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Hi ,
April is a season of transformation, and this week at NAMI CCNS, we are witnessing that growth firsthand across our community. In this edition, we’re pulling back the curtain on the incredible strides we’ve made in local schools and colleges to shatter mental health stigma and foster real dialogue. But our work doesn't stop at the classroom door; we’re also looking ahead to essential community events and the most anticipated NAMI CCNS event of the year!
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NAMI CCNS in the Community: Educating, Engaging, and Ending Stigma
This month, NAMI CCNS has been hitting the pavement to bring vital mental health resources and powerful personal stories to students and community members across the North Shore.
Here’s a look at where we’ve been and where we’re headed:
Roycemore School Mental Health Fair: We were honored to table at Roycemore’s 5th annual "Mental Health Con" for Middle and Upper School students! It was an incredible afternoon of productive dialogue, where students engaged with our booth to learn about mental health topics and local resources.
Ending the Silence at Notre Dame College Prep: We are bringing our evidence-based Ending the Silence programming to the students at Notre Dame College Prep in Niles. This 50-minute presentation is a game-changer for high schoolers, teaching them how to reduce stigma and support their peers. The highlight is the opportunity for students to hear the personal journey of a young adult living in recovery, aligning perfectly with SEL Illinois Common Core Standards.
In Our Own Voice at Lake Forest College: We are heading to Lake Forest College to share our In Our Own Voice presentation. Led by speakers with lived experience, these sessions provide a raw and hopeful personal perspective on living with a mental health condition. By talking openly about their journeys, our leaders help change attitudes and shatter the assumptions often associated with mental illness.
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Want to bring these life-changing stories to your group?
You can change the narrative in your own community. Visit our website to request an In Our Own Voice presentation or learn more about our community programming!
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| Request an In Our Own Voice Presentation
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NAMI CCNS Gala 2026: Get Your TicketsWhen: Saturday, May 2, 2026 | 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Where: Sunset Ridge Country Club
The wait is over! Tickets and tables are now officially available for our Kentucky Derby–themed Gala. Join us for an evening filled with southern charm, festive flair, and meaningful impact. It’s time to break out your boldest hat or fascinator and get ready to toast the night with a classic mint julep, all in support of mental health in our community.
Evening Schedule:
5:00 PM | Cocktails & Silent Auction: Enjoy a mint julep while you browse our auction items and bet on your winning horse in our 50/50 Derby Raffle.
5:57 PM | The 152nd Kentucky Derby: Join us to watch the "most exciting two minutes in sports" live!
6:00 PM | Program & Dinner: A seated dinner featuring a live Bluegrass band and a ceremony honoring our incredible Illinois mental health advocates.
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| Purchase Your Gala Tickets Today
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Sponsorships & Silent Auction
If you or your company are interested in sponsoring our event or donating to our silent auction, please fill out the form below. Any questions, please contact Marcy Larson at mlarson@namiccns.org.
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| Gala Sponsorship Interest Form
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Caring for Someone with Dementia or Other Cognitive Changes When: Friday, May 1, 2026 | 1-2 PM
Where: Glenview Public Library, Community Room East
Learn practical ways to support people living with dementia or other cognitive changes. Get tips for daily caregiving, adapting activities, and fostering healthy family dynamics. Presented by Cynthia Phon, Director of North Shore Senior Center’s House of Welcome Adult Day Services and Senior Options. Registration required.
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| Register for this Community Event
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Donate to NAMI CCNS Today
Your generosity keeps our education programs and support groups free and accessible for individuals and families impacted by mental illness. Every gift makes a real difference: $25 helps cover facility costs for one program session, and $100 supports the training of a new teacher or facilitator. Your support ensures that no one has to face mental health challenges alone.
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As we move through April, we are constantly inspired by the power of connection, whether it’s a high school student finding hope in a peer’s story, a caregiver finding a lifeline at the Glenview Public Library, or
our entire community coming together to support mental health at the Sunset Ridge Country Club. Your involvement is what allows NAMI CCNS to bridge the gaps in education and support across our community. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming presentations or in your best Derby attire as we continue to champion mental health for all.
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