March 2020
Affiliate News
NAMI WLA Honored
Thank you to the City of Beverly Hills Health and Safety Commission for recognizing us for our work in the community. Executive Director Erin Raftery Ryan; Program Director Tim Davis; board co-President Sharon Dunas; and board member Adaline Fagan were awarded certificates from Commissioner Cathy Baker of the Health and Safety Commission board on February 24, for our efforts "enhancing the health and safety of the City of Beverly Hills" with our mental health education and support services. 
We're Hiring
We are hiring a part-time database administrator: Find out more and apply.
More Good News
  • Our Program Director, Tim Davis, is leading a training for Ending the Silence lead and youth presenters.
  • We're excited to announce two newly certified family support group facilitators. Welcome to the team, Randy Ryan and Adam Sholder.
  • We're graduating more than a dozen participants from the Winter Peer-to-Peers class that ends this week.
On the Air: Dear Family Podcast
Our Program Director, Tim Davis , appeared on a recent episode of “Dear Family” podcast with his son, Ryder, one of our Ending the Silence youth presenters, to share their mental health journeys. Bonus: the podcast host is Rachel Steinman, one of our Ending the Silence lead presenters. Listen!
Photos from the Field
More on Instagram!
Community Events
Janis Black Warner Monthly Speaker Series
Topic : Trauma, PTSD, and Mental Health

Speaker : Bruce L. Kagan, M.D., Ph.D. Dr. Kagan is Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at the Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and staff psychiatrist in the PTSD clinic at the Greater LA VA Medical Center in West Los Angeles. He conducts research on the role of amyloid proteins in Alzheimer’s Disease and on the role of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Date : Wednesday, March 4, 7 pm

Place : The Vista Del Mar Child Study Center: 3200 Motor Ave., Los Angeles 90069 ( map )
Membership Meeting
Save the date for our annual membership meeting on Saturday, May 30, 2020. More information to follow.
320 Conversations
Our Executive Director, Erin Raftery Ryan, will be participating in a special event to de-stigmatize mental illness:  “320 Conversations” on March 9, 6:30 to 9 pm, at USC’s Bovard Auditorium.
Upcoming Trainings, Conferences, Other Events
Training for Facilitators for the Connection/Conexion Program: NAMI California is currently recruiting for qualified, passionate people to be trained facilitators for support groups.

Basics Teacher Training: NAMI Los Angeles County Council will sponsor a , April 18-19.

6th Annual Parent and Caregivers Conference: Free conference hosted by NAMI Los Angeles County Council on March 28.
Two Ways Home Screening: This film by Ron Vignone, which we recently featured at our Janis Black Warner Speaker Series, will be screening at Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood on Saturday, February 29. Tickets available at the door; mention NAMI Westside Los Angeles to save 30% on your tickets.
Community Support
NAMI WLA's Spring Family-to-Family Classes
Enrollment is now open for our two Spring classes, one on Monday nights, one on Thursdays.

  • Monday nights at Cedars-Sinai, starting April 6
  • Thursday nights in Santa Monica, starting April 16

Find out more and register; call 310-889-7200 or email
tdavis@namila.org with questions.
NAMI WLA's Spring Peer-to-Peer Class
Enrollment is now open for our new peer class, starting Thursday, April 16 at First Presbyterian Church in Santa Monica.

Find out more and register; call 310-889-7200 or email
estephens@namila.org with questions.
Los Angeles Department of Mental Health's Pier Program: Program to help youth and young adults ages 12-25 with early psychosis symptoms stay on track and reach their goals.
NAMI WLA's Support Groups
Family Support Group, temporarily at Step Up On Second (formerly Daniel’s Place in Santa Monica)
2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month, 7-8:30 pm
3435 Ocean Park Blvd. #207, Santa Monica 90405
Parking is free on site for meeting times
Special Note on Location : As Daniel's Place has moved out from its prior location and will not be in the new location for a few months, the family support groups will temporarily take place at Step Up On Second.

Family Support Group at the Brentwood Branch Library
2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month, 10-11:30 am
11820 San Vicente Blvd., Brentwood 90049

Family Support Group at Didi Hirsch Community Mental Health Center
Mondays, 6:30-8 pm
4760 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City 90230

NEW! Family-to-Family Class Graduates Support Group
2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month, 7:30-9 pm
1444 Roxbury Dr., Los Angeles 90035

Peer Support Group at Cedars-Sinai
Tuesdays, 6:30-8 pm
8700 Beverly Blvd., Briskin Conference Room, Los Angeles 90048

Peer Support Group at Didi Hirsch in Culver City
Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 pm
4760 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City 90230
Community Action
Tax Return Tip: Fund Crisis Intervention Training
During tax season, you have the ability to make a positive impact within your community. By simply going to the Contributions page on your California Income Tax Return and checking the box entitled “National Alliance on Mental Illness California Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund,” you can help fund our partnership with local law enforcement to safely interact with individuals experiencing a mental health crisis through Crisis Intervention Training (CIT).
Community Voices
NAMI California Mental Health Survey
Are you a family member or loved one of an individual with a mental health condition or someone with direct experience accessing services in the mental health care system? We want to hear from you! Take NAMI California's stakeholder surveys.
Mental Health Stories
Your Support
Your membership and donations help us make a difference in the lives of Angelenos living with and impacted by mental health conditions. We hope we can count on your support by being a part of the NAMI Westside Los Angeles member family. Become a member, renew your membership, or make a donation today. Thank you!