March 2017
Rachelle A. Martin
Greetings,
In recent weeks, NAMI Franklin County had the great pleasure of supporting two local events held to support our faith community. On February 28, the ADAMH Board of Franklin County hosted their 2017 Faith Leader Symposium which was a day dedicated to self care for faith leaders.  On March 4 - 6, First Congregational Church UCC hosted their 2017 Gladden Lecture Series featuring author Sarah Lund. 


As part of NAMI Franklin County's ongoing support of faith leaders and the faith community, we are continuing our "Out of the Shadows and Into the Church," campaign to reduce stigma around mental health. We are working with congregations to offer programming and supports. If you'd like to speak with us about working with your congregation or members, please click here for a request form. 

We are also gearing up for the 2017 NAMIWalks!  Last year's Walk was our biggest ever - we expect even bigger results this year! See below for information on how you can support the 2017 Walk Event.

We look forward to hearing from you!

All the best,  
Rachelle A. Martin, Executive Director 
 NAMIWalks Kickoff Luncheon is April 5, 2017!
Join us on April 5 to kick off the 2017 Walk Event and be a part of the movement that is Changing Minds, One Step at a Time! Join us for fun, food, networking, and to help celebrate another great year! Team captains and individuals with at least $25 raised will receive an awesome NAMI door prize! 
 
The Kick Off Luncheon is free, but registration is required.  Click here to register.  Also be sure
to check out  www.namiwalks.org/franklincounty for 2017 Walk details and registration information.
It's OK Not to Be Perfect
Are you the sole caregiver of your loved? Even if you have an extended family, it frequently comes down to one person doing the major caregiving. Trying to balance your personal, social, and work life with often overwhelming situations generated by your loved one's mental illness can leave you angry, resentful, and sometimes even ill. Trying to balance these feelings with the deep and abiding love you have for your loved one can be a challenge. After all, you are not perfect. And that is OK. Read more.
Karen Cousins is the Family Mentorship Coordinator at NAMI Franklin County.
In the news...
NAMI Ohio Statehouse Advocacy Luncheon  
Tuesday, March 28 from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Join NAMI Ohio for lunch in the Ohio Statehouse Atrium for the Mental Health Awareness / Advocacy Event. You'll hear motivational presentations and have the opportunity to help make the case for funding priorities in the state biennial budget under consideration this spring.
Governor John Kasich, will be there. He has expressed concerns about how tight funding will be this year and said that tough decisions must be made. Our voice must be heard, and you can add to that voice by attending the luncheon. If you are interested, you must pre-register by March 16.  Contact karen@namiohio.org or call 614-224-2700 to register.
A Gathering of Hope: Out of the Shadows and Into the Church
NAMI Franklin County is working to reduce stigma around mental illness in the faith community.  We're  providing resources and support to places of worship and faith leaders. If you would like to participate or get more information, please click here to download the Out of the Shadows campaign interest form.
NAMI Franklin County Men's Group
The group meets on the first Saturday of each month and will facilitated by Rev. Dr. Tim Ahrens and Jeff Daniels.  All are welcome. Please contact the NAMI Franklin County office for time and location. 
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.