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Hi ,
It's Mental Illness Awareness Week, and this year's theme, Turning Science Into Hope, captures exactly what happens at NAMI CCNS every day. Evidence-based classes and peer support become something that families can actually reach when they're going through a difficult time.
This Saturday, we turn that hope into a celebration. Join us at Gallery Park for NAMIWalks CCNS and help keep those doors open for the next family who needs them.
We started in the early 1990s, when a group of family members who were each supporting a loved one with mental illness began offering a Family-to-Family class. That one class grew into an affiliate that now serves more than 17 communities across the north suburbs.
Nobody pays to take a NAMI CCNS class or join a support group. That only works because neighbors, families, businesses, and friends show up each fall. This Saturday, hundreds of neighbors will gather at Gallery Park to keep that work going. It's a morning when anyone who has felt alone with mental illness can look around and see how many people are standing with them.
Whether you donate, walk, or show up clad in bright green for mental health awareness, you're part of what keeps those doors open. You're also telling anyone in the crowd who is struggling, or loves someone who is, that they are not alone.
With gratitude,
Dr. Laura Piel Martín
Executive Director, NAMI CCNS
Keep reading for all the details on what's ahead. |
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See you at NAMIWalks this Saturday! |
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Whether you've walked with us before or you're joining for the first time, here's everything you need to know for Saturday, October 10.
Where: Gallery Park, 2412 West Lake Avenue, Glenview, IL 60026
When:
- 9:00 a.m. Registration opens
- 9:45 a.m. Opening ceremony
- 10:00 a.m. Walk begins
- 12:00 p.m. Event ends
What to bring:
- Comfortable shoes. The route is about 3K (1.9 miles) on paved paths.
- Green! Wear it, carry it, or go all out for the costume contest.
- Your people. Strollers and dogs are welcome, and the paved route works for walkers of every age and ability.
What's the walk itself like? The route is along Gallery Park's paved paths. It's scenic, stroller-friendly, and easy to manage for walkers of all ages and abilities. We'll have snacks and refreshments, face painting, a raffle, merch, and live music to keep the day energetic.
After the walk: Gallery Park has playgrounds, a hedge maze, trails, and beautiful lake views, so there's no reason to rush home. The Kohl Children's Museum and The Glen Town Center are just minutes away if you want to make a day of it.
Still have questions? Call NAMI CCNS at (847) 716-2252 or email hello@namiccns.org. |
| Register now |
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Thank You for Your Support! |
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We just passed our $50,000 goal! Every dollar raised goes directly toward free programs, support groups, and mental health education right here in our community, where more families than ever are turning to us for support.
You can still make an impact today by donating directly, setting a personal fundraising goal, or asking friends and family to support your walk or team.
Every step at the NAMI Walk helps fund free programs like Family-to-Family, support groups, and mental health education across our community. |
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Want to help surpass it?
Click the button below to donate, register, or start fundraising for your team today. |
| Register, Donate, or Form a Team Here |
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Questions about NAMIWalks? We're here to help you every step of the way — reach out to Reema Saleh at reema@namiccns.org. |
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Thank You to NAMIWalks Event Sponsors, CBH Chicago Behavioral Hospital and Lake Behavioral Hospital! |
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Mental Illness Awareness Week:
Turning Science Into Hope |
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October 4-10 is Mental Illness Awareness Week, observed during the first full week of October every year since 1990, thanks to NAMI's advocacy with Congress. This year's theme, Turning Science Into Hope, celebrates how research and lived experience work together. When people share their stories, those stories shape conversations and innovations in mental health care.
That's also why NAMI CCNS exists. Our free programs, including Family-to-Family and Ending the Silence, along with our support groups, put evidence-based education and community connection within reach of families right here in the north suburbs. Whether you're looking for information, support, or a reminder that you're not alone, hope starts here.
Join in this week:
- Follow NAMI's conversation on social media and share your own story with #MentalIllnessAwarenessWeek and #TurningScienceIntoHope.
- Explore NAMI's stories of hope on the Hope Starts With Us podcast, YouTube channel, and blog.
- Need support now? The NAMI HelpLine is available Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. ET at 800-950-6264, or text "NAMI" to 62640. In a crisis, call or text 988.
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| Learn more |
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October Recurring Support Groups & Programs |
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Whether you're living with a mental health condition or supporting someone who is, we offer free support groups throughout October. All programs are free, confidential, and led by trained facilitators with lived experience. |
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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
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Mondays | 4:00–5:30 PM
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Saturdays | 4:00–5:30 PM
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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
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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
In-Person - NAMI Family Support Meeting Info
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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
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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
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| Click Here to View Full NAMI CCNS Event & Program Calendar |
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Help Us Serve Our Community
There are many ways to help us serve our community and make a difference.
Become a Teacher
Email hkendall@namiccns.org to learn how to become a Family-to-Family or Peer-to-Peer Teacher and help guide others through their mental health journey.
Volunteer
Fill out this form to learn how to lend a hand at our support groups or community events.
Attend an Event
Join us at a NAMI CCNS event, support group, or class, and help build a stronger, more connected community.
Spread the Word
Forward this to 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, and advocacy.
On behalf of the NAMI CCNS — thank you for being a vital part of our community!
To make a donation, click the button below. |
| Donate Today |
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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
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