Hi ,

Since the beginning of July, nearly 500 people have come to our support groups looking for connection and understanding and found trained, compassionate facilitators ready to listen. The care and dedication of our volunteers is one of the many reasons I feel honored to be writing to you for the first time today as NAMI CCNS' new Executive Director.

Since stepping into this role a few months ago, I've had the privilege of getting to know many of you, and I look forward to connecting with even more of our wonderful community in the coming months.

Here's what's been happening, and what's ahead.

September is shaping up to be one of our busiest — and most meaningful — months of the year, and I'm so glad you're here with us for it.

Today, we recognize 988 Day, a chance to celebrate a resource that has already helped over 26 million people nationwide since it launched. Please take a moment to learn more and help us spread the word. You never know whose life a shared post or conversation might touch.

We're also gearing up for NAMIWalks on October 10th, and we're already over a third of the way to our $50,000 goal. Every dollar raised stays right here, funding programs like Family-to-Family, our support groups, and community education. If you've been meaning to register, donate, or share the walk with a friend, now is the moment.

Speaking of Family-to-Family, our fall class begins this month, and registration for our winter sessions will open in mid-October. It's a program I've seen change lives, both for participants and the family teachers who lead it with such generosity.

I also want to share how proud I am of our recent Go Lime Green night at Rolling Meadows High School, where over 300 students signed our pledge banner committing to mental health awareness. Seeing that many young people show up for this message gives me so much hope for where we're headed.

And of course, our support groups continue to meet throughout September, offering steady, judgment-free spaces for anyone navigating a mental health journey, alone or alongside a loved one.

Thank you, as always, for being part of this community. We couldn't do this work without you.

With gratitude,

Dr. Laura Piel Martín
Executive Director, NAMI CCNS

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

Spread the Word About 988 Day

September 8th is 988 Day! 988 is the nationwide, 3-digit number people can contact for help during a mental health, substance use, or suicide crisis. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 via call, text, or chat online at 988Lifeline.org. Since 988 became available four years ago, more than 26 million people have reached out to receive compassionate help when they or a loved one needed it. 

And new data shows that 988 is having an impact. Youth suicide rates in the United States were 11% lower than expected from 2022 to 2024, or roughly 4,400 fewer deaths in young adults.  

But 988 is only as strong as the resources we give to it. This 988 Day, join NAMI’s advocacy to urge Congress to continue to invest in 988 to ensure that a humane and effective crisis response system is there for anyone who needs it. That means more capacity at local crisis centers, more training for staff, and more availability for mobile crisis response services that can save lives. Together, we can protect and strengthen how we help people in a mental health crisis and build the crisis response system we all deserve.  

Help us spread the word about 988 with your friends and family for #988Day. And remember: whatever you are facing, whatever your reason for contacting 988, don’t hesitate – 988 is here to help. Learn more about 988 & NAMI’s vision to reimagine crisis response at nami.org/988.

Pickleball for a Purpose: Tom-Tom Tournament Returns

The Park Ridge Pickleball Club will host its annual Tom-Tom Tournament on September 12 at Woodland Park in Park Ridge. This beloved tradition brings the community together on and off the court while raising awareness for mental health.

Last year's tournament raised an impressive $4,000 for NAMI Cook County North Suburban, and we're deeply grateful for the club's continued dedication to this cause.

Thank you to everyone involved — players, volunteers, and supporters alike — for helping advance mental health awareness and support in our community!

Go Lime Green Lights Up Rolling Meadows High School

Last Friday, NAMI CCNS brought Go Lime Green energy to Rolling Meadows High School, where the hundreds of students turned out for a football game and evening dedicated to mental health awareness. Staff and volunteers connected with students and families at the resource table, handed out Go Lime Green bandanas, and spun the prize wheel while spreading the message that mental health matters.

Over 300 students signed our pledge banner, publicly committing to prioritize mental health and support their peers. NAMI CCNS was proud to partner with the school's Mustang Mental Health Movement and their sponsors for this powerful night of community and connection.

Thank you to everyone who came out to make it happen!

Unpacking Illinois HB1085 Implementation

Have you ever wondered why it's so hard to find a therapist who takes your insurance? In the past, health insurance companies paid therapists and mental health clinics much less than they paid physical care doctors for their services. That low pay made many mental and behavioral health providers stop accepting insurance, making it hard for patients to find in-network care.

Mental health providers, advocates, and behavioral health professionals are invited to attend a virtual panel discussion on the implementation of Illinois HB1085, a landmark law that will require most private insurance plans to increase reimbursement for behavioral health care beginning in 2027.

The sessions will cover what to expect as the law takes effect, how implementation may impact providers, and steps to take if health plans fail to comply. Join Illinois State Rep. Lindsey LaPointe, Illinois State Sen. Karina Villa, and leading clinical and policy experts from across the state on September 25 from 11 AM to 12:15 PM. A recording will be available for those unable to attend.

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 Reema Saleh at reema@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, Blaze Pizza!

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 Reema Saleh at reema@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.

September 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 September. 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**

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:
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8324 Skokie Blvd
Skokie, Illinois 60077
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