Sunday, November 27, 2022 | Special Advertising Section 1 R 24 Providing support — and hope — for those impacted by mental health conditions The East King County Affiliate for National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI Eastside, is passionately committed to providing advocacy, education, support and public awareness so that all people impacted by mental illness and mental health conditions can lead healthy and productive lives. We regularly offer several mental health education classes, support groups for individuals and families, and opportunities to build resilience and mental wellness. Our peer facilitators and presenters have lived experience as supporters or as individuals with mental health challenges. While peers cannot replace medical professionals, they can share their mental health journey and offer helpful experiences and strategies while someone waits weeks or months for a licensed professional. We offer mental health resources in English and Spanish, as well as referrals to other community services in the UniteUs network. All of our services are free of charge to participants. NAMI Eastside has a track record of success, a highly engaged Board of Directors, dedicated volunteers, diverse community partners and a compassionate and results-driven spirit. Our Strategic Plan for 2023-2025 focuses on three major areas. 1. Youth mental health In addition to our annual Youth Mental Health Conference, NAMI Eastside has initiated a Youth Ambassador program for middle and high school students. Ambassadors learn tools to manage stress and promote mental wellness, gain access to resources and experts, participate in evidence-based training, learn problemsolving skills and develop a mental health toolkit. Students learn to talk about mental health with peers. Internships and scholarships are available. NAMI Eastside volunteers continue to provide “Ending the Silence” presentations to middle and high school students, as well as school staff and parents, to learn the importance of early intervention and reduce the stigma of mental illness. 2. Serving underserved communities In collaboration with Entre Hermanos, NAMI Eastside initiated a Sharing Hope/Compartiendo Esperanza program and Conexion support group to encourage the normalization of talking about mental health and seeking culturally appropriate resources in the Latinx community. NAMI Eastside has hired bilingual staff and gathThrough NAMI Eastside’s Youth Ambassador Program, young people guide the way to solutions for their peers. “NAMI Eastside makes me feel safe and like I matter,” says one past participant. NAMI Eastside is a community-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to improving the quality of life for those impacted by a mental health condition. Using evidence-based programs and peer facilitators, our work is filling an important gap in accessing care and support. Learn more at www.nami-eastside.org. ered Spanish resources and materials to provide linguistically appropriate support. We are joining forces with NAMI Seattle to offer a Spanish language family support group. In collaboration with Centro Cultural Mexicano, NAMI Eastside will offer training to Latinx teens and families on coping skills, mental health education and NAMI programs in Spanish. NAMI Eastside created a support group for Women in Transitional Housing (WITH) to provide a safe place and build connections for women with children who have lived in transitional housing. As families move from place to place, it is difficult to maintain support systems. This group provides peer support for mental health recovery. “WITH can fill an important need to the many women who have been affected by homelessness in one form or another,” says Lena, a past participant. “This support group provides a safe space for women who are looking for strength in sharing experiences, resources and encouragement. There are no forms to fill out or hoops to jump through. PROVIDED BY NAMI EASTSIDE NAMI Eastside offers support and services when, where and how it is needed. All you need is an open mind and willingness to connect with others that have faced similar challenges.” 3. Building a stable foundation “I blamed myself, I blamed my ex-husband, and I even blamed my son for his struggles. I was upset with my entire family,” says one participant of NAMI Eastside’s Familyto-Family class. “But now I understand and embrace the fact that mental illness can affect anyone, for any reason, at any time.” NAMI Eastside served more than 15,000 people in 2021. The pandemic and its aftermath have highlighted the urgent need for mental health support and easy access to resources. Help us expand our staffing and volunteer pool to increase the scope and impact of our evidence-based programming. Your contribution will help us share resilience and hope with thousands more individuals and families.
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