NAMI Collier County Inc

NAMI Collier is a nonprofit that provides no cost mental health support, advocacy, and education to inspire resilience and strengthen communities in our region. With roots dating back to 1987, NAMI Collier County is a nonprofit that has been serving Collier Countys social, emotional and behavioral health needs for generations. You can count on us to coordinate a variety of programs that serve the needs of our participants and their families.NAMI Collier makes a positive impact on the communitys social, emotional and behavioral health by both raising awareness and putting boots on the ground managing a comprehensive array of programs and support groups for all ages. Our Programs HUGS (Health Under Guided Systems): This program offers mental health screenings, clinical oversight, and caregiver support for children aged 2 months to 22 years. Our dedicated care coordinators help families navigate the complex healthcare system and interventions along the continuum of care. Sarah Ann Life Skills and Support Program: A welcoming environment for adults with mental health needs aged 18 to 84+, providing life skills training and support Monday through Friday. Supportive Housing & Employment: We assist individuals in securing stable housing and achieving workplace success. Self-Directed Care: This unique coaching model empowers individuals to set and achieve personal life goals. Food Pantry and Giving Room: We provide weekly access to food and essential items for our participants and community members in need.Our Support Groups NAMI Connection: A recovery support group for adults living with mental illness. Recovery Skills: Teaching coping strategies and crisis planning. NAMI Family Support Group: A safe space for caregivers to share their experiences of challenges and success. Hearing Voices/Seeing Things: For individuals who hear voices, see visions, or have unusual perceptions. Autism Collier Parent and Grandparent Groups: Support for families of children with autism in collaboration with Autism Collier. Family to Family Program: An 8-session educational program for families of individuals with mental health conditions.Our ImpactIn the past year, we have made significant strides: Screened over 2,000 children and provided care coordination for 972 through our HUGS program. Supported an average of 35 adults daily through the Sarah Ann Life Skills and Support Program. Helped 149 individuals secure employment and 106 find stable housing. Enrolled an average of 90 participants annually in our Self-Directed Care program. For the past decade, Wilkins life was largely confined to the walls of a nursing home. Following a traumatic brain injury, progress seemed distant, and hope was hard to come by. All of that began to change this year when Wilkins joined our Sarah Ann Life Skills Program. With the compassionate support of our NAMI team, Wilkins is now making remarkable strides every day. His story is a testament to the power of resilience, community and dedicated NAMI Collier no cost mental health and wellness programs.When Lon, a Vietnam veteran, found NAMI Collier, we were able to help him secure a safe, affordable home. In October, Lon moved into his apartment, which is the first actual roof Lon has had over his head in 29 years. We are honored to accompany Lon on his journey to long-term success and mental wellness.Six-year-old Darrel was referred to the NAMI Collier HUGS program for emotional regulation, speech delay, and inappropriate behavior. Darrel had to change schools due to these challenges and after moving in 2023, his mom felt lost in the new school system. At NAMI Collier HUGS, we helped Mom find the necessary therapies for Darrel, including applying for Medicaid, establishing a psychiatrist and setting up speech therapy. Through our no cost program, NAMI Collier provided continuous support, leading to Darrel's ADHD diagnosis and appropriate medication. Since then, Mom reports significant improvements: his tantrums have decreased, he is easier to regulate emotionally, his speech has improved and he has adjusted well to his new school, Darrel is now making new friends.Our programs are supported by a combination of grants, contracts, and contributions from individuals and businesses. When you donate to NAMI Collier, 100% of your donation stays local to help individuals in Collier County. Through the communitys generous support, we can help change Wilkins, Lons and Darrels lives and thousands of others.At NAMI Collier, we take pride in offering no cost, no wait programs. For just over a year, we have been in our new location at 5025 Costello Drive in Naples, FL. Our new home has provided the perfect space for our dedicated team to provide comprehensive, compassionate care, supporting our participants every step of the way on their journey to mental wellness.

NAMIs Health Under Guided Systems (H.U.G.S.) respond to the complex needs of children at risk of or with social, emotional, or behavioral health problems in Collier County and is one of the many programs offered by NAMI Collier at no cost. All research points to the earlier the intervention the better the outcome. H.U.G.S., a community based, childrens behavioral health program brings evidence-based mental and behavioral health care to the children in our community, 2 months to 18 years old through both preventative skill-building and assisting with and providing referrals for community resources.NAMI Colliers Child Psychologist reduces the wait time of a minimum of eight months to a year by completing evaluations and provide a diagnosis as appropriate. NAMIs Board-Certified Behavior analyst provides in home interventions for during care coordination and home visits.