I’m writing to share an important announcement regarding a leadership transition at NAMI Massachusetts.
As many of you are aware, our Executive Director, Dr. Rodrigues began her journey with NAMI Mass in December 2022. Dr. Rodrigues has made the difficult decision to resign and will not be returning to NAMI, and her last day will be tomorrow, April 30th. We are very appreciative of the work Dr. Rodrigues has done during her leadership, and for her unwavering passion and support of NAMI and its mission. Dr. Rodrigues has made significant contributions to our organization for which we are immensely grateful.
On behalf of the Board and leadership of NAMI Massachusetts, I would like to extend our heartfelt wishes to Dr. Rodrigues for good health and future success. We are confident that she will continue to make meaningful contributions wherever her journey takes her.
Eliza Williamson, who for the past several months has served as interim executive director will continue her excellent work through this transition. Eliza, as everyone knows, has a wealth of experience, wisdom, and demonstrated leadership that will serve NAMI well as we head into our next chapter.
Thank you to everyone for their continued hard work and dedication during this period of transition, and for your understanding and support.
– Maura Buxton, President NAMI MA and Board NAMI MA
Volunteer for NAMIWalks Massachusetts 2024 and be part of a movement to combat stigma, raise funds, and promote mental health awareness. Let’s walk the path of hope, support, and unity. Sign up now!
Contact: namiwalks@namimass.org
At this time, we do not have any available Basics courses. You can add your name to the general registration waitlist and, once we have available Basics courses on our schedule, we will be in contact with you regarding the next steps in the registration process. Please register early, as your registration date serves as your priority date for admission to the next class.
If you have any questions, please reach out to programs@namimass.org.
29April
29April
Date: Mondays; April 29, 2024 – June 24, 2024
Time: 6:30 – 9:00 PM
Location: Zoom
Contact: Mary Cockroft at novmam55@yahoo.com
1May
Date: Wednesdays; May 1, 2024 – June 19, 2024
Time: 6:15 – 8:45 PM
Location: Plymouth, MA
Contact: Laura Geigle at 508-333-6727 or McGillicud4@aol.com; Linda Geary at 774-766-2472 or LMGeary@comcast.net
Otoño
Contacto: NAMI Western Mass en information@namiwm.org o 413-786-9139
Day: 1st Thursday of the month
Time: 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Location: The Cultural Center of Cape Cod, 307 Old Main St, South Yarmouth, MA 02664
Contact: 508-778-4277 or klemmon@namicapecod.org
Day: Tuesdays
Time: 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Location: Zoom / Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center, Inc., 268 Central Street, STE A, Gardner, MA 01440
Contact: Cortney at 508-331-2921
The House Ways and Means Committee released their budget proposal on April 10. Since then, Representatives have filed 1,495 amendments. Currently, members can co-sponsor amendments. Co-sponsorship is very important to the success of amendments being included in the final House budget.
Please contact your representative to request their support and co-sponsorship of these four amendments:
- Amendment #490 Department of Mental Health (DMH) Rental Subsidy Program (Rep. Sean Garballey)
- Amendment #1106 Safe Haven Program (Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa)
- Amendment #1109 Middlesex Restoration Center (Rep. Kenneth Gordon)
- Amendment #1219 Adult Emergency Room Diversion Initiative (Rep. Marjorie Decker)
- Amendment #1297 Department of Mental Health Hospitals (Rep. Kay Khan)
For a limited time, use code NAMI10 at checkout to receive 10% off any product on the Warm Peet website until the end of the year. Plus, all profits from purchases made with this code will benefit NAMI Mass, helping us continue our mission of supporting individuals and families affected by mental illness.
Don’t miss this opportunity to get great socks while giving back to a worthy cause.
At NAMI Massachusetts, we’ve always believed in the power of collaboration and community impact. Our Small Business Ally Initiative, launched in Summer 2023, is a way for local businesses to support the mission and programming of NAMI Mass while tapping into our vast network of people and resources.
Plus, get your goodies and make an impact by shopping at one of our Founding Members of the Small Business Ally Initiative. A portion of every sale goes to NAMI Mass at these existing Small Business Allies:
NAMI is proud to introduce the Teen & Young Adult (T&YA) HelpLine: A free nationwide peer-support service providing information, resource referrals, and support to teens and young adults. Our T&YA Specialists are young people who understand what you’re going through because they have been through stuff, too. They are experienced and well-trained. They care and want to help you find a way forward. Reach out by phone, text, or chat.
- Text “Friend” to 62640 to immediately connect with a HelpLine Specialist trained to provide resources, information, and support.
- Chat at nami.org/talktous to connect with a HelpLine Specialist on NAMI.org.
- If you are a teen or young adult with questions about mental health, call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) to speak with a NAMI HelpLine specialist now.
Available Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM ET
This free program focuses on building sibling resiliency, decreasing trauma and strengthening families of youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Developmental Disabilities and/or Mental Health Issues.
Date: Thursday, May 2, 2024
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: Zoom
Contact: Emily Rubin at (857) 523-1145 or emily.rubin@umassmed.edu
Laura Kaponer is originally from New York State. She relocated to South Carolina for the second time in 2015 after a difficult bout of depression. Walking into her first NAMI Connections meeting was truly a turning point in her recovery. For the next three years, her involvement waxed and waned based on where she was in her recovery.
In 2018 she was inspired at the NAMI SC State Conference to pursue public advocacy. She began writing monthly articles for two publications local to her, the online publication Thought Catalog, participated in podcast series with PSYCHU, became a Certified Peer Support Specialist, and established her own social media presence.
At the 2019 NAMI SC State Conference she was one of the recipients of the “Stigma Buster of the Year” award. In August 2021 she was appointed the NAMI SC PLC Rep, officially elected into the position at the end of 2022. For her state, she has helped reestablish the NAMI SC Peer Leadership Council with the generous support of the SC state affiliates. On the national level she was appointed the NAMI PLC Advocacy Subcommittee Chair.
She is a trained connections facilitator, In Our Own Voice Presenter, and three-time NAMI Walks Team Captain.
Advocacy is truly what keeps her heart pumping. Her main passion is to help expand access to mental health services for her peers from healthcare to conferences.
Experience the thrill of live professional women’s hockey and support a crucial cause at the PWHL Boston’s Mental Health Awareness Game! This game marks Boston’s final regular season game in the inaugural PWHL season. Join us as we highlight the significance of mental health and wellness, especially in the realm of sports and athletics. Seize the opportunity to be part of this impactful game with discounted ticket prices based on your seating preference within the arena.
Remember, seats are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so ensure you secure your spot promptly. Get your tickets today and stand with us as we champion mental health awareness in the sporting community!
Tickets: $18.00 – $48.00
Date: May 4, 2024
Time: 3:30 PM
Location: Tsongas Arena, 300 Arcand Dr, Lowell, 01852
Contact: Shannon Upton at (508) 641-8519 or Shannon.Upton@thepwhl.com
Learn how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders. Mental Health First Aid Certification provided
Date: May 10, 2024
Time: 09:00 AM
Location: Northern Essex Community College 100 Eliot St, C204, C/Spurk Building
Haverhill, Massachusetts 01830
Contact: Chris Sadkowski at csadkowski@yahoo.com
The MGH Center of Excellence for Psychosocial and Systemic Research is delighted to sponsor the 2024 Annual Conference of the DMH Research Centers of Excellence, in partnership with colleagues at the UMass Chan Medical School (iSPARC) and the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health.
Please make sure to register in advance, as the link to the webinar will be sent to the email you use in your registration.
Theme: Innovative Prevention and Treatment Strategies for Co-Occurring Mental Health and Substance Use Challenges
Contact: mgh_coe@mgh.harvard.edu
Contact: Tom Steiger at tsteiger@woosox.com or 508-204-5383
Join PureSpark as we hike the Blue Hills Reservation. Perfect for a quick but rigorous hike that rewards you with a great view from the summit. Follow the North Skyline Trail to intersection #1162. Turn left here, and then left again at intersection #1160, or Wolcott Path, which will bring you back.
Distance: 0.5 miles
Agenda: Hike to Summit
- 8:00 AM: Meet at the starting point
- 8:10 – 8:30 AM: Hike to Summit
- 8:30 – 9:05 AM: Hike back down
Date: May 18, 2024 – September 21, 2024
Location: 840 Hillside St, Milton, MA 02186
GenUnity, a Boston-based nonprofit, has officially launched their Health Equity and Housing Justice Fellowship application for the Fall season. Each Fellowship cohort brings together 50 mission-driven Greater Boston residents to unpack why health or housing disparities persist, foster meaningful connections with local leaders, and build essential leadership skills.
Priority Deadline: May 24, 2024