National Alliance on Mental Illness

I want Unilocalers to know from my personal experience that the Cook County North Suburban chapter of volunteers has earned their support. I also want to recommend their programs to anyone dealing with depression, bipolar disorder, or other challenges, either in themselves or a loved one.
NAMI is a nonprofit organization that helps individuals overcome mental illness and supports their families.
These local volunteers arrange for an excellent, free, public education program, presented by a professional in the field, every other second Monday at 7 PM. at Kenton-​Knox Conference Center, 9701 N. Knox in Skokie.
They also teach Family-​to-​Family, a 12-​week curriculum developed nationally by NAMI. This class for loved ones of adult consumers meets for several hours one night a week to develop in-​depth understanding of diagnoses and coping skills, as well as to share knowledge of local resources and form a mutual support group.
For the special needs of loved ones of children with mental illness, NAMI CCNS offers the NAMI BASICS course.
The Provider Education Program offered by CCNS is a 10-​week course for mental health providers for which CEU’s can be provided.
In addition to classes, the local NAMI chapter offers four support groups year-​round, one for families, one for parents of children and adolescents, one for those coping with an illness, and a Response Line offering telephone support (This is not a crisis line).
Another excellent program offering is In Our Own Voice that trains consumers to speak to a community audience about their experiences with brain disorders, treatment, and recovery. It’s a 60-​minute presentation including two personal stories and a video segment. This is suitable for presentation at schools and churches.
The members of NAMI also advocate for more housing and research.
If Unilocalers are looking for any of these resources, I recommend they call the chapter office. If Unilocalers are interested in volunteering or donating, I feel this is an organization they can be proud to be a part of supporting.
NAMI has chapters in many Illinois counties. I’m only familiar with this chapter which serves Des Plaines, Evanston, Glencoe, Glenview, Golf, Kenilworth, Morton Grove, Mount Prospect, Niles, Northbrook, Park Ridge, Prospect Heights, Skokie, Wilmette, and Winnetka.