NAMI South Suburbs of Chicago announces "new home"

NAMI South Suburbs of Chicago has found a new home in the Bremen Township Senior/Youth Center, located at 15350 Oak Park Avenue, Oak Forest.

NAMI South Suburbs of Chicago, an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization, is dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.

One of over 600 state organizations and affiliates throughout the U.S., NAMI South Suburbs of Chicago has been in existence over 15 years. However, it has been in only the past few years with the nation’s attention focusing on the mental health crisis before us that it has been recognized in our area.

During the past few years, the NAMI affiliate has been looking to area townships to provide office space and a meeting room for its numerous programs. This is something that NAMI affiliates throughout the U.S. have done in educating residents on mental health. NAMI South has typically offered most of its free, educational programs in meeting rooms that area churches have provided.

Last year NAMI President Marianne Bithos approached Maggie Crotty at Bremen Township about the affiliate’s failure to secure much needed office space and meeting rooms in the south suburbs.

Bithos said, “Our NAMI affiliate was continuing to grow with not only residents but school districts, churches and groups such as the Lions Club and Kiwanis seeking out our programs.”

“My kitchen table and a post office box were no longer sufficient in meeting the needs of 100s of individuals seeking out education and support on mental health challenges.” Bithos added

Aware of their mutual concerns for the mental health needs that were gaining more publicity, Bithos shared her growing frustration in finding suitable space for NAMI, a 501.3c, that depends on donations to provide programs, materials, and speakers.

A long-time advocate for mental health education and support in the south suburbs, Crotty was very enthusiastic about the township helping in any way possible.

Crotty’s response was, “Your organization will no longer need to search for facilities to accommodate your services. Bremen Township might be able to help!”

Months later Bithos received a call from Bremen Township with the good news that they would welcome NAMI.

Crotty announced, “The township is excited about partnering with NAMI, to provide the needed service to our residents. We are very happy to establish a long-term relationship with your organization and will continue to assist you with whatever we can. By working together with you, we can accomplish a lot in services to the community!”

Providing this much needed space places Bremen Township in the forefront of other townships in the south suburbs of Chicago in recognizing mental health needs.

NAMI plans to begin offering its free classes for family members and friends of individuals with mental health challenges this summer. NAMI also has support groups for family and friends as well as those with mental health issues.

Following are classes that NAMI South Suburbs of Chicago offers. Due to the current Covid 19 situation some of these programs are only offered online. For those interested in accessing additional information and/or registration for these classes go on NAMI’s website www.namisouthsuburbsofchicago.org or contact Marianne Bithos, 708-335-4008 or namisouthsubrbsofchicago@gmail.com.

NAMI Family-to-Family Class - This free, 8-session educational program is designed for family, significant others and friends of people living with mental illness. It is taught by NAMI-trained family members of loved ones who live with mental illness, and it includes presentations, discussion, interactive exercises, and strategies for taking care of the person you love. The group setting provides mutual support, compassion and reinforcement from people who understand your situation.

NAMI Family & Friends - This free, four-hour seminar is led by trained individuals with lived experiences of supporting a family member with a mental health condition. It is also an opportunity to meet other people in similar situations and gain community support. Topics include - Understanding diagnoses, treatment and recovery, effective communication strategies, the importance of self-care, crisis preparation strategies, and NAMI and community resources.

NAMI Basics Education Program - This free, 6-week, group education program is designed for parents and family caregivers of children and teens with mental health conditions. It is taught by trained parents and family caregivers who have experience living with children and teens with mental illness. The group setting provides mutual support, compassion and reinforcement while providing critical strategies for taking care of your child and learning the ropes of recovery.

NAMI Basics OnDemand - This is a free, six-session online education program for parents, caregivers and other family who provide care for youth aged 22 or younger who are experiencing mental health symptoms. The program is offered online and available 24/7. It is a unique opportunity for parents and caregivers to quickly realize they are not alone.

Mental Health 1st Aide for Adults – This is a free, one day program that NAMI partners with Sertoma, Inc in providing participants with an action plan for assisting individuals with a mental health challenge. It offers a 5-step action plan to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or crisis, provides information on depression, anxiety, trauma, psychosis, and substance abuse. Also included are risk factors and warning signs of mental health and substance abuse problems. All participants receive a Mental Health First Aide manual and a 3-year certificate. CEUs are available.

Mental Health 1st Aide for Youth – This is also a free, one day program through NAMI and Sertoma, Inc. covering the same material but with an emphasis on youth.

In Our Own Voice Presentations - This free presentation demonstrates how individuals with severe mental illness experience recovery. Each presenter has been through training to translate the story of their struggles and successes with living with mental illness.