HAPPY NEW YEAR!
New Year's Day Party
Our New Year's Day Party was well attended, and everyone seemed to enjoy the chance to gather together and participate in some fun activities. In addition to the "White Elephant" gift exchange, which we have done for the past few years, President Annie Glynn provided the opportunity for everyone to hang an ornament on the "Gratitude Wall" to share something for which they were grateful. Annie thanked the board and all those who have volunteered over the past year, and encouraged everyone to participate in whatever ways they can in 2018.
A message from the President
Greetings!

Welcome to our first newsletter of 2018.

NAMI Sussex has accomplished much during 2017, including achieving re-affiliation as a NAMI affiliate in March, creating and implementing a strategic plan, creating a committee structure, and resuming our NAMI Connection and Post-traumatic Stress Connection support groups, in addition to continuing to offer free community education programs, NAMI Family-to-Family and NAMI Basics courses, and support groups. None of this could have been accomplished without the dedication and commitment of board members, as well as our volunteers and donors, to whom I am deeply grateful.

That said, NAMI Sussex is an all volunteer nonprofit membership organization, and we rely on our members and others to volunteer to help us grow and continue to offer our services free of charge. If our mission resonates with you, or you have benefitted in any way from our services and are inclined to pay it forward, please help us by volunteering (see volunteer opportunities below). You will be making a difference, and will reap the benefits of volunteering, including enhanced mental health and increase in life satisfaction. Let's work together to combat stigma, and help those affected by mental illness.

Please also help us to expand our reach by liking our Facebook page and posts.

Please add nami.sussex@gmail.com to your contact list to ensure that you receive our e-mails.

Wishing you a happy and healthy 2018!

Sincerely,

Annie Glynn
Volunteer Opportunities
  1. Join one of the following committees - a. Education, b.Fundraising, c. Advocacy & Anti-Stigma, and d. Community Outreach & Program. These meet from 2-4 times per year depending on the committee. Click here for information on Committees.
  2. Serve as a board trustee.
  3. Join our walk team and/or help us solicit sponsors/donors (see below).
  4. Clergy outreach.
  5. Principal/Child Study Team outreach.
  6. Grant writing assistance.
  7. Website assistance.
  8. Newsletter assistance.

Thanks for making a difference! For further information on any opportunities, please e-mail nami.sussex@gmail.com or call 973-214-0632.
JOIN OR SUPPORT OUR WALK TEAM

On Sat. May 19, 2018, the NAMI Sussex walk team will be participating in the NAMI NJ walk on the boardwalk at Seaside Park. Please register as a walker, or a "virtual walker" if you can't walk with us, or support our team with a donation (any amount is appreciated), and help us raise funds so we can continue to offer free programs, courses and support groups. Thanks for your support & generosity!

NAMI Sussex 2017 walk team, including Miss New Jersey USA Ambassador
Annelise Malgieri
FREE UPCOMING EVENTS
Wed. Jan. 10th - Discussion on Mental Health Concerns in the Workplace by Dr. Victoria A. Shivy at NAMI Sussex's General Meeting from 7 - 8:30 p.m. at Bridgeway, 93 Stickles Pond Rd., Newton, NJ. For more information, view flyer .  

Sat. Jan. 20th & Sat. Jan. 27th - Wholebeing Happiness Workshop - 2- session workshop at Family Partners, 67 Spring St., Newton, NJ. Limited to 20. Advance registration required by Wed. Jan. 17th at https://namisussexjan18.eventbrite.com. For more information, view flyer .  

Wed. Feb. 7th -  “In Our Own Voice” program   from 7 – 8:30 p.m. Two NAMI members who are living well with mental illness will share their personal stories of recovery and engage in discussion with the audience. Location: Bridgeway, 93 Stickles Pond Rd., Newton, NJ. Pre-registration through Eventbrite is requested but not required:  https://namisussexioovfeb18.eventbrite.com. For more information, view flyer .  

FREE SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS - JUST SHOW UP
NAMI Connection Support Group  – (monthly, 2nd & 4th Mondays)
For adults who have experienced mental health challenges
Mon. Jan. 8th & 22nd - 6:30-8 p.m. at A Way to Freedom Wellness Center, 29 Trinity St, Newton, NJ. Parking lot and entrance are at rear of the Mitchell Agency Building on the corner of Trinity and Moran Streets. 

Parent/Guardian Support Group   – (monthly, 4th Tuesday)
For parents/guardians of children and teens with emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges  
Tues. Jan. 23rd - 7:00–8:30 p.m. at Family Partners, 67 Spring St. (use Spring St. entrance), Newton, NJ

For veterans, police & first responders recovering from post-traumatic stress as a result of their service
Tues. Jan. 23rd - 7:00­‐8:30 p.m. at Bridgeway, 93 Stickles Pond Rd., Newton, NJ 

NAMI Family Support Group  (monthly, 1st Tuesday)
For family members/friends who have a loved one with mental illness
Tues. Feb. 6th - 7:00-8:30 p.m. at Newton Medical Center, 175 High St., Newton, NJ. Enter through the main entrance and ask at the Reception Desk to be directed to the Emergency Department Conference Room. 

OUR GRATITUDE TO MARJORIE STROHSAHL
After 10 years+ of dedicated service and commitment as a NAMI Sussex board member, Marjorie Strohsahl resigned from the board on Dec. 31, 2017 to take a break from her hectic schedule. The Board conveys its gratitude to Marjorie for her dedication and enormous contributions, and for her continued involvement going forward. We are pleased that she will remain as the liaison for the Sussex County Chamber of Commerce. She will continue to serve on several committees, and work on the Code 9 project with Robert Cubby. Marjorie has deservedly received a plethora of awards, and was instrumental in resurrecting NAMI Sussex with her sister Kathleen Fitzsimmons. She also worked diligently to have the NJ State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC's choose NAMI NJ as its special project, which it did for 2014-2016.

Take action on advocacy issues
NAMI champions better care and better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental health conditions. Please sign up via the links below to keep informed of advocacy issues, both on the state and national levels, and take action by writing to your legislators. Be part of the change.

NAMI NJ's Annual Conference
If you missed the conference, AJ Mendez delivered an inspirational speech. Access it, and videos from the other speakers at the link below.

Annette Hoffman & Jeri Doherty organize donations for delivery to Greystone
DONATIONS FOR GREYSTONE PATIENTS MUCH APPRECIATED!
In late November, NAMI Sussex began our second annual holiday collection for patients at Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital. Rev. Dr. Emily Hall, the director of volunteers for the Greystone Park Association, informed us that the most needed items were new men's and women's pajamas, underwear, and jeans, plus boxed Christmas and Season's Greeting cards for the patients to send to friends and family.  Read more ...
CONGRATULATIONS TO NAMI BASICS & NAMI FAMILY-TO-FAMILY
FALL 2017 GRADUATES!

Huge thanks to NAMI Basics teachers Lauren Hirtes & Jeri Doherty and NAMI Family-to-Family teachers Nancy Whidden & Noel McInerney! Courses will next be offered in Spring 2018 and will be announced on our website and Facebook page .
NAMI Basics
NAMI Family-to-Family
NAMI Sussex
P.O. Box 652, Sparta, NJ 07871
Tel no. 973-214-0632
NAMI Sussex is an all-volunteer 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides support, education, and advocacy throughout the Sussex County, New Jersey area on behalf of individuals and families affected by mental illness.