News from NAMI MASS

Please Comment on the Draft Strategic Plan

Between now and August 14, 2009 , the Board wants feedback from the Affiliates and the membership. The Draft NAMI Mass Strategic Plan has been distributed to the Affiliate presidents and a copy is now posted on our Web Site.  Cambridge Concord Associates will synthesize all member comments and get a new version back to the Board in time for its September 12, 2009 board meeting. The Board hopes to ratify the Strategic Plan at its September meeting. Final distribution of the NAMI Mass Strategic Plan will take place at our State Convention in Springfield on 10/24/09 . The Convention will include a workshop on our Strategic plan. Our goal is to get the board, staff, affiliates and our members all on the same page going in the same strategic directions as outlined in our Strategic Plan.

Cover letter from Board President and Executive Director
Draft NAMI Mass Strategic Plan

Dept. of Mental Health changes effective 7/1/09
What are Community Based Flexible Supports?
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NAMIWALKS BOSTON 2009


What a wonderful day it was! Beautiful weather, dedicated and cheerful volunteers and staff, good music and a fabulous crowd of walkers. You couldn't ask for a better day! Thank you to the corporate sponsors and the thousands who have already supported all the walkers and teams. You can still make a donation now through June 30th.
Go to www.nami.org/namiwalks/ma .   Or you can call us in the office at 781-938-4048 and give us the information.

Take a look at the NAMIWalks 2009 photo album

NAMI Dorchester/Mattapan/Roxbury National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
July 14, 5-8pm Boston Public Library
Mattapan Branch African American Panelist Discuss Children/Adult Mental Health Topics
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NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group Facilitator Training
Free 3-day training Oct 2nd thru Oct 4th, 2009
UCC Conference Center Framingham
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SAVE THE DATE Saturday Oct. 24, 2009
Annual NAMI Mass Convention Mass Mutual Center 1277 Main Street, Springfield, MA 8am - 4pm
Click here for more info and details...


Children's Challenging Behavior

A one day workshop that provides information on childhood mental health disorders and offers strategies for home and school, along with resources and information that offer hope and encouragement. This workshop is geared to parents/guardians, teachers and any adults who are parenting, raising or working with a child under age 18 with emotional, social and behavioral disorders .

We are currently taking registration for upcoming classes that are being scheduled throughout the year. Please contact Cara Falconi ( cfalconi@namimass.org , 781-938-4048 ) if you are interested or have any questions regarding this program.

Topics Covered: Understanding Mental Illness in Children / Brain Biology; Specific Diagnoses (ex:/ adhd, bipolar, autism , anxiety….); Special Education (IEP & 504); Rosie D. Lawsuit / Legislative; Advocacy; Strategies and Tips; and Resources.

www.Youtube.com/NAMIMASS has some great videos; check it out

Become a friend of NAMI Mass on facebook, (You must sign up):
http://www.facebook.com/NAMIMASS