Hi ,

Summer's winding down, but there's still plenty of time to prioritize what matters most—your wellbeing.

In this month's newsletter, we're honoring National Wellness Month, a reminder to slow down, practice self-care, and build small habits that support long-term mental health. We're also gearing up for Fall 2026 NAMIWalks, one of our biggest opportunities to build community and raise awareness together. And of course, you'll find our full August calendar of support groups, classes, and events happening across Northern Cook County, because taking care of yourself isn't a luxury—it's essential.

Keep reading to find your next step, your next group, or your next reason to walk with us!

This Wednesday: Join us for Family Insight

We'd love to invite you to our next Family Insight Evening, a monthly gathering offering education, support, and connection for family members and caregivers of those living with mental illness. Whether you're a Family-to-Family graduate and want to continue learning and connecting with others who understand, or you're just looking forward to an informative evening and opportunity to connect with other family members in our community - we would love to have you!

Date

Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Time

6:00–8:00 PM
Location

First Congregational Church, 1125 Wilmette Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091

This Month's Topic

"From Conflict to Connection: Practical Communication Tools for Caregivers"

Learn compassionate, practical communication strategies that can help reduce conflict, build trust, and strengthen your connection with a loved one living with mental illness. Family Insight Evenings are led by NAMI CCNS Family-to-Family teachers and offer a welcoming space to learn, ask questions, and connect with others who understand the unique challenges of supporting a loved one with a mental health condition.

Registration is not required to attend; however, your RSVP is greatly appreciated.

Walk-ins are always welcome!

Wellness in Small Doses

Here's some good news: you don't need to overhaul your entire life to feel better. Real, lasting change usually comes from something much smaller - a tiny habit repeated often enough that it becomes part of who you are.

Think of it like compound interest for your wellbeing. One small choice won't transform your life overnight, but stack enough of them together, day after day, and the results add up in ways a single big effort never could.

In honor of National Wellness Month, here are a few low-lift ways to start:

• Pause and breathe. A couple of minutes of slow, intentional breathing can reset your whole nervous system.
• Keep water nearby. A full glass on your desk (or a reminder on your phone) makes hydration effortless.
• Prep the pieces, not the whole meal. Washing produce or portioning proteins ahead of time makes healthy cooking feel less like a chore.
• Get outside, even briefly. A short walk around the block can shift your mood and clear your head.
• Notice what's going right. Naming a few good things each day trains your brain to look for more of them.
• Guard your bedtime. A little wind-down ritual signals to your body that it's time to rest.
• Step away from your screen. Even short breaks from scrolling can quiet a busy mind.

Big change starts small, and that's more than enough. Choose one, be gentle with yourself, and don't forget to celebrate the small wins as they come.

Together, we are NAMIWalks - Register Today!

Join us on Saturday, October 10th, 2026 for

NAMIWalks Cook County North Suburban.

NAMIWalks is more than a fundraiser — it's a celebration of connection and a chance to say, "I will be there with my community." Whether you walk, volunteer, or donate, every step and every dollar fuels NAMI CCNS's programs and the broader mental health movement in Chicagoland.

Ways to Participate:

While our official walk day isn't until Saturday, October 10, 2026, the starting line is here—we are calling on our supporters to step up and lace up—

the earlier you register or start a team, the more time you'll have to rally your friends, family, and coworkers behind you.

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

Questions? We are here to help you every step of the way! Reach out to Jackie Smolyar by email at: jsmolyar@namiccns.org

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

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

Register 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

Do You Have a Loved One Living with Mental Illness?

The NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program is a FREE, 8-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.

Interested in becoming a Family-to-Family Class Facilitator? 

Email Heather Kendall at hkendall@namiccns.org for next steps.

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 Facilitator
Sign up to become a Family-to-Family or Peer-to-Peer Class facilitator 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.

Contact Us | Instagram | Facebook | Linktree

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

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.