NAMI San Mateo County

During 2023, the Organization provided social and emoational support to community members through the following programs:NAMI Basics: The NAMI Basics Program is a free, 6-week course designed for parents and other primary caregivers of children and adolescents experiencing emotional and behavioral difficulties. It is not necessary that the child has received a specific diagnosis. Caregivers who suspect their child is experiencing symptoms of mental illness can benefit greatly from the course as they begin to navigate the evaluation and treatment process. NAMI Peer-to-Peer: Peer-to-Peer is a unique, experiential learning program for people with any serious mental illness who are interested in establishing and maintaining their wellness and recovery. NAMI Family-to-Family: The NAMI Family-to-Family Educa&on Program is a free, 9-week course for family caregivers of individuals with severe mental illnesses. The course is taught by trained family members in English and Spanish. All instruction and course materials are free to class participants.NAMI Ending the Silence: NAMI Ending the Silence is a interactive presentation that includes a young adult living with mental illness who shares their journey of recovery. Teens will have the opportunity to ask questions and gain understanding of an often misunderstood topic. Through dialogue, we can help grow the movement to end stigma.NAMI In Our Own Voice: In Our Own Voice (IOOV) is a unique public education program developed by NAMI, in which two trained individual speakers share compelling personal stories about living with mental illness and achieving recovery. IOOV is an opportunity for those who have struggled with mental illness to gain confidence and to share their individual experiences of recovery and transformation. IOOV presenta&ons are given to hospital psychiatric inpatient units, business and consumer groups, students, law enforcement officials, educators, providers, faith community members, politicians, professionals, inmates, and interested civic groups.NAMI Peer Pals: The Peer PALS program, developed by NAMI Santa Clara County, matches PALS, or mentors, with individuals who can use the support of someone who has "been there." Because PALS share the experience of mental illness in common with their peers, they are in a unique position to relate with and understand their peer's experience. PALS helps individuals who are isolated with little or no contact with persons outside their home and helps empower them to develop the tools, strategies and techniques to aid their recovery. NAMI Crisis Intervantion Training: The Crisis Interven&on Training (CIT) Program is a mandatory program designed to help law enforcement deal with people with mental illness in our community. This is a collabora&ve effort with the San Mateo County Sheriff's Department, Behavioral Health and Recovery Services and NAMI San Mateo County. The Organization also continues to operate a Warmline staffed by volunteers.