Our first annual Jolly Holiday Lights trip was a huge success! NAMI Central Iowa's mission is to improve the lives of Central Iowans with mental health conditions throughout our region. We got to see that work in action with the JOY that was overwhelmingly expressed by each and every participant that was able to see the Christmas lights this year. NAMI Central Iowa would like to thank our Board for making this possible. There are many barriers to seeing this annual light display, including cost, distance, and transportation. Over half of our peers have lived in Iowa for most of their lives and were able to experience this dazzling holiday activity for the very first time thanks to NAMI Central Iowa and support from our wonderful community. The holidays can be difficult for many people, and even more so when living with a mental health condition. A stress free evening of holiday cheer among peers and friends made a difficult time of year a little bit brighter.
We are ringing in the New Year with new classes, volunteer opportunities, and weekly support groups 3 days a week! If you have been wanting to get involved, now is the time! Check out the openings we have below…
If you have already taken our Peer to Peer class, you can now become trained to teach it! By becoming a Peer to Peer facilitator, you can help peers in our community educate themselves and grow confidence to help them live full lives while managing their mental health condition. Recovery is possible, help spread hope by taking our Peer to Peer state training January 22nd and 23rd. This will be 2 day training that will happen hybrid style online and in person. Call 515-292-9400 or email programs@namicentraliowa.org for more information and to sign up. Training is free and each 8 week class you teach is eligible for a stipend up to$250.
Connections Facilitator Training
Have you been attending Connection regularly and feel as if you are ready to take on the role of facilitator to help your peers? Take the 2 day facilitator training happening January 29th & 30th and be fully prepared to help others by co-facilitating Connections. Training is free and each Connections group you facilitate is eligible for a$25 stipend.
NAMI CENTRAL IOWA is thrilled to announce that growth is happening because of passion from our peers, volunteers, donors, board and staff!
424 5th Street, Ames is now entirely the NAMI Central Iowa Wellness Center
The Wellness Center is now open Monday through Friday 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Occassional weekend and evening activities are available as well
JD Deambra is our Wellness Center Coordinator
We provide rides to and from the Wellness Center
Call 515-292-9400 24 hours in advance for a ride
426 5th Street, #201, Ames is now the NAMI Central Iowa Administrative Offices
This is literally on the north side of the Wellness Center! (The prior Ameriprise Financial offices)
SOON a door will be placed in the wall between 424 and 426 and the two spaces will be connected
You can find our Executive Director, our Program Director and our Community Impact Manager here
We have a conference room in this location for support groups and educational classes! That is why the Wellness Center will not need to close if a support group or another meeting is happening
123 1st Avenue SW, Hampton has an office for our northern expansion
CICS in Hampton has provided an office for our Family & Peer Liaison, Angela Albers to meet with people
NAMI Central Iowa now provides service to 3 additional northern Iowa counties of Webster, Wright and Hancock
The NAMI CI Newsletter is e-published monthly by Program Director, McKenzie Alvarado Lopez of NAMI Central Iowa. Please share our Newsletters with others! NAMI-CI is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness. Our mission is to provide them with support, education, and advocacy. NAMI Central Iowa is a self-sustaining affiliate. Revenue is generated through our generous donors, funders and grants available. NAMI CI does NOT receive any funding from NAMI Iowa (Des Moines) or the national NAMI (Arlington, VA). NAMI CI is a United Way partner agency, and received funding this fiscal year from the following organizations: CICS, ISU Student Government, City of Ames, Capstone Behavioral Health, Golden K Kiwanis, Sigler Employee Association, SignCraft, Peoples Company, United Church of Christ Congregational, CrossRoads Baptist Church, BPO Sorority, Gilbert Lultheran Church, Trinity Christian Reformed Church, Boone Valley Coon Hunters Association, Mary Greeley Medical Center, Stark Smiles, PH Clean, Mary Greeley Medical Center, Zyia Independent Consultant, Heidi Bills, ISU Police, Kohl's Cares, St. Ceclia Catholic Church, Amazon Smile Foundation, and other annoymous organizations.Charitible giving from employees of: VanDiest Medical Center, Wells Fargo, Business Solver, United Way of Central Iowa designated gifts, United Way of Story County designated gifts, and other employees.
To make changes to your contact information, to receive your newsletter by email/mail, or if you no longer wish to receive the NAMI CI newsletter, email or phone the NAMI CI office at namiofci@gmail.com or 515-292-9400. NAMI Central Iowa is a charity registered with Amazon Smile. NAMI Central Iowa has an Educational Endowment set up with the Story County Community Foundation.
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