Missions
NAMI CI supports people affected by mental illnesses, educates the public about mental health issues, and advocates for people affected by mental illnesses.
Support, Educate, Advocate
NAMI CI supports people with mental illnesses, their friends, and families.
NAMI CI supports people affected by mental illnesses by providing information and referrals for help in coping with the illness. We also hold monthly meetings, support groups,and a variety of courses to help central Iowans develop the understanding, skills, and strength needed to cope with mental illness.
NAMI CI educates the public to combat the stigma of mental illness and help people affected by mental illnesses.
We know that education is key to combating stigma and coping with mental illnesses. That's why we aim to educate the entire community, whether or not you are directly affected by a mental illness.
NAMI CI educates the public about mental health issues by holding informative monthly meetings, creating displays in public buildings like the Ames Public Library, providing information brochures in various community and health facitilies, distributing our newsletter to NAMI CImembers and various community leaders, and presenting other programs and events such as support groups and films.
NAMI CI advocates for mental health issues to improve conditions for all those affected by mental illness.
Sometimes individual voices don't get heard. As advocates for people affected by mental illness, NAMI of CI helps make each voice louder.
NAMI CI brings problems of people affected by mental illnesses to the attention of local, state, and national governments; we support legislation that benefits lives of people with mental illnesses and bring that legislation to the public's attention; and we bring families and mental health service providers together by sharing insights and techniques that are beneficial to both.
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.
