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September 2026 Newsletter
Connection is Suicide Prevention
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September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month — a time to remember those we have lost, support those who have been impacted by suicide, and remind those who may be struggling that they are not alone.
Suicide prevention doesn't belong only to mental health professionals or crisis responders. We all have a role to play. A conversation, a check-in, a willingness to listen without judgment, or helping someone connect with support can make a meaningful difference.
Throughout September, NAMI Fond du Lac County is joining communities across the country in raising awareness, encouraging open conversations about mental health and suicide, and working to reduce the stigma that can prevent people from reaching out for help.
Every conversation matters. Every connection matters. Every step matters.
| | We're Stepping Up to Prevent Suicide! | | |
This month also marks the beginning of our Step Up to Prevent Suicide campaign, when members of our community will come together throughout September to raise awareness, remember lives lost, support those who are struggling, and help ensure that free mental health resources remain available right here in Fond du Lac County.
Our annual Step Up to Prevent Suicide campaign runs September 1–28 and combines movement, awareness, fundraising, and a little friendly competition in support of NAMI Fond du Lac County.
Throughout the four-week campaign, individuals and teams will track their miles while raising awareness and funds to support NAMI's free mental health education, support, and advocacy programs right here in Fond du Lac County.
And, of course, there's some friendly competition along the way! We'll be sharing weekly leaderboards throughout the month as participants compete for bragging rights — and trophies — for Most Miles, Most Funds Raised, and Best Team Name.
Not participating? You can still Step Up with us!
Follow along on social media throughout September, cheer on our participants, share our suicide prevention messages, or support a participant or team through their fundraising page.
Whether you're walking the miles, making a donation, sharing a post, or starting an important conversation about mental health, there are many ways to Step Up to Prevent Suicide.
Together, we're turning miles into awareness and awareness into action.
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Special Step Up Event:
March the Horicon Marsh
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Wednesday, September 23rd
6:00PM
Horicon Marsh Education & Visitor Center
N7725 Hwy 28, Horicon
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Join us for a special Step Up outing as we March the Horicon Marsh! Step Up participants, friends, family, and community members are invited to come together for a group walk through the beautiful Horicon Marsh while adding some miles to our suicide prevention efforts.
This walk is a chance to get moving, connect with others, and spend time outdoors — all while coming together around the important message behind Step Up. Whether you're participating in the full Step Up campaign or simply want to join us for the day, we'd love to have you walk alongside us. Step Up participants - don't forget to wear your Step Up shirts!
A special thank you to our Step Up Presenting Sponsor, Horicon Bank, for helping us turn every step into greater awareness for suicide prevention in our community.
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Survivors of Suicide Loss Support Group
The impact of suicide extends far beyond the individual who dies. For family members, friends, and loved ones left behind, grief after a suicide can bring a complicated mix of emotions and questions that can be difficult to navigate.
NAMI Fond du Lac County's Survivors of Suicide Loss Support Group provides a safe, confidential, and understanding space for adults who have lost someone to suicide. Led by trained facilitators who understand the unique experience of suicide loss, the group offers an opportunity to connect with others who have experienced a similar loss, share as much or as little as you are comfortable with, and find support without judgment.
There is no timeline for grief and no requirement that your loss be recent. Whether your loss occurred months ago or many years ago, you are welcome.
Like all NAMI Fond du Lac County support groups, Survivors of Suicide Loss is offered at no cost to participants. No one should have to navigate the grief of losing someone to suicide alone.
This group is offered the second Wednesday of every month from 6:00pm - 7:30pm at the NAMI Office: 86 S. Macy Street, Fond du Lac
| Back to School with Mental Health in Mind | |
A new school year can bring excitement, opportunities, and fresh routines — but it can also bring stress, uncertainty, and big emotions for children and teens.
As students adjust to new classrooms, teachers, schedules, friendships, and expectations, it's important to make mental health part of the back-to-school conversation. Some nervousness or stress during a transition is normal, but parents and caregivers can help by creating regular opportunities for kids to talk about how they're doing — not just academically, but emotionally and socially, too.
Try asking questions that go beyond “How was school?” Ask what made them laugh, what felt difficult, who they spent time with, or what they're looking forward to tomorrow. Sometimes the best conversations happen when the pressure to “have a conversation” is removed — in the car, during dinner, on a walk, or while doing something together.
As the school year gets underway, pay attention to significant or lasting changes in your child's mood, sleep, appetite, friendships, school performance, or interest in activities they normally enjoy. These changes don't always mean something is wrong, but they can be a good reason to check in and offer additional support.
Most importantly, remind the young people in your life that they don't have to have everything figured out, and they never have to struggle alone.
Mental Health Education in Our Schools
NAMI Fond du Lac County works with local schools to bring age-appropriate mental health education directly to students through Mental Health Chat for elementary-aged students and Ending the Silence for middle and high school students. Interested in bringing a NAMI presentation to your school?
Contact us to learn more.
| September Togetherness Event |
Family Friendly Movie Event
Join us at the Fond du Lac Public Library for a cozy movie day! Our September Togetherness Event will feature a FREE, family-friendly animated movie that can be enjoyed by all ages — and everyone in the community is welcome to join us.
The movie will be centered on emotions and will be followed by a casual discussion about emotions, mental wellness, and the experiences that bring us together.
We'll provide the movie and popcorn, so all you need to do is come, get comfortable, and enjoy the show! Come on your own, bring a friend, or invite the whole family — we'd love to have you!
This event is completely free and open to everyone!
Saturday, September 19th
10:00am - 12:00pm
Fond du Lac Public Library
McLane Meeting Room - Lower Level
| Because of copyright and licensing requirements, NAMI can't publicly state which movie we're showing. However, you can hop on over to the Fond du Lac Public Library's page to get a sneak peek at the movie title! | |
Our monthly Togetherness Events are designed to create safe, welcoming spaces where people can:
- Build social connection
- Engage in positive activities
- Learn about mental health in approachable ways
- Connect with local resources
Because no one should have to navigate mental health alone.
If you're interested in partnering with us for a future Togetherness Event, please reach out to Kim, our Grant & Fundraising Coordinator, at kimmiller@namifonddulac.org
| Mental Health Tip of the Month |
Name It to Tame It
When emotions feel overwhelming, one simple strategy can help:
name what you're feeling.
“Name It to Tame It” is the practice of identifying and putting words to an emotion instead of simply reacting to it. Rather than “I feel awful,” try getting more specific: “I'm feeling anxious,” “I'm disappointed,” “I'm overwhelmed,” or “I'm frustrated.”
Putting a name to what you're experiencing can help create a little distance between you and the emotion, making it easier to understand what you're feeling and decide what you need next.
Try it: When you notice a strong emotion, pause and ask yourself:
“What am I feeling right now?”
Then get as specific as you can.
You don't have to immediately fix the feeling. Sometimes naming it is the first step toward managing it.
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August was another busy month for NAMI Fond du Lac County! From connecting with students and families as they prepared for a new school year to spending time with community members at National Night Out and on the disc golf course, we had plenty of opportunities to share resources, build connections, and have some fun along the way.
National Night Out
We had a great time joining our community for National Night Out! Events like this give us an opportunity to meet people where they are, share information about NAMI's free programs and resources, and connect with community members of all ages.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hello, grab some resources, or learn a little more about NAMI Fond du Lac County!
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Back-to-School Registration Events
As students prepared to head back to the classroom, NAMI was out in the community helping make sure mental health was part of the back-to-school conversation.
We attended local back-to-school open house events to connect students and families with mental health information and resources and remind them that support is available throughout the school year.
We wish all of our local students, families, educators, and school staff a happy and healthy start to the new school year!
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Tackling the Stigma at Lambeau Field!
On Friday, August 28th, NAMI affiliates from across Wisconsin were invited to come together at the Packers Give Back Game at Lambeau Field!
NAMI representatives showed up in teal to “Tackle the Stigma” and help bring visibility to mental health awareness and the work being done by NAMI organizations in communities throughout our state.
We were proud to represent NAMI Fond du Lac County alongside our fellow Wisconsin affiliates and be part of a night that brought mental health awareness to one of Wisconsin's biggest stages. Thank you to the Green Bay Packers for the opportunity to come together, show our NAMI pride, and help tackle the stigma surrounding mental health! 💚💛
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August Togetherness Event
Disc Golf, Resource Fair, & Game Day
Mother Nature had other plans for our August Togetherness Event! We were able to get a few participants out on the course for some disc golf at Marian University before the rain rolled in and sent us indoors.
Thankfully, we had a backup plan! We pivoted to an indoor resource fair and board game day, where attendees could connect with local organizations, learn about community resources, play some games, and enjoy time together — all while staying dry!
A big thank you to Marian University and all of our community partners who joined us and were willing to roll with the weather. And, of course, thank you to everyone who came out to spend part of their Saturday with us,
rain or shine!
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We’re continuing to grow our community presence through events, educational content, and outreach efforts throughout Fond du Lac County.
Here’s how you can support our mission:
🌐 Visit our recently revamped website: namifonddulac.org
📱 Follow us on social media for updates and events
💬 Share our events with others who may benefit
💌 Invite others to attend Togetherness Events
🤝 Volunteer with us
👥 Become a member
💵 Consider making a donation to support local mental health programming
Every conversation, event, and connection helps reduce stigma and build a stronger, more supportive community.
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