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...your local voice for mental health

Volume 40 No. 1

Spring 2017

Book Review, Page 2

Staff Notes

Page 3

NAMI Education Courses

Page 4

Donations &

Volunteer Spotlight

Page 5

Community Forum

& Calendar

Page 6

Support Groups

Page 7

Clothes Closet—

We Need your Help!

Page 7

CONTENTS

CONTACT US

NAMI Lane County

2411 Martin Luther King

Jr. Blvd., Eugene, OR

Resource Center Hours:

Monday - Thursday,

10am-2pm

Voice: 541-343-7688

Email: resourcecenter

@namilane.org

Web: www.namilane.org

Facebook: facebook.com/

NAMI.LaneCounty

A Benefit for Mental Health & NAMI Lane County

Sunday-June 11 10am-4pm ALTON BAKER PARK

5K Run/Walk ($25)

Buy the Event T-Shirt for an additional $10

Food~Music~Art~Info

FREE ADMISSION to the Park Event

To register for Run/Walk: www.namilane.org

NAMI Lane County is excited to announce our first annual

Outrun the Stigma 5K Run/Walk!

This event is intended to raise awareness about mental health challenges experienced by members of our community and to decrease the stigma that surrounds these issues.

In addition to the 5K Run/Walk that starts at 10am there will be music, food, an art area for kids and lots of tables hosted by local mental health community organizations who will offer information on the resources they provide to the community.

The event is family and pet friendly, so please join us!

To register for the Run/Walk please go to our website:

www.namilane.org

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NAMI Lane County

Board of Directors

Officers

Vice-President: Jeff Magoto

Treasurer: Duke Shanaman

Secretary: Duke Shanaman

Finance Director: Lesley Rex

Past-President: Lesley Rex

Members-At-Large

Carla Ayres

Jon Busby

Mary Gent

Allison Knight

David Leung

Shawn Murphy

Gene Obersinner

Cathryn Olson

Leslie Parker

Kristin Sweet

Ruth Vargas-Forman

Staff

Managing Director: Patricia Stroh

Programs Manager: Sarah Merkle

Latino Outreach: Pedro Pacheco

Office Manager: Suzanne Porto

Foundation Chair:

Dave Howard

Dignity Project:

Richard & Eloyce Enloe

THANK YOU Track Town Pizza!

For donating your fabulous pizza at our

NAMI Veteran & Family Connection

Support Night every First Wednesday.

Book Review of

Thirteen Reasons Why

By Dawn Ring

There are plenty of books in didactic format dealing with bullying and teen suicide which are accessible to a trained pro-fessional, perhaps even a con-cerned parent. However, not that many capture the interest of teens, and even fewer are in the form of a page-turning mystery . . Hanna Baker was an average high-school freshman until a sequence of people in her life

began to betray and sexually objectify her. In a very deliberate, elaborate fashion, she decides to kill herself. What she leaves be-hind is an “intricate yet brutal tapestry of events, people, and plac-es” involving all the players she considers as having helped contrib-ute to her suicide.

As are so many children in our culture, Hanna is the victim of humiliating, demoralizing bullying by her classmates. As the momentum of her pain and helplessness increases and she makes the decision that suicide is her only way out, she begins recording, in her own voice and in chronological order, her description of the situations and betrayals which ultimately lead to her death at her own hands. Part of what is so interesting and engaging about Jay Asher’s book is the way in which each painful scenario is interwo-ven with the next, so that, taken together they form a detailed “suicide note” of sorts.

I highly recommend every parent and teen read Asher’s book. Hopefully it will motivate a discussion which might save a life.

You can now make recurring donations to

NAMI Lane County from our website—

www.namilane.org.

Just click the DONATE NOW green button at

the bottom of the screen and it will take you

to the donation page. You will see a button

that says Recurring Monthly under donation type. Small monthly

recurring donations really add up to help NAMI LC in a big way!!

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Staff Notes ~ contributed by Sarah Merkle

Happy Spring NAMI members and friends!

We are so excited to be entering spring with a full calendar of

classes, support groups, and community forums. April marks the

beginning of a new class cycle for our Peer to Peer class and Fami-

ly to Family class, and also the kick-off of our first ever Familia a

Familia class.

Another NAMI Lane County first is our Outrun the Stigma 5K Walk/Run taking place on June 11th at Alton Baker Park in Eugene. This event is a benefit for mental health and NAMI Lane County and seeks to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health chal-lenges within our community. There will be community organiza-tions providing resource information, art therapy available during the event, music, sunshine, and fun! If you are interested in rep-resenting your organization at this event, please contact us at patriciastroh@namilane.org. If you are interested in participating in this event as a runner or walker, please register online at www.namilane.org. Spring also brings two very important and informative community

forums: “Mental Health Support Systems for Lane County Youth”

taking place on Wednesday, April 26th at 6:30 PM and “LGBTQ

Services” taking place on Wednesday, May 24th at 6:30 PM. Both

of these community forums will be taking place in the Lane Coun-

ty Behavioral Health Services building in Room 198. As always, we

are so grateful to Leslie Parker for coordinating these amazing

forums and helping to disseminate vital information to the com-

munity.

Another exciting volunteer-led development is the introduction of

a monthly book club! Thanks to Tanya J. Peterson, this wonderful

program will be having its first meeting on Wednesday, May 17th

at 6:30 PM in the NAMI Lane County Resource Center. This inau-

gural meeting will be discussing Leave of Absence, a story of loss

and strength surrounding two characters living with various men-

tal health challenges. Tanya describes this project as “a book club

where bookworms and ‘mental health worms’ can dive into

books related to mental illness and mental health. We read a

book a month, a novel or a memoir, and gather at the end of the

month to explore themes and discuss characters and experiences.

Fiction and memoirs humanize mental illness, and our Wellbeing

& Words Book Club seeks to bridge the gap between understand-

ing mental illness and understanding the people, and their loved

ones, who experience it.” We are so excited for the launch of this

incredible program. Thanks, Tanya!

As always, we are so grateful for all the support that our volun-teers give to us and want to acknowledge that we could not do the work we do without them. You are all deeply appreciated! If you are not currently a volunteer and are interested in loaning your time, energy, and skills to our organization, please contact Sarah Merkle, our Programs Manager, at sarahmerkle@namilane.org or 541-343-7688.

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Family to Family

NAMI Family-to-Family is a free, 12-session educational program for family, significant others and friends of people living with mental illness. It is a designated evidenced-based program. Research shows that the program significantly improves the coping and problem-solving abilities of the people closest to an individual living with a mental health condition.

NAMI Family-to-Family is taught by NAMI-trained family members who have been there, and includes presentations, discussion and interactive exercises.

What You’ll Gain

NAMI Family-to-Family not only provides critical information and strategies for taking care of the person you love, but you'll also find out that you're not alone. Recovery is a journey, and there is hope.

The group setting of NAMI Family-to-Family provides mutual support and shared positive impact—you can experience compassion and rein-forcement from people who understand your situation. You can also help others through your own experience. In the program, you'll learn about:

How to manage crises, solve problems and communicate effectively

Taking care of yourself and managing your stress

Developing the confidence and stamina to provide support with compassion

Finding and using local supports and services

Up-to-date information on mental health conditions and how they affect the brain

Current treatments, including evidence-based therapies, medications and side effects

The impact of mental illness on the entire family

Call for more information and to sign up for the next class. 541-343-7688

Peer to Peer

NAMI Peer-to-Peer is a free, 10-session educational program for adults with mental illness who are looking to better understand their condition and journey toward recovery.

Taught by a trained team of people who've been there, the program includes presentations, discussion and interactive exercises. Everything is confidential, and NAMI never recommends a specific medical therapy or treatment approach.

What You’ll Gain

This in-person group experience provides the opportunity for mutual support and positive impact. You can experience compassion and rein-forcement from people who relate to your experiences. Through your participation, you have the opportunity to help others grow. This is a con-fidential place to learn from shared experiences in an environment of sincere, uncritical acceptance. Recovery is a journey, and there is hope for all people living with mental illness.

NAMI Peer-to-Peer helps you:

Create a personalized relapse prevention plan

Learn how to interact with health care providers

Develop confidence for making decisions and reducing stress

Stay up-to-date on mental health research

Understand the impact of symptoms on your life

Access practical resources on how to maintain your journey toward recovery

Call for more information and to sign up for the next class. 541-343-7688

nami education

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Thank You to Our Donors!

NAMI Lane County has received contributions from many generous donors since our last newsletter. These donations provide crucial support for our many programs making life better for people with mental

health issues and their families, and they have our deepest appreciation for their generous assistance. If you are willing to be acknowledged as a donor in our newsletter, please check the “I am willing to be acknowledged by name as a donor” box on your membership form donation form, or just let us know. We would be very pleased to list you in a future issue. Some of our current generous donors:

Thank you to Our Donors!

Linda Alford

Vernon Arne

Lizabeth & John Borchardt

Annabelle Street &

Bob Cattoche

E Celis & J Richers

Krystalyn Coker

Nellie Elliker

Noella Fay

Janis Gaines

Shirley & Bill Griffith

Richard S. Kang

John & Marilyn Lynch

Jeff & Diane Magoto

Patricia McCormick

Network for Good

Kenneth O’Connell

Susan Olson

Neil & Linda Peterson

Pamela Griffin &

Jim Poverman

Kathleen Rex

Lesley Rex

Lynne Schwartz

Marsha Shankman

Sheltercare

James Robert Sly

Sheila Sundahl

Vanguard Charities

Sara Wyant & Dennis Ary

Michele Zemba

Volunteer Spotlight on Jennifer

Jennifer has been a regular NAMI Lane County

visitor and friend for over a year.

She is also a very talented artist. You can see

many of her fun and colorful artworks sprinkled

throughout the NAMI office and Clothes Closet.

Some fun facts about Jennifer?

She likes to shop and knit. She has a complete army camo outfit

and enjoys visiting with NAMI staff and other volunteers on

Wednesdays.

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Community Forum Calendar of Events

Tuesdays Family to Family Class starts—12

weeks. April 4-Jun 20 6:30pm-8:30pm

LCBHS, Room 198

Tuesdays &

Thursdays

De Familia a Familia class starts— 6

weeks. 6pm-8:30pm

2222 Coburg Road—#300

Tuesdays Peer to Peer Class starts—10 weeks

Apr 11-Jun 13 6:30pm-8:30pm

NAMI Resource Center

2nd Floor—LCBHS Building

Saturday

April 22

NAMI Lane County Annual Meeting

9am-noon

LCBHS, Room 198

Wednesday

April 26

Community Forum: Mental Health Sup-

port Systems for Lane County Youth

6:30pm-8:30pm, LCBHS, Room 198

May Mental Health Awareness Month

Wednesday

May 24

Community Forum: LGBTQ Services

6:30pm-8:30pm, LCBHS, Room 198

Monday

May 29

Memorial Day

NAMI Office Closed

Sunday

June 11

Outrun the Stigma Event

10am-4pm at Alton Baker Park

TBD Community Forum: Celebrating Laurel

Hill Center & Whitebird Clinic

Mental Health Support Systems for

Lane County Youth

LCBH Child & Adolescent Program

Youth Move Oregon

Looking Glass Counseling Program

Oregon Family Support Network

Tanya Peterson—author of Losing Elizabeth

When: Where: Address: Wed, Apr 26 Lane County Behavioral 2411 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd

6:30-8:30pm Services, Room 198 Eugene

Announcing New Membership Dues

Effective July 1, 2017

The National NAMI Board of Directors periodically evaluates

NAMI’s Membership Program to ensure that it meets the

needs of the organization and its members.

Last year after a lengthy review and evaluation process that

took into consideration member feedback, the National

Board of Directors has decided to add a Household Mem-

bership category to our membership structure. It has

been over ten years since the last membership dues

increase.

In addition to the Household Membership category, the

Board has decided to increase the dues for Regular and

Open Door memberships. The following changes will

become effective as of July 1, 2017:

Household Membership (two or more people living at the same address) - $60

Regular Membership (individual) - $40

Open Door Membership (individual) - $5

For voting purposes, each membership (including House-hold) will be counted as one (1) membership.

Thank you for your continued support of NAMI Lane County. It is truly appreciated and valued.

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NAMI Connection is a recovery support group program for

adults living with mental illness that is expanding in commu-

nities throughout the country. These groups provide a place

that offers respect, understanding, encouragement, and

hope.

NAMI Connection groups offer a casual and relaxed ap-

proach to sharing the challenges and successes of coping

with mental illness. Each group:

Meets weekly for 90 minutes

Is offered free of charge

Follows a flexible structure without an educational

format

Does not recommend or endorse any medications or

other medical therapies

All groups are confidential – participants can share as

much or as little personal information as they wish. Current Groups:

NAMI Connection (Eugene) Thursdays, 1-2:30pm at the NAMI Resource Center, 2411 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Eugene

University of Oregon (Eugene) Tuesdays, 6-7:30pm at the HEDCO Education Building, 1655 Alder Street - Room 144

Veterans & Family Connection Social Night (Eugene) 1st Wednesday, 6-8pm, Boy Scouts of American Oregon Trail Council, 2525 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Pizza and beverages FREE for vets and families. Games and activities available for kids.

NAMI Connection (Cottage Grove) Fridays, 1:30-3:00pm at the Healing Matrix, 632 Main Street.

NAMI Connection (Florence) Wednesdays, 6:30-8pm at New Winds Apartments Community Room, 750 Laurel St. (Park on street)

NAMI Family Support Group is a peer-led support group for family members, caregivers and loved ones of individuals living with mental illness.

Gain insight from the challenges and successes of others facing similar circumstances. NAMI’s Support Groups are unique because they follow a structured model, ensuring everyone has an opportunity to be heard and to get what they need. Free of cost to participants. Designed for adult loved ones (18+) of individuals living with mental illness

Led by family members of individuals living with mental illness

Meets weekly or monthly

No specific medical therapy or medication is endorsed or

recommended

Confidential

Current Groups:

Family to Family (for graduates of F2F Class)

Eugene 1st Thursday each month , NAMI Resource Center, 7pm. 2411 Martin Luther King Jr., Blvd, 2nd Floor

Friends and Family (everyone welcome)

Eugene 2nd/3rd/4th/5th Thursdays, 7-8:30pm At the NAMI Resource Center, 2nd Floor Cottage Grove 2nd & last Mondays, 7-8pm, Healing Matrix 632 Main Street Florence 4th Thursday every month, 6-8pm 1720 34th Street For information call Monica Kosman, 541-902-8308

The NAMI Dignity Project Clothes Closet

We need your help!

The Clothes Closet provides clothing and basic necessities to persons in need.

Current needs are:

Women & Men Shoes—All sizes

Women & Men Belts—All sizes

Women & Men Pants, especially jeans—All sizes

Towels & Washcloths

Unopened unused toiletry items, especially women’s deodorant

Please bring all items to the NAMI Resource Center. Leave your name and address, and a thank-you receipt will be sent to you for tax purposes.

Your donations will be greatly appreciated!

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Non-Profit Org.

U.S. Postage Paid

Eugene, OR

Permit No. 562

2411 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Eugene, OR 97401

Address Service Requested

Call or email the NAMI Resource Center today

to sign up for our electronic newsletter.

Bilingual Volunteers Needed

NAMI Lane County is looking for bilingual volunteers to

help with outreach to different communities in Lane Coun-

ty. If you are interested please contact Pedro at (541)-343-

7688.

NAMI Lane County esta en busca de voluntarios bilingües,

para ayudar a conectar con otras comunidades aquí en la

area de Lane County. Si estas interesado llame a Pedro al

(541)-343-7688.

Join NAMI Lane County!

Annual membership benefits include:

Local, informative newsletters

State and national membership magazine

A voice on vital advocacy issues

Representation on state and local boards

Membership is tax deductible

You’ll be supporting your local voice for mental health and helping provide educa-tion, advocacy and support in our com-munity.

Household memberships are $60/year

Individual memberships are $40/year. Open Door memberships are $5/year.

Call the NAMI Lane County Resource Center for a membership application