NAMI -- National Alliance for the Mentally Ill

NAMI is a grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of persons living with serious mental illness and their families. Founded in 1979, NAMI has become the nation's voice on mental illness -- a nation-wide organization with affiliates in every state.

Why do we exist?

We are a grass root organization meeting the physical, mental, and in some cases the financial needs for thousands of mental illness sufferers and their families. Mental Illness is na issue for all humanity.

What have you accomplished?

NAMI through its 1,100 affiliates and 52 state organizations including DC and Puerto Rico helped thousands of families and individuals. Using public education, advocacy, public events and family and consumer peer education and support.   

I am reminded of a small child named Taylor who suffered from Asperger’s syndrome and bipolar disorder. Taylor’s illness, as you can imagine affected every aspect of his families lives. When they finally made contact with NAMI, it was after many, many calls and plenty of voice mails and unreturned calls. They were given the NAMI Maine number at a workshop and thought that they would give it a try. As they found out there was an actual living breathing person on the other end of the line. I asked a question and got an immediate answer. From that phone call on NAMI has been a major part of this family’s lives. From support groups for their family to a member of the family serving on the State of Maine Planning Council for Federal Block Grant Funds. NAMI was the Key in turning bringing support to this family.

	How do you help people in my community?		Why do you need my support?
	How can I be sure that you will use my money wisely and won't waste it?		Can I Volunteer? How?