NAMI FRIENDS AND FAMILY - SATURDAY, NOV. 16, 2024
90 min. seminar for people who have loved ones with a mental health condition.
Tues, Sept. 17, 2024 from 4-6 pm - Tacos for our Community Heroes
Join us in celebrating the courageous work of our Local comnunity heroes.
NAMI Family to Family Beginning September 10 - October 3
Tuesdays & Thursdays for 4 weeks from 6:00-8:30 p.m.: Free, 8 sessions, educational class for family, significant others and friends of people with mental health conditions to learn there is hope and there is recovery.
NAMI Family to Family
Beginning September 10 - October 3
(Tuesdays & Thursdays for 4 weeks)
6:00-8:30 p.m.
Bremen Township Senior Complex
15350 Oak Park Ave, Oak Forest, IL 60452
NAMI Family-to-Family is a free, 8 sessions, educational class for family, significant others and friends of people with mental health conditions to learn there is hope and there is recovery.
NAMI Family-to-Family is taught by NAMI-trained family members who have been there, and includes presentations, discussions and interactive exercises. It is a designated, evidenced-based program. This means that research shows that the program significantly improves the coping and problem-solving abilities of the people closest to a person with a mental health condition.
What You’ll Gain - NAMI Family-to-Family not only provides information and strategies for taking care of the person you love, but you'll also find out that you're not alone. The group setting of NAMI Family-to-Family provides mutual support and shared positive impact—experience compassion and reinforcement from people who understand your situation. Sharing your own experience may help others in your class. In the program, you'll learn about:
Up-to-date information on mental health conditions and how they affect the brain
How to handle a crisis
Current treatments and therapies
How to solve problems and communicate effectively
Taking care of yourself and managing your stress
Supporting your loved one with compassion
Finding and using local supports and services
Registration is required. Contact Marianne Bithos (708) 385-9126 or email namisouthsuburbsofchicago@gmail.com
safeTALK Suicide Prevention Course: Friday Sept. 6, 2024 - 9:00am to 1:00pm
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. To bring about awareness, NAMI South Suburbs of Chicago and Sertoma Star Services has scheduled a safeTALK suicide prevention course. This course will help you to make a connection and help you to save a life.
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. To bring about awareness, NAMI South Suburbs of Chicago and Sertoma Star Services has scheduled a safeTALK suicide prevention course on Friday September 6, 2024 from 9:00am to 1:00pm.
This course will help you to make a connection and help you to save a life. We have to remember that suicide is preventable and anyone can make a difference. In this half day training you will learn suicide alertness skills and four basic steps to create a life-saving connection widely used by professionals and the general public.
Studies show that participants gain confidence:
Asking people about suicide directly
Connecting them to life-saving resources
Keeping them safe until those resources take over
We hope that you will join us for this very impactful course. Registration is required. Please email Lisa Guardiola at lguardiola@sertomastar.org to register or if you have any further questions.
Sat., Jan. 20, 2024 - NAMI Family and Friends
NAMI Family and Friends, a 90 minute seminar that informs people who have loved ones with a mental health condition or experiencing difficulty with mental health how best to support them.
NAMI South Suburbs of Chicago presents- NAMI Family & Friends
Saturday – January 20, 2024
10 – 12 noon
Bremen Township Senior Complex, Oak Forest, IL
15350 Oak Park Ave, Oak Forest, IL 60452
NAMI Family and Friends, a 90 minute seminar that informs people who have loved ones with a mental health condition or experiencing difficulty with mental health how best to support them. It is also an opportunity to meet other people in similar situations and gain community support.
This free program will be offered Saturday, January 20, 2024, 10 – 12 noon, at Bremen Senior Center, 15350 Oak Park Ave., Oak Forest, IL 60452. Register: namisouthsuburbsofchicago@gmail.com
What You’ll Learn
The seminar is led by trained people with lived experience of supporting a family member or friend with a mental health condition. They will walk you through the following topics –
Understanding diagnoses, treatment and recovery
Effective communication strategies
The importance of self care
Crisis preparation strategies
NAMI and community resources
What People Are Saying
“Hearing personal experiences and how relatable my experiences are to them was very helpful….. Learning that the illness is what can cause “cruelty” and poor decisions rather than the person…..
6/13/23 Virtual Education Meeting - "Beyond Food: Understanding Eating Disorders"
Join NAMI South Suburbs of Chicago and Timberline Knolls for a special virtual event on “Beyond Food: Understanding Eating Disorders”
5/13/23 2nd Annual Minds In Motion Moving for Mental Health Resource Fair and Fundraiser
NAMI South Suburbs of Chicago is pleased to announce their 2nd Annual Minds in Motion Moving for Mental Health resource fair and fundraiser on Saturday May 13, 2023. Join us in celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month at Bremen Township Senior Complex Located at 15350 Oak Park Avenue, Oak Forest, IL 60452 from 1:00pm to 5:00pm for some good family fun. If you have any questions about the event please contact NAMI South Suburbs of Chicago at 1-708-852-9126 or email us at namisouthsuburbsofchicago@gmail.com WE hope to see you there!
NAMI South Suburbs of Chicago is pleased to announce their 2nd Annual Minds in Motion Moving for Mental Health resource fair and fundraiser on Saturday May 13, 2023. Join us in celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month at Bremen Township Senior Complex Located at 15350 Oak Park Avenue, Oak Forest, IL 60452 from 1:00pm to 5:00pm for some good family fun. If you have any questions about the event please contact NAMI South Suburbs of Chicago at 1-708-852-9126 or email us at namisouthsuburbsofchicago@gmail.com WE hope to see you there!
Resource Fair Community Partners Hosting Tables
UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial
Advocate South Suburbs Hospital
Timberline Knolls
NYAP - National Youth Advocate Program
Kirby Rehabilitation - The Comfort Zone
Lyons Club
Cook County Health
AFSP - American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Sertoma Centre
Trinity Services
Envision
10/29 NAMI Homefront for Veterans In-Person Event
What is NAMI Homefront:
A FREE educational program for families, caregivers, and friends of military service members and veterans with mental health conditions taught by trained NAMI volunteers - family members who know what it’s like to have a relative living with mental health challenges.
What you will learn in NAMI Homefront:
• Care for yourself and manage your stress
• Support your family member effectively with compassion
• Stay informed on the latest research and information on mental health, including PTSD, traumatic brain injury, anxiety, depression and substance use
• Understand current treatments and evidence-based therapies
• Navigate the challenges of mental health conditions on the family
• Manage a crisis, solve problems, and communicate effectively
When: Saturdays: October 29, November 5, & 12
Where: St. Luke Orthodox Church 10700 Kean Ave, Palos Hills, IL 60465
Event Time: 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Co-Teachers: Howard & Michaelyn Sloan
Please call or email for more information and to REGISTER
caprillife@gmail.com or (815) 630-0736
10/22 Sharing Hope In-Person Session
NAMI South Suburbs of Chicago, NAMI SSC, is proud to be part of NAMI Illinois initiative at the local level. NAMI SSC will launch its effort to outreach to underrepresented communities by offering Sharing Hope sessions designed specifically for Black/African American communities.
Sharing Hope is a three-part short video series that explores the journey of mental wellness in Black/African American through dialogue, storytelling, and a guided discussion on the following topics: Youth and Mental Wellness, Community Leaders and Mental Wellness, Black Families and Mental Wellness.
There will be an in person Sharing Hope session that will take place on Saturday, October 22, 2022, from 1pm until 4pm at the New Pasadena MB Church located at 11300 S. Indiana Ave. Chicago IL, 60628. There will be a resource fair from 1pm until 2pm, Sharing Hope will begin immediately at 2pm and will be followed by a workshop entitled iEmpower Renewed Mindsets sponsored by iEmpower Mental Health Awareness, LLC.
10/14 - 10/15 NAMI Illinois State Conference: Building Unity In Our Communities
After two years of gathering virtually, NAMI Illinois is excited to welcome leaders from across Illinois to Palos Hills on Friday-Saturday, October 14-15, to reconnect, recharge, and rethink the future of mental health in Illinois.
Building Unity in Our Communities: Taking Illinois Mental Health to the Next Level explores what it will take to make Illinois the nation's most caring, comprehensive mental health community. Join Illinois' most committed advocates, family members, care providers, policymakers, corporate partners, and people living with mental health conditions for two motivating days of learning and action.
Early bird registration ends September 15. Discounts are provided for people who live with a mental health condition. Need-based scholarships are also available, and Continuing Education Units are available at no additional cost. Registration fees include a light breakfast and box lunch.
When: Friday, October 14 - Saturday, October 15
Event Time: 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM CST
Where: Moraine Valley Community College Conference Center, 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills, IL 60465
Questions? email conference@namiillinois.org
10/10 Sharing Hope Webinar
NAMI South Suburbs of Chicago, NAMI SSC, is proud to be part of NAMI Illinois initiative at the local level. NAMI SSC will launch its effort to outreach to underrepresented communities by offering Sharing Hope sessions designed specifically for Black/African American communities.
Sharing Hope is a three-part short video series that explores the journey of mental wellness in Black/African American through dialogue, storytelling, and a guided discussion on the following topics: Youth and Mental Wellness, Community Leaders and Mental Wellness, Black Families and Mental Wellness.
Join NAMI SSC for its first Sharing Hope session in honor of World Mental Health Day on Monday, October 10, 2022, from 6:00pm until 7:00pm. This session will take place virtually via Zoom.
10/8 Light The Night for Mental Wellness Event
Light the Night for Mental Wellness is a community event that included a Suicide Prevention Workshop, Substance Abuse Resources, and information on how to Manage Stress and Anxiety with a candellight vigil at dusk. Admission is FREE with refreshments and raffle.
When: Saturday October 8, 2022
Event Time: 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Where: Sergeant Means Park 20712 Western Ave. Olympia Fields, IL 60461
Register by email: helplightthenight2022@gmail.com
10/8 NAMI South Suburbs of Chicago announces third annual fundraiser – Burgers for Blankets
NAMI South Suburbs of Chicago is hosting its third annual BURGERS FOR BLANKETS fundraiser on Saturday, October 8, 1 – 6 p.m. at Perros Bros, 3770 Lincoln Highway, Olympia Fields, IL 60461. NAMI South Suburbs of Chicago would like to thank Perros Bros for donating all 200 burgers for the event. The winter months can be hard for those in the homeless population. Many who live without housing also live with a mental health condition so please help NAMI South Suburbs of Chicago spread the warmth this fall/winter season. Blankets will be donated to Sertoma Centre Inc. Homeless Outreach Program and South Suburban PADS.
We are giving away 200 free burgers for the first 200 NEW blankets donated on the day of the event. Donate a blanket and get a free burger! For more information or to reserve your burger/s email the number of blankets you will bring to Perros Brothers the day of the event on October 8th at burgersforblankets22@gmail.com.
NAMI South Suburbs of Chicago is an affiliate of NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness and advocating for access to services, treatment, supports, and research. NAMI is steadfast in its commitment to raising awareness, building a community of hope for all of those in need, and providing essential education, advocacy and support group programs for people living with mental illness and their loved ones.
Additional information available at burgersforblankets22@gmail.com
Find us on Facebook – NAMI South Suburbs of Chicago
5/17/22 FREE IN-PERSON safeTALK Suicide Prevention Training
NAMI South Suburbs of Chicago and Sertoma Centre are co-sponsoring this FREE In-Person Training. safeTALK is a half-day training in suicide alertness that helps participants recognize a person with thoughts of suicide and support them.
Most people with thoughts of suicide don’t want to die—instead, they are looking for a way to work through the pain in their lives. Through their words and actions, they usually invite others to help them in making a choice for life. safeTALK teaches participants to recognize these invitations, engage with the person with thoughts of suicide, and connect them with resources to help them be safer from suicide. These resources could include health care professionals, first responders, or crisis line workers—among many others who have suicide intervention training.
SafeTALK helps participants become alert to suicide. Suicide-alert people are better prepared to connect persons with thoughts of suicide with life-affirming help. Over the course of their training, safeTALK participants will learn to:
• Notice and respond to situations where suicide thoughts may be present,
• Recognize that invitations for help are often overlooked,
• Move beyond the common tendency to miss, dismiss, and avoid suicide,
• Apply the TALK steps: Tell, Ask, Listen, KeepSafe
• Know community resources and how to connect someone with thoughts of suicide to them for further suicide-safer help.
Date: Tuesday May 17, 2022
Time: 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Location: Bremen Township Senior Complex
15350 Oak Park Avenue
Oak Forest, IL 60452
Link to Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-safetalk-suicide-prevention-training-tickets-333041795977
For more information, please contact Lisa Guardiola at lguardiola@sertomacentre.org or Call 1-708-638-8394
5/14/22 NAMI South Suburbs of Chicago - Minds In Motion Moving for Mental Health Resource Fair and Fundraiser
NAMI South Suburbs of Chicago is hosting their first ever Minds In Motion Moving For Mental Health Resource Fair and Fundraiser on Saturday May 14, 2022 from 1:00pm - 5:00pm in celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month. This will be a fun event for the whole family to enjoy. We are hosting a resource fair and have invited many community organizations to increase attendees mental health literacy and bring down the stigma associated with mental illness. Help us to raise funds in our Hot Dogs 4 A Hug Fundraiser where you can purchase a hot dog, bag of chips, pop, and a cookie for only $5.00 dollars. We will also have fun activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Arts and Crafts Table for Youth
Face Painting
Zumba Fun for Kids
Chair Yoga
Minds In Motion Event Walk
Community Resource Fair
Date: Saturday May 14, 2022
Time: 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Location: Bremen Township Senior Complex
15350 Oak Park Avenue
Oak Forest, IL 60452
For more information about the event please contact Marianne Bithos: namisouthsuburbsofchicago@gmail.com or Call 708-852-9126
5/12/22 FREE IN-PERSON Overview of Mental Illness Training
NAMI South Suburbs of Chicago and Sertoma Centre are co-sponsoring this FREE In-Person Training. This is a two hour overview of mental illness that helps one recognize signs and symptoms and how to support loved ones with a diagnosis. Approximately 1 out of 5 adults, or 45.6 million people in a given year is living with a mental illness. There is no health without Mental Health.
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:
• Have a basic overview of anxiety, PTSD, depression, bi-polar disorder, and schizophrenia
• Identify the signs and symptoms of each disorder
• Understand risk factors and protective factors of mental illness
• Learn strategies for supporting Individuals with a mental health condition
DATE: Thursday May 12, 2022
TIME: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: Bremen Township Senior Complex
15350 Oak Park Avenue
Oak Forest, IL 60452
Link to Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-overview-of-mental-illness-training-tickets-333342375017
For more information, please contact Lisa Guardiola at lguardiola@sertomacentre.org or Call 1-708-638-8394
5/10/22 - 6/2/22 FREE IN-PERSON NAMI Family to Family Class
NAMI Family-to-Family is a free, 12-session educational program for family, significant others and friends of people living with mental illness. The class is taught by NAMI-trained family members of loved ones who live with mental illness, and it includes presentations, discussion and interactive exercises.
NAMI Family-to-Family not only provides critical information and strategies for taking care of the person you love. The group setting also provides mutual support, compassion and reinforcement from people who understand your situation.
Recovery is a journey, and there is hope.
NAMI Family-to-Family covers:
how to manage crises, solve problems and communicate effectively
taking care of yourself and managing your stress
developing the confidence and stamina to provide support with compassion
finding and using local supports and services
up-to-date information on mental health conditions and how they affect the brain
current treatments, including evidence-based therapies, medications and side effects
the impact of mental illness on the entire family
Date: Tuesday May 10th through Thursday June 2nd
Time: 6:30pm – 9:00pm
Location: Bremen Township Senior Center
15350 Oak Park Avenue
Oak Forest, IL, 60452
Class meets twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday beginning Tuesday May 10th through Thursday June 2nd
For more information or to register for the class, please contact Marianne Bithos: namisouthsuburbsofchicago@gmail.com or Call 708-852-9126
FREE Virtual Youth Mental Health First Aid Training February 23, 2022
2/23/2022 FREE VIRTUAL YOUTH Mental Health First Aid Training Co-Sponsored by NAMI South Suburbs of Chicago and Sertoma Centre
Sertoma Centre and NAMI South Suburbs of Chicago are co-sponsoring a Virtual Youth Mental Health First Aid course on Wednesday February 23, 2022.
A youth that you know could be experiencing a mental health of substance sue problem. Would you know how to support them? Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches adults who work with youth and adolescents to notice the signs and symptoms of some of the more prevalent mental health conditions that a youth or adolescent may experience . It then provides them with the tools and an action plan to provide support to a youth or adolescent experiencing a mental health challenge.
The course includes a 2 hour self-study part that must be completed before the 4 1/2 hour instructor-led virtual class.
In order to register for the class, you must be over the age of 18 and willing to complete both the self-study part as well attend the instructor led 4 1/2 hour Zoom class. The self-study part will need to be completed by Monday February 21, 2022
Must register by Monday January 31, 2022
To Register Contact Lisa Guardiola at 1-708-638-8394 or email lguardiola@sertomacentre.org
FREE Virtual Adult Mental Health First Aid Training February 16, 2022
2/16/2022 FREE VIRTUAL ADULT Mental Health First Aid Training Co-Sponsored by NAMI South Suburbs of Chicago and Sertoma Centre
Sertoma Centre and NAMI South Suburbs of Chicago is co-sponsoring a virtual Mental Health First Aid class on Wednesday February 16, 2022.
A person you know could be experiencing a mental health and substance use problem. Would you know now to support them? Mental Health First Aid is a virtual class that teaches participants the signs and symptoms of some of the more prevalent mental illnesses as well as an action plan to provide support to a person experiencing mental health challenges.
The course includes a 2 hour self-study part that must be completed before the 4 1/2 hour instructor-led virtual class.
In order to register for the class, you must be over the age of 18 and willing to complete both the self-study as well as attend the instructor led 41/2 hour Zoom class. The self-study part will need to be completed by Monday February 14, 2022.
Must register by Monday January 24, 2022 THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT
To Register Contact Lisa Guardiola at 1-708-638-8394 or email lguardiola@sertomacentre.org
NAMI South Suburbs of Chicago 2021 Annual Board Meeting November 4th at 6:30PM
11/4/2021 NAMI South Suburbs of Chicago Annual Board Meeting - NAMI South Suburbs of Chicago will be holding our annual open board meeting on Tuesday November 4, 2021 at 6:30pm virtually this year via ZOOM. We will be reporting on what our affiliate has accomplished this year and electing our board members. If you would like more information or like to attend please contact Marianne Bithos at namisouthsuburbsofchicago@gmail.com or via our affiliate phone number at 1-708-852-9126
11/4/2021 NAMI South Suburbs of Chicago Annual Board Meeting - NAMI South Suburbs of Chicago will be holding our annual open board meeting on Tuesday November 4, 2021 at 6:30pm virtually this year via ZOOM. We will be reporting on what our affiliate has accomplished this year and electing our board members. If you would like more information or like to attend please contact Marianne Bithos at namisouthsuburbsofchicago@gmail.com or via our affiliate phone number at 1-708-852-9126
