2017 Reflections &
2018 Outlook for NAMI Oklahoma
A Note from Brandon Pettit, Executive Director of NAMI OK
It's that time of year when we set goals and resolutions. In the spirit of the New Year, NAMI Oklahoma is embarking on a 2018 Action Plan. The plan consists of four strategic goals which include detailed objectives placed in categorical timelines along with measurements of success for each goal. The entire plan is available to view on our newly updated website
www.namioklahoma.org, if the details interest you.
NAMI-Oklahoma board and staff members are excited about this plan and its alignment with our newly revised mission and vision statements. Yes, along with an updated website we now have fresh mission and vision statements:
- The mission of NAMI Oklahoma in partnership with its Affiliates is to improve the quality of life for individuals and families affected by mental illness through support, education and advocacy.
- NAMI Oklahoma envisions a stigma-free world where all people affected by mental illness get the help, hope and support that they need.
It's been an eventful year for NAMI Oklahoma and we feel great about the foundation that we have created with our revised mission and vision statements, updated website, re-located office space and 2018 Action Plan. We look forward to effectively fulfilling our mission and wish everyone a prosperous and healthy 2018!
Brandon Pettit
Executive Director of NAMI Oklahoma
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NAMIWalks OK - Heroes are Among Us
NAMIWalks is Oklahoma's largest mental illness awareness walk and fundraiser. It's a
fun way to bring together the community, raise awareness, and smash stigma.
This year's walk is Saturday, June 2 at Myriad Gardens in Oklahoma City.
Our special theme is "Heroes are Among Us." We'll be shining the spotlight on our everyday heroes that are super supporters, stigma smashers, and those living bravely with mental health conditions.
Speaking of super supporters.... we have sponsorship opportunities for individuals and organizations that would like to make a positive impact! Learn more about it
here or contact Trisha at [email protected]
If you'd like to take part in the behind the scenes magic that makes the walk successful consider serving on our walk committee - if you're interested contact Trisha at [email protected]
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Upcoming Teacher Training
NAMI Basics Teacher Training - February 24 & 25 in Oklahoma City
IT'S TIME to train more teachers to successfully reach all Oklahoman parents who are affected by childhood mental illness and expand NAMI Basics Classes. To be eligible to attend NAMI Basics Teacher Training the person must be a parent or primary caregiver of a child who experienced emotional or behavioral difficulties prior to age 13.
NAMI Basics Teacher Training equips volunteer teachers to present NAMI Basics - a free, six session program that is designed for parents and primary caregivers of children with emotional and behavioral difficulties. The teacher plays an important role in helping parents and caregivers of children understand the illnesses that are causing behavioral difficulties, and the critical role families play in the treatment of those illnesses.
NAMI Oklahoma is presenting a FREE intensive two-day training weekend for those interested in becoming a NAMI Basics Class Teacher!
Training will be held Saturday, February 24 and Sunday, February 25 8:30 am - 6:00 pm in Oklahoma City. Lunch is included both days.
REGISTER HERE FOR NAMI BASICS TEACHER TRAINING
NAMI Family-to-Family Teacher Training - February 9-11 IN OKC
This February, NAMI Oklahoma is providing training for those individuals that wish to become a NAMI Family-to-Family Teacher.
Prospective teachers must
be family members (parents, siblings, adult children, spouses or partners) of individuals living with mental illness. Ideally will have taken the NAMI Family-to-Family course, but this is not required.
Once trained, the volunteer teacher will be equipped to deliver NAMI Family-to-Family - a free, 12-session education program for family, partners, friends and significant others of adults living with mental illness.
NAMI Oklahoma is offering NAMI Family-to-Family training Friday, February 9 - Sunday, Feburary 11. The first two days are full days and the third is a half day training.
The training is FREE of charge. Class size is limited!
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UPCOMING CLASSES FOR FAMILY MEMBERS
NAMI Family-to-Family
NAMI Family-to-Family is a FREE, 12-session education program for family, partners, friends and significant others of adults living with mental illness. It is a designated evidence-based program. Research shows that the program significantly improves the coping and problem-solving abilities of the people closest to an individual living with a mental health condition.
NAMI Family-to-Family is taught by NAMI trained family members who have been there, and includes presentations, discussion and interactive exercises.
Upcoming Classes
Tulsa
January 13 - March 31
Saturdays 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
LOCATION: NAMI Tulsa office
708 S. Boston Ave.
To Register contact: NAMI Tulsa (918)587-6264
Edmond
January 15 - April 2
Mondays 6:00 8:30pm
Location: Crossings Community Church
14600 N Portland, Oklahoma City
To Register contact:
NAMI Edmond - N OKC 405-408-0886
Norman
February 12 - May 8 (no class 3/20)
Tuesdays 6 - 8:30pm
Location: Norman North High School
NAMI Homefront
NAMI Homefront is a free, six-session education program for family, friends, and significant others of military service members and veterans with mental health conditions. It focuses on the unique needs of military and veteran communities, such as post-deployment and post-discharge transitions.
Upcoming Class
February 21 - March 28 or April 11 (depending on the needs of the class)
Wednesday evenings 6:00 - 8:30pm
Location: NAMI Oklahoma
3812 N Santa Fe Ave, Suite 305, Oklahoma City
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Support Groups
For Those with a Mental Health Condition
NAMI Connection
is a recovery support group for people living with mental illness. These groups provide an ongoing opportunity to discuss the challenges of living with mental illness and the techniques for maintaining wellness.
Click here for a list of current Connection Support Groups.
For Those with a Loved One with a Mental Health Condition
NAMI Family Support Groups, offered by NAMI Oklahoma Affiliates in communities
across the state, are free, confidential and safe groups for families helping other families
who live with mental health challenges. In NAMI Family Support Groups, families join a
caring group of individuals helping one another by utilizing their collective lived
experiences and learned wisdom. Family members can achieve a renewed sense
of hope for their loved one who has mental illness, ranging from ADHD to schizophrenia.
Click here
for a list of current Family Support Groups.
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ED Talks
NAMI Edmond - N OKC presents ED Talks the
second Tuesday of ever
y month, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm at Oakwood Springs
13101 Memorial Springs Court, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
. ED Talks are free and open to the public!
January 9
Problem Solving
- Jackie Mashore, NAMI Edmond - N OKC
February 13
The Role of Police in Mental Health
- MSgt Lori Osborn, AOT & CIT Officer
March 13
Thriving Through Stressful Times
- Dr. Lisa Marotta, Clinical Psychologist
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Recommended Parent Resource
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As a parent we sometimes need a resource to help us in our parenting.
Ross Greene's web site
www.livesinthebalance.org
has information for both parents and educators. His philosophy that "kids do well if they can" is the basis for Dr. Greene's books and website.
Well behaved kids have the skills to handle life's challenges in an adaptive fashion. Behaviorally challenged kids are lacking important thinking skills. The skills lacking are not necessarily academic skills, but rather skills such as regulating one's emotions, considering the outcomes of one's actions before acting, understanding how one's behavior is affecting other people, and having the words to let people know something's bothering you. In a sense it is a developmental delay in these areas. Identifying the area and then purposefully teaching the skill will help improve the behavior.
Dr. Greene has written the books, "The Explosive Child", "Lost at School", "Lost and Found", and "Raising Human Beings". His books offer parents a different approach for challenging behaviors. It also describes the collaborative problem- solving approach. Parents may also find sharing the books and web site with their child's teacher is helpful.
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If you have information that you would like to have included in the Spring Newsletter please send the information to Trisha at [email protected] no later than March 15th.
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