April 2017
Rachelle A. Martin
Greetings,
Last Thursday we officially kicked off our 2017 NAMIWalks! On Saturday, June 10, walk for someone who is struggling with mental illness; someone who is in recovery; or, for the memory of a loved one at NAMI Franklin County's NAMIWalks. We want the community of those who care for and care about the mentally ill to make their voice heard...or in this case, to make their "footprint" seen throughout the greater Columbus area.
 

So many people-providers, clinicians, agencies, and families-work incredibly hard every day to make the lives of the mentally ill better, yet so few people really know that. Let's make a huge impression this year at our NAMIWalks!
 
The country is struggling now with budget cuts to services that our loved ones so desperately need. Let's all come together on June 10, and show our combined support, fight stigma, and educate the city!
 
You can form a team or walk individually. And please check to see if your company makes matching donations. Register at www.namiwalks.org/franklincounty. If you have questions, contact Hallie Israel, Walk Manager.

All the best,  
Rachelle A. Martin, Executive Director 
If you were not able to be with us for the NAMIWalks Kick Off last week, please visit the Franklin County NAMIWalks website for 2017 NAMIWalks details and registration information.

OHP Fish Fry - April 14, 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. 
Our friends at the Ohio Hospital for Psychiatry, 800 Greenlawn Avenue, are hosting a Fish Fry on Friday in support of the 2017 NAMIWalks!  Click here to download a flier for details! 
Board Member Spotlight: Kyle Lang
Kyle is Senior Litigation Counsel for Meadowbrook Insurance Group managing litigation against the company and providing strategic counsel to the underwriting companies.
 
Originally from Zanesville, Ohio, he received a Bachelor of Arts from Denison University in 1999 and his Juris Doctorate from The John Marshall Law School. Kyle began his legal career in Chicago, Illinois litigating environmental claims around the country. He moved back to Ohio in 2010 and lives in Powell with his wife Molly, daughter Maeve and son Thomas.
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Do You Need to Talk? Do You Want to Listen?
NAMI Franklin County Mentor Program
Being a caregiver for someone with mental illness is challenging. And that's an understatement. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, sibling, spouse, extended family member, or friend, each role presents a particular challenge.

NAMI Franklin County has a Mentor Program that might be what you're looking for. Don't let the word mentor scare you off! Stay with me here. The Mentor Program offers two ways to be of service to family members. If you need to talk about your family situation, you can discuss it confidentially-and without judgement-with someone who has been through the same things you're going through and knows how you feel. A mentor won't solve your problems. He or she is there to lend a supportive ear, make a suggestion or two, and listen. Or, if you feel like you are in a steady place and would like to be a mentor and lend an ear, you can do that.
 
NAMI Franklin County will have an information session about the Mentor Program this month. Please call our office (614-501-6264) or email Karen Cousins for more information. We're always here to help.  
Upcoming Classes and Support Group Meetings
NAMI Franklin County Men's Group
The Men's Group meets on the first Saturday of each month and is facilitated by Rev. Dr. Tim Ahrens and Jeff Daniels.  All are welcome. Please contact Jeff Daniels for time and location information.
NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program
Thursday, August 24 - November 16, 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Jewish Family Services, 1070 College Avenue, 43209. Click here to download the F2F registration form.
NAMI Peer-To-Peer Recovery Program
Tuesday, March 28 through May 30, 6:00 p.m.  - 8:00  p.m., Chalmers P. Wylie VA Ambulatory Care Center, 420 North James Road, Columbus, 43219. Click here to download the P2P registration form.  
Save the Date!!
Ohio Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) Symposium 
November 2, 2017 at the The Fawcett Event Center | The Ohio State University
Keynote Speakers: Michael Biasotti is the past president of the New York State Association of Chiefs of Police and a former police chief of New Windsor N.Y. and Barbara Biasotti, retired school psychologist. Spon sored by NAMI Ohio, the Treatment Advocacy Center, and The Margaret Clark Morgan Foundation. Online registration coming soon, Forinformation contact Betsy Johnson.