3rd Annual NAMIWalks is Scheduled for May 2nd

3rd Annual NAMIWalks is Scheduled for May 2nd

Our 2010 Greater Philadelphia NAMIWalk: Changing Minds…One Step at a Time, will be held on Sunday May 2nd at Montgomery County Community College, Blue Bell.  This will be our third annual effort to increase awareness, fight stigma and raise funds needed to grow our family and peer education and support services as well as many other benefits to consumers and the community at large, such as: Four paid internships for certified peer specialists; numerous Art Reach offerings of tickets for concerts, plays and drumming; two Reading Phillies outings and tickets to the Philadelphia Phillies; monthly pizza and movie parties at all six peer resource centers in Montgomery County and much more. 

We hope you all will support NAMIWalks by making  a contribution and also coming out to Walk with us (and for those who cannot do the 5 K Walk, we will again have our Walking In Place section with music and fun for all!). Please go to www.nami.namiwalks/Pa/Philly to make a 100%  tax deductible contribution to the Walk or to  sponsor your favorite Walker  ((make a contribution in their name). Also, please consider having your own Walk Team (with your family, neighbors, co-workers etc.) and Walk with us (Teams register at the same website).

Enclosed with your newsletter this month is a refrigerator magnet with all of our 2010 Walk information.  Please post this on your refrigerator, or better yet, if you have a refrigerator at work or school  please post it there.  If you would like additional magnets to post, please call our Glenside office at 215-886-0350.  We appreciate your help in spreading the word about  NAMIWalks!

We also are looking for corporate, business and individual sponsors.  Sponsorships start at $250 (Kilometer Marker) and  all business donations of $500 and more will have their logo placed on our Walk T-shirts (at least  1,000 shirts), brochures, posters etc. Please ask your supermarket, spa, service station, bank etc. to be a sponsor for this very worthwhile cause.  If you would like more information on Walk sponsorship please call Carol Caruso at 215-886-0350.

Watch for these Upcoming NAMI Events

Watch for these Upcoming NAMI Events

For more information or to make reservations for any of these call
215-886-0350

Thursday December 3: “Co-Occurring Disorders”
James Bechtel, Ph.D., CCDP Diplomate,Magellan Health Services
The Chesmont Center, 13 Armand Hammer Boulevard, Pottstown
(across from Pottstown Hospital)

Sunday December 6: Jenkintown JAVA
620 Greenwood Avenue, Jenkintown
Acousitc guitarist/vocalist David Falcone
Lunch (any selection from their menu) and Coffee
Two seatings: 1-2:30PM and 2:30- 4:00PM. $2.00

Annual Holiday Party at Hennings Market
290 Market Street (the Meadowbrook Plaza), Harleysville
“All You Can Eat Buffet” and Holiday Music
Free to NAMI MontCo Members, $12. for non-members

"Holiday Show at the Swing Club”
Theatre Horizon
208 De Kalb Street, Norristown
December 12 and December 17
8 PM--- FREE!!!!

The passing of two founding members

Dear NAMI Members--

It is with great sadness that I write to inform you about the passing of two of our founding NAMI members.

On September 24th, Rose Weiss passed away and on October 6th Peg Cochran passed away.

Both Rose and Peg helped not only to organize what is now NAMI, but they both worked diligently to fight for services for those living with mental illness as well as to battle the terrible stigma associated with it. They both also served on our Board of Directors, as well as were members of many county mental health committees. They provided a much needed voice for those affected by mental illness, and they were very affective in their advocacy work. Their energy and dedication will be sorely missed.

There will be a viewing for Peg at Schneider Funeral Home , 431 N. York Road, Hatboro on Sunday October 11th from 2 PM- 4 PM.

There will be a memorial service for Rose at Cathedral Village, 600 E. Cathedral Road, Philadelphia, on Sunday October 18th at 2 PM.

Carol

October Events from NAMI Montgomery County

Dear MontCo NAMI Members and friends:

On Thursday, October 1st. Tony Salvatore from Montgomery County Emergency Services will present on "Suicide Prevention and System Transformation". With the high rate of suicide for those affected by mental illness and substance abuse disorders, this is a very important issue for all of us to learn more about. Please plan to join us for this free presentation. More details are available in our newsletter.

Sunday October 4th is the start of Mental Illness Awareness Week. To kick things off we will hold our traditional Candlelight Ceremony, 7 PM at Building 33 (Norristown State Hospital). Glenn Koons, Certified Peer Specialist, will be our speaker and refreshments will be served.

Be sure to join us at Montgomery County Community College on Tuesday October 6th, 7 PM at Science Hall, for Dr. Joel Schwartz, the "Stress Less Shrink". Enjoy an evening of humor with Dr. Schwwatz-- again no charge but be sure to RSVP (details in the Memo).

Also to celebrate the week we will be donating $500 each to five major libraries in Montgomery County (Norristown, Pottstown, Abington, Lansdale and Upper Dublin). We are asking that the libraries use the funds to purchase books on mental illness. A list of suggested books will be provided along with book plates, indicating that the book was donated by our NAMI affiliate and contact information for each of our offices.

We have arranged the check presentations at each library with photographers from local area newspapers at the following times:

Lansdale - Monday 10/5 at 11 AM
Upper Dublin - Monday 10/5 at 1 PM
Norristown - Monday, 10/5 at 2:30 PM
Pottstown - Tuesday 10/6 at 2 PM
Abington- Thursday 10/8 at 10 AM

The funds are proceeds from our 2009 Greater Philadelphia NAMIWalk. We are hopeful that this effort will help to increase public understanding of mental illness.

Carol

Join Us Aug. 26 - Coalition for Essential Services Rally

Please join the Southeastern PA Coalition for Essential Services to raise our voices at this week and urge our elected officials to pass a good and fair budget for Pennsylvania citizens.

Take Action NOW!
Call your PA Lawmakers and Urge Them to Pass the State Budget & Preserve Community Resources.

Click to take action


Join us on Wednesday to rally for a FAIR & EQUITABLE budget NOW!

WHAT: Southeastern Pennsylvania Coalition for Essential Services Rally

Speakers include:
• David Fair, Senior Vice President for Community Impact, United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania
• Claudia Hellebush, Executive Director, United Way of Chester County
• Bill Pierce, Executive Director of the Downingtown Area Senior Center
• Others who are impacted by the budget impasse

WHEN: August 26, Wednesday @ Noon
Rain or Shine

WHERE: Media Courthouse - 201 West Front St., Media, PA

WHY: Because Pennsylvanians Need a Budget NOW!


The Southeastern Pennsylvania Coalition for Essential Services rally sponsors:
United Way of Southeastern PA, United Way of Chester County, United Way of Southeast Delaware County, Mental Health Association of Southeastern PA, Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Council of Children, Youth & Family Services , Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations (PANO), Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, PA ACORN, Pennsylvania Association for Adult Continuing Education, Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger, Action AIDS PA, Public Citizens for Children and Youth, Community Interactions, Inc., Delaware Co. Communities That Care Network, Chester Education Foundation, Maternity Care Coalition, Philadelphia Alliance, Mid County Senior Services, Freedom Valley Disability Center, Calcutta House, Philadelphia Coalition for Essential Services, Project H.O.M.E., Resources for Human Development, Children and Youth Services of Delaware County, Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition, Vote for Homes Coalition, The Crime Victims’ Center of Chester County, Inc., Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, Joshua Achievement Center, Dignity Housing, Episcopal Community Services, Horizon House of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Association of Community Development Corporations, The Arc of Delaware County, Children and Youth Services of Delaware County, People's Emergency Center, District 1199C Training & Upgrading Fund, Philadelphia Hospital and Health Care Employees – District 1199C, Center for Literacy, JEVS Supports for Independence, Philabundance, Community Learning Center, SHARE Food Program, Inc., Community Women's Education Project (CWEP), Turning Points for Children, Childpsace CDI, KenCrest Services, Today’s Child Learning Centers, Inc., Youth Service, Inc., Coalition to Save the Libraries, Southeast Pennsylvania Network For Family Health, Education & Welfare, Women's Opportunities Resource of Center, Caring People Alliance, ElderNet of Lower Merion and Narberth, PAR – Pennsylvania Association of Resources for Autism and Intellectual Disabilities, and Zhang Sah

For more information, or to add your name as a rally sponsor, contact Jennine Miller jmiller@projecthome.org or 215.232.7272

Summer Meetings

Monthly meetings (3rd Sunday) will resume in September with our Annual Family Picnic on Sunday September 20th.

Support Groups will continue in July and August:

Glenside: July 9, 2009 at 7:30 PM
August 13 at 7:30 PM

Pottstown: July 9, 2009 at 7:30 PM
August 13 at 7:30 PM

Norristown: July 1 at 7:00 PM
August 5 at 7:00 PM

July is also Minority Mental Health Month -
See the NAMI website (www.nami.org) for more information

Pottstown Support Group Meets Thursday 6/11/09

The Pottstown family support group will now meet on the second Thursday of each month at 7:30 PM at Creative Health Services, 11 Robinson Street, Pottstown PA 19464, Room IOP 3.

This group is the successor to our longstanding Trappe Support Group.

May 30 NAMIWALKS - Reserve your seat on the bus!

Bus Seats are going quickly for the NAMIWalk this Saturday, so please call and reserve your seat. Due to limited seating (48 per bus) reservations will be required. To reserve your seat call 215-886-0350.

Greater Philadelphia NAMIWalk 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009 - Memorial Hall
4100 Avenue of the Republic (41st & Parkside Avenue), West Philadelphia, PA 19131
Check–in Time: 7:30 am Start Time: 9:00 am

Transportation from Montgomery County

BUS I
7:00 AM: Pottstown Consumer Resource Center
249 High Street, Pottstown 19464
7:30 AM: Norristown State Hospital, Building #6
7:45 AM: Norristown Transportation Center

BUS II
7:00 AM: Lansdale Peer Resource Center
51 East 2nd Street, Lansdale 19446
7:30 AM: NAMI Montgomery County Office
100 So. Keswick Avenue, Glenside, 19038
7:45 AM: Abington Peer Resource Center
1925 Old York Road, Abington 19001

Trappe Support Group Moves to Pottstown, New Date and Time

Please note date change.

The Trappe Support Group is now the Pottstown Support Group!

The longstanding family support group will now meet on the second Thursday of each month at 7:30 PM at Creative Health Services, 11 Robinson Street, Pottstown PA 19464, Room IOP 3.

NAMIWalk set for May 30th

Final preparations are well underway for our second annual Greater Philadelphia NAMIWalks for the Mind of America, Saturday May 30th at Memorial Hall (the Please Touch Museum) in Philadelphia.

If you have not already, please go to our website www.nami.org/namiwalks/pa/philly to join a team or make a contribution.

Funds raised from the 2008 Walk have been used for:

• Providing work opportunities and stipends for Certified Peer Specialists at the homeless shelter in Norristown
• Joining ArtReach and purchasing tickets to plays and concerts that are free of charge to mental health consumers
• Providing monthly pizza and movie parties at the six peer resource centers in Montgomery County

And there are plans for many more exciting “Consumer Enrichment “ programs from our 2009 NAMIWalks funds. All donations are 100% tax deductible and are guaranteed to be put to good use.

You can also mail a contribution to our office. Make checks payable and mail to:
Greater Philadelphia NAMIWalks
100 So. Keswick Avenue
Glenside, PA 19038

We also need volunteers to help out the morning of the Walk so if you are interested please call Carol at 215-886-0350.

May 13th presentation on Disability Rights Network and Social Security Benefits

On May 13th we will host Jessica Raggi, Community Work Incentives Coordinator of the Work Incentive Planning and Assistance Program, Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania (a merger of the Pennsylvania protection and Advocacy and Disability Law Project). The event will be held at our Glenside office (100 So. Keswick Avenue).

The Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) Program is a statewide service designed to help individuals understand work rules and regulations and to access work incentives available under SSI and SSDI programs. WIPA Coordinators meet individually to discuss how returning to work will impacts benefits as well as recommends work incentives that can maximize income, and healthcare options and ways to achieve greater financial self-sufficiency. WIPA staff also helps identify and access appropriate Employment Networks and other employment support services to help individuals return to work.

The program will include:
• What WIPA has to offer
• Social Security Disability Insurance
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities

The program will run from 6 PM to 8 PM. A light supper will be provided. Registration is free to all but priority will be given to NAMI Montgomery County members. To attend you must register by COB on Monday May 11 (montconami@aol.com or call 215-886-0350).

Phillies Mental Health Awareness Night on May 26th

The Philadelphia Phillies will hold a Mental health Awareness Night on Tuesday May 26th at Citizens Bank Park. Seats are located on the terrace Level (Sections 328-333) and are at the reduced rate of $14.

Tickets can be purchased either through the Phillies or through NAMI Montgomery County.

We have a limited supply of tickets available for consumers of mental health services. If you are interested in obtaining tickets please call 215-886-0350 or email us at montconami@aol.com.

April 4th Family to Family Reunion Cancelled

Family to Family graduates a notice about this weekend's reunion. Due to the lack of interest in the event we regret to report that we must cancel the event. We hope that next year more people will respond so that we can get to see how you are all doing.

Thanks

The NAMI Monco Staff

Family to Family Reunion Canceled

To our NAMI MontCo Members:

Our Family to Family Reunion scheduled for this Saturday (April 4th) has been cancelled. Those who RSVP'd have all been notified; however we wanted to send out a general announcement to the membership.

Our Greater Philadelphia NAMIWalks Kick-Off Luncheon this past Sunday at The Belmont Center was a big success: 22 of our (to date) 45 Team Captains attended, as well as Joseph Rogers, our Honorary Co-Chair, and Dr. Larry Real. We are adding new sponsors every day but please let us know if you know of any businesses or groups that may be willing to sponsor (there are different levels of sponsorship opportunities, and information can be sent upon request). All contributions are tax deductible; proceeds from the Walk here in Montgomery County will go towards our Consumer Enrichment Program. Please be sure to visit our website at www.nami.org/namiwalks/pa/philly.

Please also be sure to visit our affiliate website (www.montconami.com) for updates on our local activities.

Carol

Please be Advised

The April support groups in Trappe and Glenside will be cancelled, as that they fall on Holy Thursday.

Thank you for your cooperation.

NAMI Montgomery County

Art out Reach

For all you fans of the arts, NAMI Montgomery County in association with Art - Reach is offering their mental health consumers free tickets to L'enfant et les sortileges by Gianni Schicchi. It is brought to us by The Opera Co. of Philadelphia on Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009 at 6:15 p.m.

For more information please contact us at 215-886-0350

Notice: Change to Schedule

To all interested in the Drumming session that was scheduled for Monday March 2 there has been a change to the schedule. The session has been moved to Monday March 30 at 11 a.m. If you are interested or have any questions please call 215 886 0350 and we will put you in contact with the woman in charge of the Art Outreach Program.

2nd Annual Family to Family Class Reunion

The Family to Family teachers of Montgomery County present the 2nd Annual Family to Family Class Reunion. Once again we are responding to requests and hosting the reunion for anyone who has graduated from the Family to Family class.

This event will let you catch up with former classmates and meet up with others who benefited from the Family to Family experience.

We will get together on Saturday, April 4th, 2009, for a luncheon at the Human Services Center in Norristown from 11:30 a.m. until 2:30p.m. Come and join us.

To sign up, or if you have questions, call (215) 886 - 0350 or email montconami@aol.com We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible on April 4th.

Learn about Metabolic Syndrome Sunday March 15

Learn about Metabolic Syndrome March 15

Adults with serious mental illness have a lifespan that is 15% to 25% shorter than average. Metabolic Syndrome, an indicator of increased risk for heart disease, stroke and vascular disease, and Type 2 Diabetes is a root cause of this reduction in lifespan. Please join Dr. Jack Gomberg and Kirsten Mermagen as they discuss Metabolic Syndrome and other health hazards unique to those struggling with mental illness. Dr. Gomberg and Ms. Mermagen will explore recent advances in wellness-based psychiatric recovery and will cover the complementary roles of nutrition, mindfulness and spirituality in a wellness-based approach to recovery. The presentation will offer a better understanding of the recovery implications of Metabolic Syndrome and Mind-Body Spirit integration.

Jack Gomberg, M.D., has been treating adolescents and adults in outpatient, inpatient and residential settings for over 30 years. He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and completed his residency in Psychiatry at the Institute of Pennsylvania Hospital. Dr. Gomberg currently serves as Chief medical officer of Project Transition, Consulting Psychiatrist to Carson Valley School, Member of the Affiliate Medical Staff at Friends Hospital and Associate Professor of Psychiatry in the School of Nursing at Drexel Hahnemann University.

Kirsten Mermagen, MS, NLC, specializes in wellness-based approaches to psychiatric rehabilitation and recovery. Kirsten‘s undergraduate degree is in Psychology and her Masters is in Exercise and Sports Studies. She is a certified nutrition and lifestyle coach, has worked as an exercise physiologist, yoga and meditation instructor, and maintains a holistic health private practice.

Please be sure to join us for this very informative session. Our meeting will be on Sunday March 15 th at our Glenside office (100 S. Keswick Avenue). Our doors open at 1:30 for socialization and refreshments and our program will begin at by 2 PM.

Your Invitation - NAMIWALK Kickoff March 29

The 2009 Greater Philadelphia NAMIWalk is expected to be bigger and better than ever! You are cordially invited to attend our Kick-Off Luncheon on March 29, 2009 in the Silberman Auditorium at the Belmont Comprehensive Treatment Center. Belmont is located at 4200 Monument Rd., Philadelphia 19131.

Join us to obtain your Walk materials for the 2009 Walk on May 30, 2009 at Memorial Hall, Fairmount Park, Phliladelphia. We will also have music and prizes.

This event is Free and rsvps will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. For more information or to RSVP Contact Judy Long 215-342-9553 jlfe@verizon.net

Also, register your Walk team today at http://www.nami.org/namiwalks/PA/Philly. Make a difference in the lives of people with mental illness!

Hope to see you there!
Neen DavisTeam Chair

Award Nominations; NAMI Convention Scholarships

The Montgomery County Office of Behavioral Health will be holding its' 32nd annual Mental Health Luncheon on Wednesday May 20th at The Westover Country Club in Jeffersonville. Nominations are now being accepted for annual recognition awards. The categories for the awards are:

Caring and Commitment
Distinguished Community or Programmatic Leadership
Personal Best: Progress and Accomplishment

There is also a CSP (Community Support program) Award; a CASSP (Child and Adolescent Service System Program) Award, and the Dr. Robert H. Miller Award. Nominations will be accepted until this Friday and may be submitted to the county office (Tel:610-276-3642; fax 610-278-3683).

We also have two available slots for the NAMI national convention July 6-9 in San Francisco. Some scholarship money is available (however not a full scholarship so there will still be a considerable cost to the individual). If you would like more information please call me at 215-886-0350.

Carol

Feb.21 - Pizza's on NAMI

Join us for Saturday afternoon pizza and a movie - sponsored by NAMI Montgomery County. Free!

Date: Saturday, February 21st

Lansdale Peer Resource Center
51 East Second Street, Lansdale
Time: 2:00

Bryn Mawr Peer Resource Center
1001 W. Lancaster Avenue, Rosemont
Time: 3:00

Norristown Peer Resource Center
538 DeKalb Street, Norristown
Time: 12:30

Pottstown Peer Resource Center
249 High Street, Pottstown
Time: 5:00

Abington Peer Resource Center
1925 Old York Road, Abington
Time: 4:00

Board Nominations, Bylaws Amendment Proposals Sought

NAMI Montgomery County is currently accepting nominations for candidates to our Board of Directors.

Criteria for eligibility are:

1. Must be a member in good standing of NAMI PA Montgomery County

2. Must be willing to participate in monthly Board meetings and all committee assignments

3. Must be willing to help promote the NAMI Mission Statement.

If you are interested in applying as a candidate or nominating someone to be a candidate, please contact our Glenside office at 215-886-0350 or at montconami@aol.com.

We are also accepting amendments to our Bylaws. These can be sent either electronically or through regular mail.

Both Board candidates and Bylaws amendments are voted on by our members at our Annual Membership Meeting in May (May 17th).

Mental Health Advance Directives Feb. 15 Topic

Glenn Koons Addresses February 15th NAMI Meeting

Please plan to join us on Sunday February 15th when Certified Peer Specialist Glenn Koons will help us learn about Mental Health Advance Directives. Signed into law by Governor Rendell in 2004, PA House Bill 194 promotes planning ahead for the mental health services and supports that a person might want to receive during a crisis if that person is unable to make decisions. A Mental Health Care Advance Directive is a tool that focuses on Wellness and Recovery Planning. Pennsylvania is pleased to join the national trend of promoting the use of this tool as a mental health policy. It is important to learn how to make this new law work for you—including how to create an Advance Directive and/or appoint an agent for a mental health Power of Attorney.

Glenn Koons is employed at Wernersville State Hospital as a Certified Peer Specialist. He chairs the NAMI Consumer Council and is a past member of the NAMI Consumer Council Executive Committee. For six years Glenn served as coordinator for southeastern Pennsylvania ’s Community Support Program. He is also a member of the NAMI PA Board of Directors.

Family to Family - Reunion Apr. 4

THE 2nd ANNUAL
FAMILY TO FAMILY CLASS REUNION


Once again we are responding to requests and hosting a reunion for anyone who has graduated from a Family to Family class.

This event will let you catch up with former classmates and meet up with others who also benefited from the Family to Family experience.

We will get together on Saturday, April 4th, 2009 for a luncheon at the Human Services Center in Norristown from 11:30 a.m. till 2:30 p.m. Come and join us.

To sign up, or if you have questions, call (215)886-0350 or e-mail montconami@aol.com We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible on April 4th.