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Hi ,
This week's newsletter comes with some excitement built in – we're just two months away from NAMI CCNS's 2026 NAMIWalks!
This past year alone, NAMI CCNS provided free mental health programming and support to thousands of individuals and families across more than 17 communities in Northern Cook County. And we're not slowing down – we're growing. But we can't do it without you.
Join us on Saturday, October 10 for our 11th Annual NAMIWalks and help us carry forward our mission: Mental Health for All.
In this issue, we're also launching #WhyINAMIWalk – your chance to share what NAMIWalks means to you. You'll also find our Family-to-Family Fall Session registration form and a link to our August calendar of support groups, classes, and events happening across Northern Cook County. |
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How You Can Show Up for NAMIWalks - And Why Every Piece Matters |
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Register to Walk |
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Registering is the easiest way to say "I'm in." Whether you walk alone, with your family, or alongside coworkers, every registered walker helps NAMI CCNS demonstrate the size and strength of this community — and that visibility matters just as much as the funds raised. The sooner you register, the sooner you can start inviting others to join you, so don't wait until October to sign up. |
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Form a Team |
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Teams are where NAMIWalks really comes alive. Starting a team – with your family, your workplace, your book club, your neighborhood – turns individual participation into collective momentum, and teams consistently raise more and recruit more than individual walkers do. If you've ever thought about getting your workplace or friend group involved, this is the moment. |
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Make a Donation |
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Every dollar raised through NAMIWalks goes directly toward NAMI CCNS's free programs — support groups, educational classes, and outreach that reach thousands of individuals and families across Northern Cook County each year, all at no cost to them. NAMI CCNS receives no government funding, which means walk donations aren't just "extra" — they're what keeps these programs free and accessible. A donation of any size moves us closer to reaching more families who need us. |
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Become a Team Captain |
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If you're ready to take the next step, becoming a Team Captain is one of the most powerful ways to support NAMI CCNS's mission. Captains rally their circles, spark conversations about mental health that might otherwise never happen, and lead by example in building a stigma-free community. We know that starting a team can feel like a big ask — that's why we're here to help every step of the way, from messaging templates to one-on-one support. |
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Last But Not Least – Spread the Word! |
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Not everyone reading this will register or donate today — but almost everyone can share this with someone else. Forward this newsletter to a family member, post about NAMIWalks in your workplace channels, or simply mention it to a friend. Awareness is often the first step toward someone finding support they didn't know was available, and word-of-mouth from people they trust is one of the most powerful tools we have. We need more walkers, more teams, and more donations this year to keep pace with the growing number of families turning to NAMI CCNS — and reaching them starts with you talking about it. |
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Ready? Set...Go! |
| Click Here to Register, Donate, or Form a Team |
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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 |
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Need Help? |
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Questions about forming a team, need customized email templates or messaging to send out, or have other questions? We're here to help you every step of the way — reach out to Jackie Smolyar at jsmolyar@namiccns.org.
You can also visit namiwalks.org and namiwalks.org/ccns for
more inspiration and information. |
| Click Here to Support Mental Health For All |
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Why do YOU NAMIWalk?
Social Media Challenge. |
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Download and share graphics below (or your own) on Facebook and Instagram along with your story sharing why you NAMIWalk.
Use hashtags #whyINAMIWalk #NAMICCNS & #NAMICCNSNAMIWalks2026 and make sure to tag us!
Instagram: @namiccns
Facebook: National Alliance on Mental Illness - Cook County North Suburban
We'll share our favorite posts to the NAMI CCNS pages! |
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Registration is Open for Family-to-Family Fall Session |
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 |
| REGISTER HERE FOR FALL FAMILY-TO-FAMILY |
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Interested in becoming a Family-to-Family Teacher?
Email Heather Kendall at hkendall@namiccns.org for next steps. |
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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. |
| Click Here to View Full NAMI CCNS Event & Program Calendar |
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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. |
| Donate Today |
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