NAMI members gather for training

(l–r) Front Row: Missy Combs, Lisa Simonds, Gayle Bradshaw, Candy True (with Ozzie), Janie Simpson, Brenda Merritt, and Rebecca Holderman. Middle Row: Sharon Lentz, Senorita Sullivan, aand Beth Dowtin Back Row: Terronda Clarke, Sissy Weaver, Michael Stockdell, Tim Stewart, Bob Wilson, Shirley Huisman, Pete Wellens, Sharon Ritter, Tray Stone, and Melodee Thompson. Not Pictured but present at the training event: Vera Ross, Joseph Aiken, and Chip Kunze. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Mid–Carolina had 23 members gathered the first weekend in November in Winnsboro, SC at the White Oak Conference Center to participate in the NAMI SC State new teacher/facilitator training. The NAMI class trainings were for the following free extensive mental health programs supported by NAMI Mid–Carolina, an affiliate of NAMI and a non–profit organization advocating for people with mental illness and their families:

• NAMI Connection–Peer led support group for people with mental illness.

•NAMI Basics–Peer led educational course for parents/caregivers of children with a diagnosis or symptoms of a mental illness. (15 hours, 6 sessions)

• Family to Family–Peer led educational class for family members. ((30 hours, 12 sessions)

• In Our Own Voice–One hour presentations by two people who have a mental illness: Offered to churches, civic groups, organizations, etc.

• Caregiver Support Group Facilitator– This training is for general support group facilitation.

For more information regarding NAMI Mid–Carolina’s free educational and group programs visit their website www.nami.org/sites/midcarolina or call (803)776-9548.