Welcome to NAMI Central Iowa
NAMI CI is a support group made up of those living with mental illness, their friends, families, and members of their communities in Ames, Story County, and the surrounding Iowa area. Our goal is to make a better life for people affected by mental illness through support, education, and advocacy. We serve as a source of understanding and encouragement for all who face mental health issues or have a loved one with mental illness.
Trivia Night
NAMI CI will be hosting a trivia night fundraiser!
- What: NAMI CI Trivia Night
- Where: Boys & Girls Club, 210 S 5th Street, Ames, IA
- When: Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 5:30pm
Teams of 6-8 people play for $100. All proceeds go to support the programs of NAMI CI. Please provide your own food and beverage (no alcohol). We will also raffle gourmet desserts and unique prizes!
To reserve a table, please call (515)292-9400 or email NAMIofCI@gmail.com. You can also register online using the button below.
April Newsletter and Mental Health Wellness Center Calendar
The April newsletter is now available and has updated information on many programs, including Recovery Through the Arts.
Also available is the calendar for the Mental Health Wellness Center which keeps you up to date on the daily activities offered.
April 2013 Mental Health Wellness Center Calendar
Early Childhood Mental Health Lecture
- What: A Lecture on Supporting Emotional Development in Young Children
- Where: Memorial Union Sun Room
- When: Wednesday, April 3 at 7:00pm
Dr. Ross Thompson, Distinguished Professor of Psychology at the University of California, Davis, will share ideas for building mental health resources for children and families as well as strategies for intervention. Dr. Thompson is known for his work on early childhood emotional development and its application to public policy concerns. He studies early parent-child relationships, the development of emotion regulation, conscience development, and the growth of self-understanding in young children. He has written several books and publications, including Preventing Child Maltreatment through Social Support, and is currently working on a new book, Early Brain Development, the Media, and Public Policy.
New Mental Health Services at Eyerly Ball in Story County
In July, Eyerly Ball began serving as the community provider of Mental Health Services in Story County. Eyerly Ball is a non-profit agency that has provided Community Mental Health Services in Polk County for more than 40 years. The clinic is providing psychiatric assessment, individual/group therapy, and medication mangement, and will be expanding its services in the near future. Dr. Earl Kilgore, a clinical psychologist with 30 years of experience in mental health, is the director for the Ames office at 2521 University Blvd., Suite 121. You can contact the office at (515)290-3642, or email at storycounty@eyerlyball.org. More information about Eyerly Ball can be found on its website: eyerlyball.org.
NAMI Connection Group
Being diagnosed with a mental illness, such as depression or schizophrenia, can be an isolating experience. NAMI Connection support groups offer a place where people living with mental illness can share their challenges and successes. NAMI Connection is a recovery support group that is led by trained volunteers who have also experienced mental illness. Connection meets weekly, and there is no charge or registration - just show up! The group is a great place to go when you feel like you need someone to talk to, or when you just want to be around other people who understand what you are going through.
A NAMI Connection group is currently being held:
When: Thursdays from 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Where:Mental Health Wellness Center
416 Douglas Avenue, Suite 100
Ames, IA 50010
A second Connection group meets:
When: Mondays from 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Where:Mental Health Wellness Center
416 Douglas Avenue, Suite 100
Ames, IA 50010
The Monday evening group will be a great option for people who are unable to attend a daytime group. Again, NAMI Connection groups are free and open to anyone living with mental illness.
Volunteers Needed!
In order to do the work of NAMI Central Iowa more efficiently, the board is asking for volunteers to serve on several new committees. Each committee will be chaired by a member of the board. Volunteers should expect to give at most 1-2 hours of time each month.
The committees are:
- Program committee
- Fund Raising
- Public Relations
- Finance committee
- Membership
Please contact the office at (515)292-9400 if you are willing to help in one of these crucial areas.
