As we enter April, NAMI Greater Cleveland is committed to advancing mental health advocacy and support in our community. This month's newsletter is packed with opportunities, updates, and stories designed to inspire and connect us.

We are also excited to embrace the symbolism of spring's arrival and the upcoming Lunar Eclipse. Let's take this opportunity for reflection, inner healing, and release—principles we continually encourage at NAMI. In addition, we will be acknowledging Stress Awareness Month and the importance of prioritizing self-care and mental well-being. Join us in taking proactive steps towards managing stress by following us on social media for valuable stress management tips throughout the month. Let's empower ourselves with knowledge and support as we navigate the challenges of everyday life.

Your support drives our mission forward. Thank you for being a part of our NAMI Greater Cleveland family—here's to a month of growth and connection.

We are excited to announce that NAMIWalks 2024 is set for September 14 at 9 AM at Edgewater Park. But we like to think that the starting line is right here and now. Are you ready to get going on your fun and rewarding journey with NAMI?

Take the first steps today on the path to hope for all our friends, family and neighbors as you announce to the whole community: "I AM NAMIWalks." Together, we will all be NAMIWalks 2024—through our commitment, unity and laughter leading up to, and of course on, Walk Day.

Remember, NAMIWalks powers the life-changing work of NAMI Greater Cleveland. And NAMI Greater Cleveland powers "Mental Health for All."

Registration is live, so sign up today.

Interested in becoming a sponsor, email our Special Events & Development Coordinator, Lisa Dellafiora at ldellafiora@namicleveland.org.

Save the date for our annual Hope N Mic at Wade Oval Park – an afternoon of community, entertainment, and art! Join us for diverse performances, a resource fair, and connections with fellow community members as we celebrate the healing power of the arts.

Calling All Artists!

We are looking for musicians, poets, dancers, spoken word artists, theatrical groups, visual artists and more to fill our event with artistic experiences and performances!

Dust off that guitar, grab your paintbrushes, and let's share the power of the arts together!

Email Cassey Fye at cfye@namicleveland.org with interest and more information. Deadline to apply for a performance time is Friday, May 3rd! Confirmation of a performance slow will be emailed out Monday, May 6th.

Understanding Stress: Causes and Coping

Facilitated by Kristi Horner, Founder and Executive Director, and Jenny Woodworth, LISW, Program Director in partnership with Courage to Caregivers, this workshop will educate attendees on healthy coping strategies and techniques to reduce stress and burnout.

Wednesday, April 3rd at 12:30 PM via Zoom.

Spiritual Practices for Wellness: Chair Yoga

These quarterly sessions will be facilitated by Julie Novas, JD, LCSW, a clinical social worker, ordained interfaith minister, and meditation teacher. Research suggests that practices related to spirituality and mindfulness can be valuable tools on the healing journey and in managing mental and emotional wellness. Yoga is for everybody. All bodies are welcome. No practice experience is necessary. Please wear comfortable clothing and be seated on a stationary chair for this collective practice.



Wednesday, April 10th at 12 PM via Zoom.

Understanding Autism: Mental Health Considerations and Strategies

Facilitated by Missy Kuhn, LISW-S, Behavorial Health Supervisor at the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities—and featuring an additional presenter with lived experience of autism. This presentation will provide a clinical overview of the mental health considerations associated with autism spectrum disorder and related developmental disabilities. The program will also outline coping skills, support strategies, and community resources for parents, caregivers, and other loved ones of individuals with autism.

Wednesday, April 24th at 12 PM via Zoom.

NAMI Family-to-Family is a free, 8-session educational program for family, significant others and friends of people with mental health conditions. The program is taught by NAMI-trained family members who have been there, and includes presentations, discussions and interactive exercises.

NAMI Family-to-Family 2nd Quarter | West Side

Location: Blessed Trinity Church | 14040 Puritas Ave. Cleveland, OH 44135

Date: Wednesdays, starting April 10th thru May 28th

Time: 6 PM to 9 PM

NAMI Family-to-Family 2nd Quarter | East Side

Location: 33140 Aurora Rd Set 3, OH 44139

Date: Wednesdays, starting May 1st thru June 19th

Time: 6:30 PM to 9 PM

For more information. please contact NAMI Greater Cleveland at 216 875 7778 or kkepic@namicleveland.org

NAMI Family-to-Family is a free, 8-session educational program for adults with mental health conditions who are looking to better understand themselves and their recovery.

NAMI Peer-to-Peer 2nd Quarter |

Location: Virtual via Zoom.

Date: Tuesdays, April 23rd thru June 11th

Time: 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

For more information. please contact NAMI Greater Cleveland at 216 875 7778 or kkepic@namicleveland.org

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.

Mondays, Bi-Weekly | 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

In partnership with the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland, we are hosting a peer-facilitated mental health support group for LGBTQ individuals (ages 18+) This group aims to provide a safe, non-judgmental space for support as we look at the intersection of identity and mental health.

Every 2nd & 4th Thursday | 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

With NAMI Connection Support Group, 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.

NAMI’s support groups are unique because they follow a structured model to ensure you and others in the group have an opportunity to be heard and to get what you need. By sharing your experiences in a safe and confidential setting, you gain hope and develop relationships. The group encourages empathy, productive discussion, and a sense of community.

This support group is virtual and takes place on Zoom. Register below.

April 8th:

Cleveland, Ohio will be in the middle of the path of totality.

The eclipse totality will last for 3 minutes and 50 seconds in Cleveland - one of the longest for a major city.

Eclipse Timing (EDT):

• 1:59 pm: Eclipse begins
• 3:15 pm: Maximum
• 4:29 pm: Eclipse ends

In celebration of the total lunar eclipse on April 8th, NAMI Greater Cleveland will be closing our offices to mark this historic occasion. As Cleveland becomes a focal point for viewers and events, we're excited to share information about the festivities surrounding the eclipse, those who miss out on this eclipse in Cleveland will have to wait to be on the path of totality until 2444.

Visit Cleveland's Natural History Museum website for events and safe viewing methods:

Solar Eclipse 2024 | Cleveland Museum of Natural History | Cleveland Museum of Natural History (cmnh.org)

For more events surrounding the eclipse, visit This Is Cleveland website:



2024 Solar Eclipse in Cleveland, Ohio (thisiscleveland.com)

Jung Speedbat X NAMI Greater Cleveland

Jung Speedbat X NAMI Greater Cleveland | Music For Your Mental: Join us on April 6th for an electrifying performance by Jung Speedbat and special guests. They will be raising funds for NAMI GC. Jung Speedbat is a writer-producer duo from Cleveland, OH. They do not adhere to one single genre and promises an unforgettable experience. Don't miss the chance to groove to their tunes while supporting NAMI GC's vital work in our community.

April 3rd | Ghetto Therapy: bringing black and brown communities together around mental health at Julia de Burgos Cultural Arts Center 6-8pm

April 5th Book Club Dr. Tatiana Falcone author of A Parents Guide: to Prevent Suicide in your Loved One at Julia de Burgos Cultural Arts Center 6-7pm (get the free PDF of the book when you register ENGLISH & SPANISH)

Register online at juliadeburgos.org/calendar. To learn more, or if you have questions, please email us at info@juliadeburgos.org or call (216) 894-5664

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 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.