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Hi ,
Summer is in full swing - and so are we. From support groups to classes to community events across Northern Cook County, there's a lot happening this July, and we'd love for you to be part of it.
We're also gearing up for Fall 2026 NAMIWalks, one of our favorite ways to come together, build community, and raise awareness. Save the date and start thinking about your team!
No one should have to navigate mental health on their own. Take a look below to find your next group, your next class, or your next reason to walk with us. |
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July is BIPOC Mental Health Month |
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July is BIPOC Mental Health Month, a time to recognize the unique mental health challenges faced by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities. Lack of information and access can prevent BIPOC individuals from getting the help and support they need.
Sharing Hope is an initiative created by Black and Brown communities for Black and Brown communities. This three-part video series explores the journey of mental wellness in Black communities through dialogue, storytelling, and a guided discussion on the following topics:
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How else you can take part this July:
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If you identify with a minority community, consider connecting with others who share your experience, or sharing your story to help someone else feel less alone.
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If you're an ally, use this month to amplify BIPOC voices, learn more about the disparities in access to care, and support the organizations doing this work.
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Explore NAMI's national resources on Bebe Moore Campbell Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, including toolkits, events, and ways to get involved in your own community.
Make your experience heard by joining the online NAMI community! Break down barriers, help others feel seen, and let the people in your community know they’re never alone.
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Save and use the graphics below to spread the word about NAMI’s Seen. Heard. Understood. campaign and events or record a video sharing about your experiences.
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Post it to your social media accounts using Hashtag #seenheardunderstood and be sure to tag @namiccns on Facebook and Instagram, and @NAMI Cook County North Suburban on LinkedIn!
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Take the First Step Today - Register Your Team for NAMI CCNS 2026 NAMIWalks |
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Be a Champion for Your Community
Help NAMI CCNS reach our $90K goal by signing up to walk, raising donations through your network, spreading the word to friends or becoming a team captain! |
| REGISTER AND LEARN MORE ABOUT NAMIWALKS |
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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.
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
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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. |
| Click Here to Register Your Team or Become a Captain Today |
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Questions About Forming a Team? Need Customized Email Templates or Messaging to Send Out? Other Questions? We are here to help you every step of the way! Reach out to Jackie Smolyar by email at: jsmolyar@namiccns.org |
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July 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 July. 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 | 4:00–5:30 PM
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Saturdays | 4:00–5:30 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
Hybrid (In Person & Online) - NAMI Family Support ZOOM Links and 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 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
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SAVE THE DATE
Next Family Insight Evening - Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Topic: From Conflict to Connection: Practical Communication Tools for Caregivers
Learn compassionate, practical communication strategies that help reduce conflict, build trust, and stay meaningfully connected with a loved one living with mental illness.
This group open to adults who have participated in NAMI Family-to-Family or NAMI Family Support Groups. No Registration Required.
Date: Wednesday, August 5th
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: First Congregational Church of Wilmette (1125 Wilmette Ave, Wilmette, 60091) |
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| Click Here to View Full NAMI CCNS Event & Program Calendar |
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Help Us Continue to Serve Our Community
Your financial contribution directly supports our mission to improve the lives of persons and their 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 that we serve - thank you for being a vital part of our community!
To make a donation, click the button below. |
| 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:
admin@namiccns.org
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