 |
|
|
|
Hi ,
In just a few weeks, Gallery Park will be full of neighbors, families, and friends all walking for the same reason.
NAMIWalks CCNS returns on Saturday, October 10, and we want you there with us.
NAMIWalks is more than a walk — it's a movement. Every step funds the free mental health programs our community depends on, like support groups, Family-to-Family classes, and advocacy that reaches families across the north suburbs.
This week is also the perfect time to register. Register by Friday, September 25, and you’ll automatically be entered to win a NAMIWalks blanket through NAMI National!
We've raised over $33,000 so far, putting us 66% of the way to our $50,000 goal. That's amazing progress, and it's because of people like you. But we still have ground to cover, and we're counting on our community to help us close the gap before October 10.
This is a chance to stand with your neighbors and say that mental health matters, that no one should face it alone, and that support should be free and accessible to anyone who needs it. Whether you walk, donate, form a team, or simply spread the word, every bit of support moves us closer to the finish line.
In other news, we're also partnering with the Stephen Sexton Training Institute and Maryville Academy for a seminar on how supportive relationships and community resources help children and families build resilience in the face of adversity — with our own Heather Kendall joining the panel. It's a wonderful chance for professionals, caregivers, and neighbors alike to learn together.
Keep reading for everything you need to know, including how easy it is to start your own NAMIWalks team.
With gratitude,
Dr. Laura Piel Martín
Executive Director, NAMI CCNS
Keep reading for all the details on what's ahead. |
|
|
|
|
 |
Let's Walk Together at NAMIWalks |
Some of the most powerful moments at NAMIWalks happen in teams — coworkers walking together, families honoring a loved one, or friends showing up for each other. Starting a team is one of the easiest ways to multiply your impact, and it takes just a few minutes.
How to start your team:
- Register at namiwalks.org/ccns and choose to start a new team.
- Name your team in memory of someone, after your workplace, or just something that makes you smile.
- Set a team goal and personalize your team page to share why you're walking.
- Invite others by sharing your team page link directly or through social media.
- Fundraise together using the free NAMIWalks fundraising app to track progress and send reminders as October 10 approaches.
Already have a team in mind? No team is too small — even two or three people walking side by side makes a difference. And if you'd rather join an existing team, you can search for one at registration or ask a friend for their team name.
However you walk, every team that registers helps push us closer to our $50,000 goal, and every new teammate is one more person standing up for mental health in our community. Start or join a team today! |
| Register now |
 |
ACEs Seminar: Helping Families Build Resilience |
|
How can adverse childhood experiences and toxic stress affect children’s health and development?
Join Maryville Academy and the Stephen Sexton Training Institute for a program and panel discussion on Thursday, Oct. 1, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., at Maryville Academy's Stevens Center, 1150 N. River Road, Des Plaines.
Prevention specialist Jennifer Samartano will explore how ACEs affect children's health and development and how supportive relationships and community resources help build resilience. The program includes a screening of Resilience: The Biology of Stress and the Science of Hope, followed by a panel discussion on trauma-informed care featuring experts across mental health, early childhood development, and counseling — including our own Heather Kendall, senior program manager.
Continuing Education Units are available. Don’t miss this great opportunity for professionals, caregivers, and community members to deepen their understanding of childhood trauma and connect with peers in the field. |
| Register now |
|
|
 |
Help Us Reach Our Fundraising Goal — Donate to NAMIWalks Today |
|
NAMIWalks is coming up, and we're 66% of the way to our $50,000 goal! Every dollar raised goes directly toward free programs like Family-to-Family, support groups, and mental health education right here in our community, where more families than ever are turning to NAMI CCNS for support.
You can make an impact today: donate directly, set a personal fundraising goal, or ask friends and family to support your walk or team. If you haven't registered, there's still time to walk, join a team, or start one of your own.
Every step at the NAMI Walk helps fund free programs like Family-to-Family, support groups, and mental health education across our community. Whether you walk solo, join a team, or simply donate, you help ensure support is there for anyone who needs it. |
|
Ready to help us hit our goal?
Click the button below to donate, register, or start fundraising for your team today. |
| Register, Donate, or Form a Team Here |
|
Questions about NAMIWalks? We're here to help you every step of the way — reach out to Reema Saleh at reema@namiccns.org. |
|
Help Us Spread the Word
Not everyone reading this will donate today, but almost everyone can help us close the gap by sharing. Forward this newsletter to a family member, post about NAMIWalks in your workplace channels, social media, or simply mention it to a friend. Every donation, big or small, brings us closer to our $50,000 goal — and reaching new donors starts with you talking about it.
We're counting on your support to close the gap this year. Thank you for being part of it. |
|
|
|
Thank You to NAMIWalks Event Sponsor, Open Flow Acupuncture! |
 |
|
|
|
We Want to Partner with You!
NAMI CCNS is Still Accepting New Sponsors for NAMIWalks. |
|
Every year, businesses across our community help make NAMIWalks possible, and their support does more than fund a single event. Sponsorship dollars go directly toward free programs like Family-to-Family, support groups, and mental health education that families in our area rely on year-round. In return, sponsors gain visibility with hundreds of engaged community members, along with recognition across our event materials and communications.
If your business or employer is interested in becoming a NAMIWalks sponsor this year, reach out to Laura Piel Martín at laura@namiccns.org or Reema Saleh at reema@namiccns.org and we'll send over our sponsorship packet with all the details.
Prefer a different way to get involved? Businesses can also support us through in-kind donations or by forming a company walk team for event day. |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
September Recurring Support Groups & Programs |
|
Whether you're living with a mental health condition or supporting someone who is, NAMI Cook County North Suburban offers free support groups throughout September. All programs are free, confidential, and led by trained facilitators with lived experience. |
 |
|
|
|
NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group
NAMI Connections is a free, peer-led support group program for adults working on mental health recovery. You will gain insight from hearing the challenges and successes of others. The groups are led by NAMI-trained facilitators who’ve been there.
Online - NAMI Connection Recovery ZOOM Links
-
Mondays | 4:00–5:30 PM
-
Saturdays | 4:00–5:30 PM
|
|
|
|
NAMI Veterans Support Group
This support group is for veterans living with a mental illness or mental health issues and Gold Star Families. Share problems you are facing and learn how others have dealt with the same issues. In a confidential environment, share your concerns and ask questions about housing, medications, government programs, therapists, transitioning from military to civilian life and anything else troubling you. You can talk with no fear of stigma or shame. No registration, just walk in. You will be welcomed!
In Person - Click Here for Meeting Details
|
|
|
|
NAMI Family Support Group
NAMI’s Family Support Group is a peer-led support group for any adult with a loved one who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. Gain insight from the challenges and successes of others facing similar experiences.
Online - NAMI Family Support ZOOM Links
Hybrid (In Person & Online) - NAMI Family Support ZOOM Links and Meeting Info
|
|
|
|
NAMI Balance for Success
This support group is designed to balance recovery from a mental illness with life at college or work. Focus is on the challenges that come with balancing the everyday pressures of work or college life and living with a diagnosed mental illness.
Online - NAMI Balance for Success ZOOM Links
|
|
|
|
Grief & Loss Support Group
When a person with mental illness is no longer with us, it’s natural to grieve. Through the Grief and Support group, participants find healthy ways of remembering and honoring someone they care about. You will find a community of others who understand your pain, and like you, are learning to let go, needing to let go of blame and becoming whole again.
Online - NAMI Grief & Loss ZOOM Links
|
| Click Here to View Full NAMI CCNS Event & Program Calendar |
|
|
|
|
 |
Help Us Continue to Serve Our Community
There are so many ways to help us continue serving our community — and every one of them makes a difference.
Become a Teacher
Sign up to become a Family-to-Family or Peer-to-Peer Teacher and help guide others through their mental health journey.
Email hkendall@namiccns.org to learn more.
Volunteer
Lend a hand at NAMIWalks or one of our other community events — we couldn't do it without volunteers like you.
Email kendra@namiccns.org to learn more.
Attend an Event
Join us at a NAMI CCNS event, support group, or class, and be part of building a stronger, more connected community.
Spread the Word
Share our mission with friends, family, and neighbors. Helping others learn about our resources is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to support our work.
Make a Donation
Your financial contribution directly supports our mission to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness through support, education, advocacy, and research. Everything we do at NAMI CCNS is only possible because of people like you.
On behalf of the NAMI CCNS Team and those we serve — thank you for being a vital part of our community!
To make a donation, click the button below. |
| Donate Today |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copyright © 2026 NAMI CCNS, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
NAMI CCNS
8324 Skokie Blvd
Skokie, Illinois 60077
United States
Our email address is:
hello@namiccns.org
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list. |
|
|
|
|
