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Hi ,
NAMI CCNS started as a single class, with a few people in a room learning how to support someone they love. Every program since then has grown from what our community told us it needed.
So, what should NAMI CCNS do next? We’re asking because the answer belongs to you.
Our Annual Meeting on Tuesday, November 10, is where that happens. As we reflect on this past year and look to the next, we’d love to have you with us to celebrate what we’ve built together and hear where we’re headed.
Can’t make it, or have an idea before then? Email us at hello@namiccns.org. Your ideas are welcome any time.
You can finally scroll through the photos from NAMIWalks 2026, where more than 200 of you filled Gallery Park with bright green to keep our programs free. Last week, our team joined NAMI families, peers, and advocates from across Illinois at our state conference. And soon, our Family Insight Evening will unpack mental health and co-occurring substance use while our free support groups keep meeting.
Whatever brought you to NAMI CCNS, we’re glad you’re here. And we want you to tell us what you need.
With gratitude,
Dr. Laura Piel Martín
Executive Director, NAMI CCNS
Keep reading for all the details on what's ahead |
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Family Insight Evening:
Mental Health and Co-Occurring Substance Use |
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Come join us for a conversation centered around mental health and co-occurring substance use. Speakers Jess Jacobson and Matthew Frank will share lived and professional perspectives on dual diagnosis, recovery, treatment, harm reduction, supporting loved ones, and stigma, followed by an audience Q&A.
When: Wednesday, November 4 from 6–7:45 PM
Where: Turning Point, Room 180
8324 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, IL 60077
Family Insight Evenings are open to adults who have participated in NAMI Family-to-Family or NAMI Family Support Groups. Registration at the door is required. |
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What Should NAMI CCNS Do Next? |
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We’re opening our doors for an evening with the people who make this work possible. Our annual meeting is a chance to celebrate what we’ve built together, meet our new team, chat with our board members, and hear where we’re headed. Your perspective will help shape what comes next!
When: Tuesday, November 10 at 7 PM
Where: NAMI CCNS Office
8324 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, IL 60077
This meeting is open to the public, and your voice helps build the roadmap for the work ahead. We'll serve snacks and refreshments, so register to help us get a headcount. |
| Register here |
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Scroll through Our NAMIWalks Photos |
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On October 10, over 200 of you filled Gallery Park with bright green, showing our community what it looks like when we walk together in solidarity for mental health. Together, you raised nearly $65,000 to keep our programs free.
Scroll through the photo album or download them to relive the joy, find your team, and see what ending the stigma looks like! If you post on social media, tag us at @NAMICCNS! |
| Download them here |
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Bridging Gaps with the NAMI Illinois Network |
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The NAMI Illinois State Conference, “Bridging Gaps By Reimagining Community Care,” took place October 23-24 at Benedictine University in Lisle. Last Friday, our team was there with NAMI families, peers, and advocates from across the state. The conference asked how care can reach the people it’s missing, and that is the question we ask every week at NAMI CCNS, in our support groups, our classes, and our school programs.
We came home with new ideas and a deeper connection to the NAMI network, and we’re already thinking about how to bring them to you. |
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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
This free, peer-led support group program is 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 - Register for 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 group is for veterans living with a mental illness or mental health issues and Gold Star Families. 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.
In Person - Visit Our Website for Meeting Details
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NAMI Family Support Group
This 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 others' challenges and successes.
Online - Register for NAMI Family Support ZOOM Links
In-Person - Visit Our Website for NAMI Family Support Info
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NAMI Balance for Success
This group is designed to balance recovery from a mental illness with life at college or work. The 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 - Visit Our Website for 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 this group, participants find healthy ways to remember and honor 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 become whole again.
Online - Register for NAMI Grief & Loss ZOOM Links
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| View Full NAMI CCNS Event & Program Calendar |
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Help Us Serve Our Community
There are many ways to 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 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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