Hi ,

NAMIWalks is coming up quickly, and we'd love for you to join us — every step helps fund the free programs, support groups, and education we offer right here at home.

A couple of changes to know about this Fall: Family Insight Evenings are moving to a new location, and starting in September, our Saturday Family Support Group will look a little different too. More details below!

Family-to-Family registration is open — this free 9-week course helps family members and friends of people with mental health conditions build skills, find community, and feel less alone.

Keep reading for all the details on what's ahead.

Family Insight: New Location Starting Next Week

We're excited to announce that Family Insight has a new home! We'd love to invite you to join us on Wednesday, September 2nd for our next Family Insight Evening — which will be held at its new location, Turning Point, located at 8324 Skokie Blvd in Skokie. Family Insight is a monthly gathering offering education, support, and connection for family members and caregivers of those living with mental illness. This event is free and open to all, please feel free to bring a friend or family member!

This Month's Topic

"Self-Care for Caregivers"

Caring for a loved one can be rewarding, but it can also be physically and emotionally demanding. Join us as we explore practical self-care strategies to help caregivers manage stress, maintain balance, and support their own well-being.

Date

Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Time

6:00–7:45 PM

**NEW LOCATION**

Turning Point, Room 180

8324 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, IL 60077

Parking and Entrance

Parking for Turning Point is accessible via Washington Avenue. All attendees should enter through the main entrance located off the parking lot. Please note that entrances along Skokie Boulevard are locked and not monitored.

Registration is required to attend. 

To meet Turning Point's safety requirements, we'll provide an electronic form and ask for your name, phone number, email, and zip code. We ask that everyone joining us complete a registration form when you arrive, even if you've been to Family Insight before. 

Help Us Reach Our Fundraising Goal — Donate to NAMIWalks Today

NAMIWalks is coming up on October 10th, and right now we're only 7% of the way to our $50,000 goal. We need your help to close that gap — 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.

Whether you've already registered or haven't signed up yet, 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.

Event Details

Location

Gallery Park, 2412 West Lake Avenue, Glenview, IL 60026

(free parking available)

Event Schedule

9:00 AM Registration Opens

9:45 AM Opening Ceremony

10:00 AM Walk Begins

12:00 PM Event Ends

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're helping make sure 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.

Questions about NAMIWalks? We're here to help you every step of the way — reach out to Jackie Smolyar at jsmolyar@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, Prime Therapeutics!

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 Jackie Smolyar at jsmolyar@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.

Family-to-Family: Fall Session Registration Now Open

Dates: Tuesday September 22, 2026 - Tuesday November 17, 2026

Time: 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm

Location: The Sisters of Holy Family of Nazareth

310 North River Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016

Do You Have a Loved One Living with Mental Illness?

The NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program is a FREE, 9-week course for families and close friends of adults living with mental health conditions. This course is taught by trained family members who truly understand what it is like to navigate these challenges. Join the thousands of families who have gained vital information, deep understanding, and an empowering community of support.

What You Will Gain From This Course

Through structured sessions, you will learn about family responses to the trauma of mental illness and receive up-to-date information on serious conditions, including symptoms, medications, and side effects. The course provides a safe space to practice problem-solving skills and communication techniques, develop proactive strategies for handling crises or relapses, and learn how to navigate local community resources. Above all, you will discover how to prioritize your own self-care and cope with daily stress.

We are Looking for Family-to-Family Teachers!

Email NAMI CCNS Senior Programs Manager, Heather Kendall at: hkendall@namiccns.org if you are interested in learning more.

August 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 August. 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

• 2nd and 4th Tuesdays | 6:30–7:30 PM

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

• Mondays | 7:00 PM

• 1st & 3rd Tuesdays | 6:00–7:30 PM

• 2nd & 4th Tuesdays | 7:00–8:30 PM

Hybrid (In Person & Online) - NAMI Family Support ZOOM Links and Meeting Info

• Saturdays | 9:00–11:00 AM

**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT**

Saturday, September 5, 2026 will be the final online date for Saturday’s 9AM Family Support Group. Starting on Saturday, September 12, 2026 the NAMI Family Support Group (Saturdays @ 9AM) will be held in-person only.

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

• Tuesdays | 7:00–8:30 PM

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

• Saturdays | 10:00 AM–12:30 PM

NAMI CCNS will be at Glenbrook Fest on Saturday, September 19

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.

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.

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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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