Hi ,

In this edition of our newsletter, we are celebrating a massive milestone from last week's Taylor Brothers Memorial Event, diving into what it means to build truly inclusive spaces, and opening doors to life-changing support networks.

By taking a few minutes to read through today, you’ll discover exactly how our community is rallying together to fund free local mental health resources, learn how to access a powerful cost-free support system if you are navigating a loved one's mental health journey, and find out how you can join a vital conversation on equity, queer joy, and actionable allyship.

New Family-to-Family: Register NOW

When: Saturdays | July 11 - August 29 |10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Where: Niles Family Service Center (999 Civic Center Dr)

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.

Mental Health in the LGBTQIA+ Community Webinar: A Virtual Roundtable Discussion

When: Thursday, June 25, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Where: Virtual (Zoom link provided upon registration)

We are proud to partner with the City of Evanston for the next installment of their Mental Health is Essential Series. Join us for a vital, panel-style conversation guided by lived experiences, rooted in equity, and dedicated to fostering connection within the community.

What the Discussion Will Cover:

This roundtable will explore key dimensions of the LGBTQIA+ experience, from the personal journey of self-discovery to the unique mental health challenges faced by the community. Panelists will balance these hurdles with a vibrant celebration of queer joy, resilience, and authentic connection. Attendees will also gain practical tools for allyship and insights into evolving language to help build more inclusive, supportive spaces for everyone.

Featured Speakers:

We are thrilled to feature a powerful lineup of voices from NAMI CCNS and NAMI Chicago:

• Tyler Camp (They/Ze) – Recovery Support Associate (Moderator)

• Alyx Kesselring (They/Them) – Connection Recovery Support Group Facilitator

• Amy Maute (She/Her) – Recovery Support Supervisor

• Anissa Hajaree – Healthcare Education and Engagement Specialist

• Cavan Pellegrino (She/Her) – Marketing & Outreach Coordinator

Success & Highlights of the 2026 Team Taylor Brothers Fundraising Event

A massive thank you to everyone who came out, brought their energy, and supported Team Taylor Brothers. It was an incredibly meaningful morning of honor, remembrance, and community solidarity. Thanks to our amazing networks, we nearly doubled our initial $10,000 goal, raising a phenomenal $24,514 and counting! This brings our four-year total to $83,000 raised for NAMI CCNS, directly funding free mental health programs and vital services across our community.

If you want to relive the day, you can now view and download the official event photos using the button below. A huge thank you to Hayley Stein Photography for beautifully capturing the day!

The momentum doesn’t have to stop here, either. The NAMI CCNS x Taylor Brothers donation page remains open, so there is still time to give back or share it with your network to help us push our impact even further!

Save the Date & Rally Your Team: NAMIWalks 2026

When: Sunday, October 11, 2026

Where: Gallery Park (2412 West Lake Avenue, Glenview, IL)

While our official walk day isn't until Sunday, October 11, 2026, the excitement starts right now. We are officially calling on our community to step up, lace up, and start registering your walk teams today!

Becoming a Team Captain is one of the most impactful ways to show your support. It’s your chance to gather your friends, family, or coworkers, start a conversation that could be a beam of light for someone else, and lead the charge toward a stigma-free future. When you walk with NAMI, you finish the day with more energy, inspiration, and connection than when you began. 

Questions About Forming a Team?

We are here to help you every step of the way! Reach out to our walk coordinators, Jackie Smolyar (jsmolyar@namiccns.org | 224-725-9410) or Marcy Larson (mlarson@namiccns.org | 312-286-7743). 

Everything we do at NAMI CCNS is only possible because of people like you. Thank you for being such a vital part of our community, whether you advocate, donate, attend our events, or simply share our mission, you are helping us build a world where no one has to navigate mental health challenges alone.

Thank you again for your endless compassion, dedication, and heart. We appreciate you more than words can say.

With gratitude,
The NAMI CCNS Team
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