Nami St Tammany

Programs: We provide 2 different support groups in the community: 1. Nami connection support groups, which is a recovery support group for adults living with mental health challenges. 2. Nami family support groups which is open to family members and family caregivers of individuals living with serious mental illness. They are provided free of charge. All groups are confidential - participants are welcomed to share as much or as little as they wish. Over the last year we provided 103 support groups (12 family support groups & 91 connection support groups) with 607 (90 family support & 517 peer support) in attendance. We provide 3 different types of education classes in the community: 1. Peer to peer, a 10-week program meets in a safe, confidential setting where adults living with mental health challenges can learn skills to establish wellness and maintain a solid recovery. 2. Nami basics, which is a 6-week program is designed for parents and family caregivers who have a child or adolescent living with emotional or behavioral issues. 3. Family-to-family education, a 12-week program was developed for family members or family caregivers who have loved ones living with mental illness. Over the last year we provided 6 (2 peer to peer, 2 basics, and 2 family to family) classes with a total of 71 individuals in attendance, over a period of 56 (20 weeks peer to peer, 24 weeks family to family, 12 weeks basics) weeks. We have presented on a variety of subjects to support the needs of individuals living with mental illness, family members, health care providers and the community. Conferences, trainings, educational panels and open forums are presented by mental health professionals, community leaders, various community based service organizations, and nami representatives. Over the last year we provided a total of 17 events consisting of 635 attendees. We operated a residential community consisting of three (3) separate residential projects that are currently funded to serve thirty-two (32) adults living with serious and persistent mental illness (spmi) and/or co- occurring disorders that are currently homeless. These programs allow individuals, who otherwise may be subject to further institutionalization or homelessness, to live in a less restrictive environment while preparing them to move in the direction of recovery and independence. Hope for recovery is reflected in all treatments, services, and supports. Over the last year we have kept the occupancy rate at 100% with a waiting list for additional individuals.