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Hi ,
Picture Saturday morning at Gallery Park: sun out, music drifting across the grass, and over 200 neighbors gathered in a sea of green in honor of World Mental Health Day.
This was my first NAMI CCNS Walk, and I found a community that had shown up to be seen.
About 1 in 5 adults lives with a mental health condition, yet too many still feel they have to carry it alone and in silence. When someone is struggling, they need to know that support is out there, and that there are people who understand and will listen.
That lifeline is what your support makes possible. Whether you’re living with a mental health condition or supporting someone who is, there is a place for you here, in free peer-led support groups, Family-to-Family, and more.
Thank you to every walker, team captain, donor, volunteer, and sponsor, and to everyone who supported us from afar. We can’t wait to do this again next year.
With gratitude,
Dr. Laura Piel Martín
Executive Director, NAMI CCNS
Keep reading for all the details on what's ahead. |
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Save the Date:
2026 NAMI CCNS Annual Meeting |
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Next month, we’re opening the doors of our Skokie office for our Annual Meeting, a look back at what we accomplished together in our last fiscal year and a first look at where we’re heading.
When: Tuesday, November 10 at 7 PM
Where: NAMI CCNS Office
8324 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, IL 60077
Come meet the new NAMI CCNS team, sit down with our board, and have a real conversation about the work ahead. The families, neighbors, volunteers, and supporters who show up are the ones who help steer this organization, and your ideas and perspective will guide our direction in the year to come.
Last year, we offered nearly 400 free peer support sessions to our community, and people attended our programs over 13,000 times. Each one is a chance for someone to feel less alone, and it's critical work we'll continue throughout this year and next.
We want you there, whether you've been with NAMI CCNS since the beginning or are just discovering what we do. |
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Thank you for joining us at NAMIWalks! |
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What a morning! On Saturday, October 10, World Mental Health Day, over 200 of our neighbors on 34 teams filled Gallery Park in Glenview with bright green T-shirts and beautiful energy.
Together we raised $65,096—well past our $50,000 goal. Every dollar raised keeps our free education, peer support, and advocacy going for 19 communities across northern Cook County.
On the day, walkers checked in and visited our community sponsors and mental health organizations tabling to share information about their services. Our MC and DJ kept the music going and the energy high, while neighbors played games, scribbled inspiring messages on the sidewalk and our affirmation wall, browsed the raffle baskets, and got to know each other. |
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At the opening ceremony, we all stretched together before setting off on the 3K route around the lake. Afterward, we refueled with bagels, fruit, and plenty of cold water and drew our raffle winners.
This NAMIWalks was the best kind of party, and all that joy goes to something serious. Walking in bright green, out loud and together, is how we push back against the stigma that keeps people quiet. |
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Couldn't Make It?
Your gift keeps free Family-to-Family classes and peer-led support groups running. |
| Donate Here |
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Thank you to our NAMIWalks Sponsors! |
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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 | 4–5:30 PM
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Saturdays | 4–5:30 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
In-Person - NAMI Family Support 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 Loss 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 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
Sign up to volunteer at our support groups or 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 everyone NAMI CCNS — thank you for being a vital part of our community! |
| 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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