Welcome to NAMI of CI
NAMI of CI is a support group made up of those 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.
NAMI Values at Work in Central Iowa
Sometimes it's good to get back to the basics. NAMI national recently sent out a reminder of the core values that define every NAMI group in the nation. We would like to share those values, as well as how we live them out here in Central Iowa.
NAMI values support, education, advocacy, and research.
This is the heart of our work here in Central Iowa. We run two weekly support groups, hold monthly educational programs for the community, offer four different educational classes each year, advocate for changes in legislation, and inform people about research opportunities.
NAMI values the lived experiences of people affected by serious mental illnesses.
We encourage those who live every day with the reality of mental illness to tell their stories - to legislators, to faith groups, to community groups, and to each other.
NAMI values recovery and resiliency.
We have recently introduced programs such as art therapy, a book group, and a writing group, with the hope that these will aid persons with mental illness to live fuller and more rewarding lives.
NAMI values confronting the profound injustices associated with serious mental illnesses.
We fight hard against stigma, taking every opportunity possible to break down the barriers that are so prevalent in our society.
NAMI values best practices.
We at NAMI Central Iowa strive to remain faithful to the NAMI model in each class and support group that we offer.
NAMI values diversity, inclusion, and cultural competence.
We celebrate the variety among us as we pursue our common goals.
Temptations Fundraiser
Henry, age 19 months, is having his best ice cream cone ever at Temptations NAMI-CI fundraiser on July 22, 2010. Over $150 of the famous dollar cones were sold and ALL of the proceeds were donated to NAMI-CI by Temptors Tim and Janice Coble. This was featured at the Thursdays Tune In festival in Ames Main Street Cultural District. See TemptationsFineChocolates.com.
Joyful NAMI Board Meetings
Here the early arrivals for the March 2 board meeting enjoy glass fusion creations by Linda Sawer. Funding for this art activity came from a generous grant from United Way of Story County. Left to right: Deb Niehof, Executive Director; Linda Sawer, Peer Liaison; Wendie Cooper, Board President; and Barb Royer, Board Secretary.
"Funded by United Way of Story County, these art classes are brightening winter days for members of the NAMI Connection Support Group. We are so grateful to Frankee Oleson and the United Way board for their commitment to making life better for the residents of Story County who deal with the challenges of mental illness."
- Deb Niehof
2009 NAMI Awards
NAMI-CI presented its annual awards at its October meeting held at the Ames Public Library. All of these people have contributed to the ongoing mission of NAMI-CI, which is providing support, education, and advocacy for persons with mental illness and their family members.
2009 Outstanding Volunteer Award Linda Sawer with NAMI-CI President Wendie Cooper, second plaque is for Susan Greulich. They received the Outstanding Volunteer Award for the hundreds of hours they volunteer each year serving on the board of directors, leading support groups, and teaching classes. |
2009 Outstanding Partner Award
Bill Cook, Don Loupee, Bruce Munson for Collegiate United Methodist Church with NAMI-CI President Wendie Coope. They received the Outstanding Partner Award on behalf of Collegiate United Methodist Church, which has provided space for the NAMI office, support groups, and other meetings. |
2009 Stick Your Neck Out Award
United Way's Jenn Plagman-Galvin and Frankee Oleson with NAMI-CI President Wendie Cooper. They received the Stick Your Neck Out Award for being willing to combat stigma and working to improve the quality of life of persons with mental illness; giraffe from Linda Sawer's African collection |
2009 Top Fund Raiser Award
NAMI-CI President Wendie Cooper with Jonathan Moses. Jonathan received the Top Fund Raiser Award for raising over $2,300 for our annual NAMI Walk. |
