Hello NAMI GC Friends, how are you?


As we find ourselves in the midst of winter, we hope this message finds you nestled in comfort, prioritizing self-care, and embracing the warmth within. Your support and dedication to mental health shine brightly during these winter days.


We’re delighted to unveil the exciting events and programs waiting for you this February. From engaging workshops to community gatherings, we’ve crafted a month full of opportunities for connection, growth, and most importantly, self-love.


Stay cozy, stay well, and let’s navigate this February journey together!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Our Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony will take place on May 1st, 2024.

NAMI Greater Cleveland’s Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony is set for May 1st, 2024, at 11:30 AM at the Holiday Inn in Independence.


Join us for an inspiring event where we’ll honor individuals and organizations making a difference in mental health advocacy.


Our Director Katie Jenkins will share our 2023 accomplishments, we will introduce new Board members, bid farewell to outgoing members, and feature a keynote speaker - soon to be announced.


Be on the lookout for registration details also!


And if you’re interested in supporting through sponsorship opportunities click here. Your support helps us continue our vital work in mental health advocacy.

UPCOMING WEBINARS IN FEBRUARY

Wintering Well Workshop hosted by Kim Langley, M.Ed.


Embrace the essence of winter with our "Wintering Well" workshop on Wednesday, February 7 at 12PM via Zoom. Join us in partnership with Kim Langley, M.Ed., author of 'Send My Roots Rain: A Companion on the Grief Journey,' as we explore the beauty of rest and restoration during the darker days. Discover the parallels between nature's hibernation and our own need for rejuvenation in this engaging workshop. Let's navigate the psychological winters of our lives together, finding solace and renewal through reflective poetry and journaling prompts. Save the date for a moment of self-care and connection.



Register Here!

Creative Path to Wellness Series

Harmony in Healing: Introduction to Music Therapy

Presented by Alicia Bousner Hrubey, M.M., MT-BC


The therapeutic benefits of music have long been utilized by humanity. However, only in the last 100 years has the science of music as a therapeutic medium been explored and developed into Music Therapy. This webinar will take place February 12th at 12 PM via Zoom. In this presentation, participants will receive an overview of Music Therapy, exploring its clinical practice, applications, the scientific foundations, and the education and training of Board Certified Music Therapists. The session includes a Q&A opportunity for participants to engage in conversation on this topic.


Alicia Bousner Hrubey, M.M., MT-BC (she/her/hers) is a board-certified music therapist and the founder/Executive Director of In Harmony Therapeutic Services, a Cleveland-based nonprofit. With a B.A. in Psychology and M.M. in Vocal Performance, she earned national board certification in music therapy in 2017. Specializing in trauma-informed practices, Alicia combines music therapy with behavioral supports, restorative practices, and community building. Faculty at Cleveland Music Therapy Consortium, she also Co-Chairs the Ohio Music Therapy Task Force.

Register for Harmony In Healing

Understanding the Impact of Trauma on Family Systems facilitated by Brian Strozewski, LPCC-S, CCAT


Family life comes with challenges and stress, and when ongoing distress, lack of resources, or tragic events occur, their impact extends to all family members. Understanding the signs, reasons, and basics of trauma's brain science is key to building resilience and aiding in recovery. Join NAMI Greater Cleveland on Wednesday, February 14, at 12 PM via Zoom for a session on Understanding the Impact of Trauma on Family Systems facilitated by Brian Strozewski, LPCC-S, CCAT, a professional clinical counselor and pyschoeducation presenter with NAMI Greater Cleveland, this presentation will provide an introductory overview of trauma on family systems. Additionally, attendees will learn foundational brain science of stress, trauma, and resilience, and apply information to understand how trauma affects families and relationships and what can be done to help families to be healthiest despite adversities.




Register Here!

Support Groups for Peers

NAMI Connection Support Group is a free, peer-led support group for adults living with mental illness. You will gain insight from hearing the challenges and successes of others, and the groups are led by NAMI-trained facilitators who’ve been there.


Feb 14, 2024, 5:30 PM


Feb 28, 2024, 5:30 PM via Zoom

Register Here!

Connection Support Group: Rainbow LGBTQ+ Rainbow Pioneers, in partnership with the LGBTQ Community Center of Greater Cleveland, NAMI GC is hosting a peer-facilitated mental health support group for LGBTQ elders (adults over the of 55+).


February 7, 2024, 10:30 AM

LGBT Community Center of GC

6705 Detroit Avenue

Cleveland, OH 44102 United States

Register Here!

Sign up your teens for YouthMove!

Register your future leader today, ages 14-18.

Sign Up!

Beyond NAMI GC: Local Mental Health Events

Black Men Mental Health Tour


The Black Men Mental Health Tour Just Heal, Bro is coming to Cleveland—an empowering evening of healing and brotherhood by A Living Hope Production. Register for free here and be part of the experience. Join the pre-mixer at 6:30 PM, featuring free grooming and self-care resources. Look out for the NAMI GC resource table!


Friday, February 2nd, 7:30PM

Tri-C Eastern Campus, Simon & Rose Mandel Theater

Writers & Readers: HUSH Film Screening with Director Antwon Lindsey


Discover a compelling event presented by Cleveland Public Library—a free screening of the acclaimed documentary HUSH (Help Us Say Help). This powerful film breaks down the stigma around mental illness, exploring the challenges faced by the Black community through personal stories and expert commentary. Stay for a book signing and an impactful panel conversation with director Antwon Lindsey and local advocates, discussing available resources and ways to support mental wellness and those struggling.


Shades of pink, cognac, and white are gently encouraged in support.


Friday, February 23rd, 5:30 PM

Main Library, Louis Stokes Wing Downtown Cleveland


Register, here.

Mental Health in the News

Ohio launches major study to explore causes of mental illness among residents


A $20 million state grant to the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center announced Friday will establish a long-term study on mental illness, drug overdose and suicide in Ohio.



READ MORE






Breathwork: What Is It And How Does It Work?


There are several mental and physical benefits of mindful, controlled breathing, also known as breathwork. Learn more below about how breathwork can help you stay centered and how easy it is to get started.


READ MORE

The Surprising Way Having Siblings Can Affect A Teen's Mental Health


A recent study published in the Journal of Family Issues suggests having multiple siblings may come with a potential downside for young teens.


READ MORE

NAMI GC Resource Roundup

NAMI GC Caring Companion Calls


The Free Caring Companion Calls program offers supportive mentoring and companionship to adult peers, including those living with a mental health condition, as well as friends, family members, and caregivers.



Our Caring Companions are highly trained volunteers who share a lived experience with mental health conditions. Specifically, our volunteers embody qualities such as patience, compassion, empathy, and effective communication.


NAMI GC Helpline


The NAMI Greater Cleveland Helpline is a free peer-support service dedicated to providing information, resource referrals, and support for individuals living with mental health conditions, their family members, caregivers, mental health providers, and the public.


Our Helpline staff and volunteers are seasoned, well-trained individuals with the ability to offer guidance and support.


Monday - Friday | 9 AM - 5 PM

Call: 216.875.7776 or via email at helpline@namicleveland.org


The NAMI Greater Cleveland Helpline does not provide a hotline, crisis line, or suicide prevention line, or suicide prevention line service.


If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, please call 911 or the 24-hour Mobile Crisis Team at 216.623.6888


Call, Text, or Chat 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline


Dial 911 for emergencies.

NAMI GC Parent Advocacy Connection


The mission of the PAC Program is to empower, educate, encourage, and equip families to partner with professionals in promoting access to family-centered, community-based, comprehensive, and culturally competent services. 


PAC is a NAMI Ohio grassroots program that offers trained Parent Advocates with lived experience who reflect the cultural and ethnic make-up of the families they serve. Click here to learn more.

Community Compass: Local Resources Spotlight

NAMI Frontline Wellness now offers 1-1 Peer Support Leader training materials for: Fire and EMS Professionals, Law Enforcement Professionals, Emergency Room Physicians

To learn more, contact your local NAMI or email frontlinewellness@nami.org

Crisis Text Line (Text 4Hope to 741741) provides free support at your fingertips, 24/7. It is a free, confidential service available via text on mobile devices. 



Click here for a list of mental health resources available in Cuyahoga County.


It's time we talked about mental health. Share what's on your mind

at OK2Talk.org.

Community Care: Your Steps Towards Mental Health Support

Join or renew or membership!


Members of NAMI Greater Cleveland become an integral part of a powerful movement dedicated to transforming the mental health system, eradicating stigma, and fostering a culture of knowledge and empathy surrounding mental illness. Your membership empowers change and strengthens the collective voice advocating for mental health awareness and support in our community. Join now!

Are you in the process of creating or revising your estate plan?


Think about supporting the growth of NAMI GC's programs by designating us as a beneficiary in your will, trust, retirement plan, or life insurance policy.



For more details, please reach out to your financial advisor.

Major Support for NAMI GC comes from:

ADAMHS Board of Cuyahoga County

Alkermes 

Cleveland Foundation

Greater Cleveland Community Shares

Community West Foundation

Cuyahoga Arts & Culture

The Dale & Judy DAF Fund

Frank Hadley Ginn and Cornelia Root Ginn Foundation (of the Cleveland Foundation)

Hahn-Rushton Charitable Fund

The Hankins Foundation

William E. Harris Family Fund (of the Cleveland Foundation)

The Higley Fund

The Louise H. and David S. Ingalls Foundation

Janssen (Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson)

Kohl’s: A Community with Heart Program


Elizabeth Ring Mather and William Gwinn Mather Fund

Sally and John Morley Family Fund (of the Cleveland Foundation)

David & Inez Myers Foundation

NAMI National

NAMI Ohio

Edwin D. Northrup II Fund (PNC)

William J and Dorothy K. O'Neil Foundation

Peg's Foundation

Reuter Foundation

Ridgecliff Foundation

The Daniel & Kathe Serbin Family Charitable Fund

The Helen & Louis Stolier Family Foundation

Michael Talty and Helen Talty Charitable Trust

William Weiss Foundation

Woodruff Foundation

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