The Community Education & Outreach team oversees presentation and training programs for educators, students, first responders, and other audiences. Additional programming on topics related to mental health and wellness may be available. Please contact us for information:
Michelle Ward-Gilles, Ed.M.
Division Director, Community Education & Outreach
617-286-7605
mward@namimass.org
Sarah Ford, MSW, MTS
Senior Manager, Community Education & Outreach
617-286-7606
sford@namimass.org
NAMI Mass Allies for Student Mental Health
Allies for Student Mental Health is a professional development program designed to help K-12 teachers, parents, and school staff work together to identify and understand mental health conditions that can have significant impact on students’ academic success and overall well-being.
NAMI Ending the Silence
Ending the Silence for Students (ETS) is a 50-minute mental health awareness program for middle and high school age youth. ETS instills a message of hope and recovery and encourages students to reduce stigma and end the silence surrounding mental health conditions.
NAMI In Our Own Voice
In Our Own Voice (IOOV) is a free educational program designed to increase awareness and challenge stereotypes about people living with mental health conditions. During IOOV, two people share their recovery journeys in this powerful presentation.
NAMI Mass Sharing Our Stories
Sharing Our Stories (SOS) is an impactful presentation delivered by two family members of people living with mental health conditions. Two trained presenters share their experiences as caregivers or supporters and their personal journeys.
NAMI Sharing Your Story with Law Enforcement
NAMI Sharing Your Story with Law Enforcement is a powerful 60-minute presentation that NAMI Massachusetts offers police departments as part of the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program. Through collaborative community partnerships and intensive training, CIT improves communication, identifies mental health resources for those in crisis, and ensures officer and community safety.
NAMI Mass Criminal Justice Diversion Project
The NAMI Massachusetts Criminal Justice Diversion Project (CJDP) aims to prevent the unnecessary arrest and detention of people diagnosed with mental health conditions. The CJDP supports police departments and other first responders in engaging with people experiencing mental health crisis, and fosters connections between law enforcement, providers, and other community stakeholders.
NAMI Mass CEOs Against Stigma
CEOs Against Stigma is a campaign designed to reduce the negative impact of stigma in the workplace. NAMI Massachusetts is partnering with CEOs across the state to bring the reality of mental health conditions among employees out of the shadows. The campaign will show how understanding, empathy and treatment can improve the wellbeing of employees and increase productivity at the same time.
NAMI Mass Compass Helpline
The Compass Helpline provides resources and support to help people navigate the mental health system and problem solve in difficult circumstances. Compass is available Monday through Friday, 10 am – 6 pm. Call us at 617-704-6264 or email us at compass@namimass.org.