levels for a fun 5K walk event. Those who are unable to walk with us are welcome to register and participate as a volunteer or “virtual walker.” We'll need lots of volunteers!

Thank you to the volunteers who helped with the Mental Wellness Now: Help & Hope screenings September 17-21.
 JOIN NAMI!
Membership fees are $40 individual, $60 household, or open door membership is $5. Visit our website to keep up-to-date on NAMi services and activities, and to join, update or renew your membership at www.namiocala.org 


Be a "friend" at The Vines and/or The Centers.

People are often confused and concerned when they arrive at The Vines or The Centers. You can be a smiling face and help NAMI Marion County inform patients and their families about NAMI membership, advocacy, support groups and education classes. We need people to take two-hour shifts during the week in the Outpatient Department lobbies of both hospitals. Training provided! Shifts are two hours each between 10 am and 4 pm weekdays.

Ask us about NAMI IN THE LOBBY volunteer opportunities.



MENTAL WELLNESS NOW UPDATE!

We were at five public libraries Sept. 17-21 (Belleview, Dunnellon, Forest, Fort McCoy & Freedom) doing adult mental wellness screenings and counseling. The next screenings will be offered as part of health-related events in the outlying areas of Marion County. Keep an eye on our newsletter for more information. If you know of an upcoming event, please contact Gerry at [email protected]



Families of Military Veterans:
NAMI Homefront

NAMI Homefront is a free, online six-session class for NAMI members who are family, friends and significant others of Military Service Members and Veterans. It helps families comprehend what the Military Service Member/Veteran is experiencing to enable them to help.

USE THE FOLLOWING LINK TO REGISTER*
  *All participants are screened to ensure this class is appropriate for their needs.
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