Giving Back; National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

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NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is a grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness through education, advocacy, support, and public awareness. It offers various programs, a national support helpline, and works to fight stigma and shape public policy to increase access to care and support services.  What NAMI does

• Education: Offers programs for families, individuals, and educators to provide support and information. Examples include NAMI Family & Friends and NAMI Ending the Silence for students. 
• Advocacy: Works to shape national public policy and provides tools for volunteers to promote access to recovery-based supports and services. 
• Support:
  • Operates a national, toll-free HelpLine that provides information, support, and referrals to individuals and families. 
  • Offers support groups and peer-led programs delivered by people with lived experience. 
• Public Awareness:
  • Organizes events like Mental Illness Awareness Week and NAMIWalks to fight stigma. 
  • Works with media to increase understanding of mental health. 

How NAMI started and operates

• Origin: NAMI began in 1979 as a small group of families. 
• Structure: It has grown into an alliance of over 600 local affiliates across the country. 
• Staff and Volunteers: Many programs are delivered by trained volunteers who have personal experience with mental illness, either as a peer or as a family member. 
• Funding: NAMI's funding comes from a variety of sources, including individual donors, grants, corporate sponsorships, and events. 

At Philly, we will hold a couple opportunities to donate. You can buy tickets for a 50/50 raffle on Saturday night and a Pro-Am Jack & Jill held on Friday evening. Be sure to bring cash for these opportunities!