NAMI Greater Seattle Programs
Family to Family is a free, twelve week class for famly members of individuals with serious and persistent mental illness. The course provides information and skill building in communication, resource identification, medication, and supportive relationships.
In Our Own Voice is a structured presentation provided by individuals living with mental illness. The idea behind this program is to break down stigma and address the misconceptions associated with mental illness. Presenters share their experience as well as their hopes for the future.
Educating the Next Generation is a 50 minute, educational program provided to junior high and high school students by trained presenters. The program includes an explanation of what mental illness is, how symptoms develop, how it is treated and what resources are available locally.
Recent Successes and Current Challenges
In 2012, NAMI Greater Seattle expanded educational and support programming significantly, serving more than 20,000 individuals and family members. We enhanced our family support services, implemented programming specificly for young consumers with psychotic illness, and increased outreach to address stigma and break down stereotypes.
Our greatest need is in organizational capacity. The demand for our services is great, and we do an excellent job of maximizing resources and utilizing volunteers. We are looking to raise funds to support additional paid staff.