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Hi ,
This month, our NAMI CCNS community said goodbye to Ann George, our former co-president and longtime Family-to-Family teacher, who passed away on September 14.
Ann leaves behind a legacy of leadership, generosity, and care, and shaped NAMI CCNS into what it is today. So many families found they were not alone because of her.
On October 10, many of us will walk in her honor and memory, so that more families find the same support she gave so freely. To everyone who has honored her with a gift or shared a memory of her, thank you. Your kindness is a reflection of the difference she made.
NAMIWalks CCNS is Saturday, October 10, in Gallery Park, and we'd love to have you there. So far, 127 people have signed up, and we're 84% of the way to our $50,000 goal. That progress is because of people like you.
More than 1 in 5 U.S. adults experienced mental illness in 2024. It touches nearly every family, workplace, and community, and over the past year, we're seeing more people than ever turn to us for support. We're walking so that no one has to face mental health challenges alone.
We're also still grateful to celebrate the life and legacy of Peter Krol last Saturday, when over 100 of his friends and family gathered to honor his memory and raise money for our mental health programs and services. We are so happy to have been a part of their event. Let's carry that spirit to Gallery Park.
Keep reading for everything you need to know, including how to start your own team and our October support group schedule.
With gratitude,
Dr. Laura Piel Martín
Executive Director, NAMI CCNS
Keep reading for all the details on what's ahead. |
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Fore Pete's Sake 2026: A Legacy of Support |
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Last Saturday, more than 100 friends, family members, and neighbors came together at Tam Golf Course and The Fairways in Niles for the 3rd Annual Fore Pete's Sake Golf Outing and Banquet. They spent an afternoon on the course and an evening around the table, celebrating the life of Peter Krol, a husband, son, brother, uncle, and friend whose generosity touched everyone who knew him.
Every dollar they raised supports NAMI CCNS, helping keep our free programs open to anyone who needs them, including our Family Support Group, Veterans Support Group, Grief and Loss Support Group, and NAMI Balance for Success. Pete's family and friends have turned a loss into a legacy of support for others, and their community showed up for us once again.
Want to keep the momentum going? Join us at NAMIWalks CCNS on October 10 at Gallery Park in Glenview. |
| Register now |
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Help Us Reach Our Fundraising Goal — Donate to NAMIWalks Today |
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NAMIWalks is coming up, and we're 84% of the way to 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 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.
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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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 |
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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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Help Us Spread the Word
Not everyone reading this will donate today, but you can help us close the gap by sharing. Forward this newsletter to a family member, post about NAMIWalks on social media, or simply mention it to a friend.
Every donation brings us closer to our $50,000 goal — and reaching new donors starts with you.
We're counting on your support to close the gap. Thank you for being part of it. |
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Thank You to NAMIWalks Event Sponsor, The Next Level Planning Group! |
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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
Hybrid (In-Person) - NAMI Family Support ZOOM Links and 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
Email kendra@namiccns.org to learn how to lend a hand at NAMIWalks or one of our other 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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