A letter from NAMI-WM President Bernice Drumheller

The Family-to-Family course is a free program offered by The National Alliance on Mental Illness that provides extensive help for families of the mentally ill. NAMI-WM granted 21 participants their Certificates of Achievement for completing the 12-week program this spring. Course facilitators Robin Gottardi, Bonnie Pueschel, and Bernice Drumheller are very proud of the families that recently completed the course. NAMI-WM knows that knowledge is power for these families and that they are not alone. Many congratulations to the 2012 Family-to-Family course participants!

Where do family members turn when they are faced with the daily challenges and heartaches from caring for family members living with mental illness?  Every spring, NAMI of Western Massachusetts offers the Family-to-Family course to help parents, spouses, siblings, and friends and significant others learn about and get support for the issues they face living with a loved one who has been diagnosed with one of three major mental illnesses:  schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression.

The Family-to-Family program has literally have saved lives and empowered families to better understand mental illness and gain awareness, support, and resources. We’d like to share what people who have completed the course have shared about their recent experiences in the program at NAMI-WM:

“This is a revelation!”

“Why hasn’t anyone explained this stuff before?”

“The most positive aspect to me was learning about what my mentally ill relative feels and experiences. I have so much more understanding now of so many of his actions and reactions.” 

“I know now this is not my fault and I have less guilt.” 

“The course was terrific and I liked best and needed most self-care and communication.” 

“This was a super workshop.” 

The best gift you can give your loved one living with mental illness is to get educated and to receive support for yourself. My heartfelt thanks to my co-facilitators, without whom I would not have been able to conduct the classes. They are seasoned teachers who gave generously of their time and talents.

Congratulations again, 2012 Family-to-Family participants!

Bernice Drumheller, Family Facilitator

NAMI Western Massachusetts Presents

A 6-week, FREE educational program for parents and

caregivers who have children with mental illness.

(413) 786-9139 or (800) 295-2121

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Pre-Registration is Required--Space is Limited

Please see our Events Page for more information.

* Sponsored by NAMI Massachusetts *

We are thrilled to announce that NAMI was included this year in a select list of charities that meet the Better Business Bureau’s “Wise Giving Alliance” standards and was featured with other charities in a full-page ad in USA Today on November 29, 2011. Along with our recent upgrade to a four-star rating (the highest score) from Charity Navigator, this is a wonderful testament to our efforts to be good stewards of donors’ dollars.

     
Based in Agawam, Massachusetts our volunteers, board members, and staff, are dedicated to spreading mental health awareness and various support and educational programs across Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties. Our office, located at 324A Springfield Street, serves as a resource center for those affected by mental illness and their family and friends. Please stop by and visit with our staff and volunteers to discuss how we can help you or those you love. As one of two (out of 22) NAMI affiliates in Massachusetts with a full-time staffed office, we maintain a resource library, literature on various mental illnesses, and treatment options.