EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Jessica Gruneich

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Dr. Beverley Watkins, President

Peter J. Dodge, Vice President

Mary Pat Dejarnette, Secretary

Royal Boeder, Treasurer

Marion Endress

James Fraser

Jennifer Gerlach

Priscilla Hammon

James Isaac

Amelia Jumper

Amber Kaan

Cathy Malear

Kimberly McClellan

Kelly Medlin

April Scales

Kris Gamm-Smith

Larry Stevens

Susy Woods

See page 2 for HOTLINE phone #s &

state crisis psychiatric services for the

12 counties of NAMI SWI.

Bond

Calhoun

Clinton

Greene

Jersey

Macoupin

Madison

Monroe

Montgomery

Randolph

St. Clair

Washington

NAMI SWI Gateway Regional Medical Center

2100 Madison Avenue, 4th Floor

Granite City, IL 62040

Website: http://namiswi.org

E-mail: info@namiswi.org

Phone: (618) 798-9788

Fax: (866) 332-5338 August - September 2015

Race for Recovery and 1 Mile Walk for Awareness by Chairperson, Mary Pat DeJarnette

The 2015 NAMI SWI 5K Race for Recovery, 1 Mile Walk for

Awareness was held on Saturday, June 27th at GCS Gateway

Grizzlie’s Stadium. The weather was perfect – no rain and low

humidity. We had 35 runners and almost 90 walkers who set off at a

brisk pace at 8:15 am. Thanks to all who came out to run, walk, or

just socialize. Beverly Watkins, President – NAMI SWI, welcomed

the participants and thanked everyone for their ongoing support for

our organization and signature programs. Dana Rosenzweig, Execu-

tive Director – St. Clair County Mental Health Board, addressed the

crowd prior to the start of the race.

Our thanks to the sponsors, exhibitors, and volunteers listed on

page 10 for their support and contributions. Thank you, David

Rudloff, who spent the day photographing the event. Special thanks

to Mint Green for creating the artwork above and designing our

shirts. Our fundraiser was a huge success due to the dedication, gen-

erosity, and teamwork of all involved. Families expressed that they

learned about NAMI programs, resources, and services while having

fun at the race/walk.

We look forward to seeing everyone again next year!!

(Continued on Page 10, See 5K Race & 1 Mile Walk)

NAMI

Llama

Mascot

says,

“WE DID

IT...

AGAIN!”

NAMI Southwestern Illinois

proudly serving the 12 IL counties of:

2

Table of Contents

1 Race for Recovery & 1 Mile Walk for Awareness

2 Table of Contents

2 Moving???

2 Newsletter Due Date

2 Social Media

2 Hotline Information

3 News from NAMI SWI President, Beverley Watkins

3 Changing the Face of Depression

3 Interfaith Mental Health Coalition Update

4 NAMI SWI Support Meeting Locations/Times/Contacts

5 Other Local Support Meetings

6 Recovery Conference “Opening Doors to Success”

6 Education Classes/Support Meeting Updates

6 Breathe Easy with AIR

6 New Support Meeting in St. Clair County

7 NAMI SWI Volunteer Spotlight Is On…

7 Walk Pix

8 Executive Director’s Report

9 May I Have Your Attention Please?

10 5K Race & 1 Mile Walk (Continued from Page 1)

10 Overall Top Ten Race Finishers

11 When Mental Illness Hits Home

11 Sharing Our Stories (SOS)

11 Get Linked

12 Seven Tips to Manage Your Stress

12 IL Warm Line: 1-(866) 359-7953

13 Five Steps to Slow Down & Combat ...90 MPH

13 Membership Annual Meeting

14 What is NAMI SWI?

BOND COUNTY

Prairie Counseling Center

(618) 664-1455 (8:30AM - 4:00PM)

After hours, call Greenville Hospital (618) 664-1234

CALHOUN COUNTY

JERSEY COUNTY

WellSpring Resources (618) 639-2016 (Call 24/7)

CLINTON COUNTY

Community Resource Center

(618) 533-1391 (Call 24/7)

GREENE COUNTY

MACOUPIN COUNTY

Locust Street Resource Center

Weekdays only - (217) 854-3166

After hours/weekend - (217) 854-3135 calls go to

Police Department who will notify a crisis worker

NORTHERN MADISON COUNTY

WellSpring Resources (618) 465-4388 (Call 24/7)

SOUTHERN MADISON COUNTY

Chestnut Health Systems

(618) 877-0316 (Call 24/7)

MONROE COUNTY

Human Support Services

(618) 939-4444 (8:00AM-4:30PM)

After hours, dial 911; Police will contact crisis worker

MONTGOMERY COUNTY

County Health Dept. - Hillsboro

1-888-324-5052 (Call 24/7)

WESTERN ST. CLAIR COUNTY

Comprehensive Behavioral Health

(618) 482-7330 (Call 24/7)

EASTERN ST. CLAIR COUNTY

Chestnut Health Systems

(618) 877-0316 (Call 24/7)

RANDOLPH COUNTY

WASHINGTON COUNTY

Human Service Center

(618) 282-6233 (8:00AM-4:30PM)

After hours, dial 911; Police will contact crisis worker

____________

Hotline Information

Website WordPress Twitter Facebook

If you move, don’t forget to call the

NAMI SWI Office at (618) 798-9788 or

send an email to info@namiswi.org with

your new address, phone number and email.

Oct - Nov 2015 newsletter articles due Sep 15th

Email your articles to Newsletter Editor, Sandy, at skgiger@hotmail.com

AND to Webmaster, Mary, at webmaster@namiswi.org on or before due date!

3

The NAMI SWI Run/Walk held on June 27, 2015 was again a wonderful success. A shout out goes to Mary

Pat Dejarnette and Kris Gamm-Smith, who did an amazing job of planning and pulling together the many details,

people, and donations. Jessica Gruneich, Executive Director of NAMI SWI, was the go-to person and consultant for

all of us who worked on the Walk. Matt Gauen put together a really fun tee shirt design featuring the NAMI Llama

crossing the finish line. David Rudloff provided photography. Jim Isaac was our emcee, and I had the privilege of

presenting the Run winners with their awards. Thank you, Planning Committee, vendors, and our many volunteers.

We thank our runners and walkers, who numbered 130 this year. We likely will have raised over $18,000 after all

the donations are tabulated. Dana Rosenzweig, Executive Director of the St Clair County Mental Health, was on

hand and spoke about the mental health board’s support of NAMI SWI programs and services.

We are all very concerned about the state budget impasse and its impact on mental health and related ser-

vices. We need to be prepared to advocate more strongly than ever before for needed services with the legislature

and governor.

Our educational programs and support groups are reaching five counties, and we are always looking ahead

to expand the signature programs in other counties.

Kimberley McClellan and Eugene Luster are planning a community barbecue on July 18th in East St. Louis

at Jones Park in honor of Minority Mental Health Month. We received funding from NAMI National for this. Kim

and Eugene have planned a menu of grilled burgers, hotdogs, and sides with a deejay, bounce-house, and other fun

activities for the whole family.

We also recently received word that our funding from the St Clair County Mental Health Board will be increased

from $15,000 to $25,000 for the new fiscal year. This is great news as we move forward with FY 2016.

...Beverley Watkins, NAMI SWI President

July 15, 2015

Beverley Watkins, Ph.D., LCSW

Changing the Face of Depression

“CHANGING THE FACE OF DEPRESSION” is

the topic of a special presentation at Immanuel Lutheran

Church, 522 South Church Street in Waterloo on Wednes-

day, August 5 at 6:30pm in their

overflow room. Terri Karch, the

guest speaker, was Mrs. Illinois

International 2012 and used that

“stage” to bring more awareness to

depression.

Join us as we hear her story of

living with depression and

how prevalent mental illness is in

our daily lives. Depression affects everyone, the person

with the illness and all those around him/her. Depression

has no age limits. Invite your family and friends to this

enlightening event! Light refreshments will be served

and a freewill offering will be taken.

This presentation is hosted by Immanuel’s Women’s

Christian Ministry. To find out more about the guest

speaker, visit her website at www.terrikarch.com.

____________

Interfaith Mental Health

Coalition Update by John Person

Here is a briefing on recent activities. We plan to dis-

cover what our core values will be in coming meet-

ings. We are going to work on getting the ball rolling and

making progress in coordinating with other groups to

reach our common goals. The date for the next meeting

has not been determined as of yet. Areas of concern are

the following.

Serious mental health illnesses

Children’s behavioral health

Trauma

Substance abuse

Elderly dementia

NAMI members and supporters interested in attending

upcoming meetings of the Interfaith Mental Health

Coalition can email Sacred Creations at

office@sacredcreations.org.

____________

4

You are not alone…

attend a support meeting!

NAMI SWI CONNECTION RECOVERY SUPPORT GROUP

GRANITE CITY (Madison County)

First Tuesday of each month, a support meeting for individuals living with mental illness,

6:30PM - 8:00PM at Gateway Regional Medical Center, 2100 Madison Ave, Granite City, IL 62040 in the Pascal

Hall Meeting Room (use ground floor entrance across from Doctor's building parking lot and to the right of Emer-

gency Room entrance). Contact Jen Gerlach at (636) 358-1800 or log onto http://namiswi.org.

EDWARDSVILLE (Madison County)

First and Third Wednesdays of each month, a support meeting for individuals living with mental illness, 12:00-

1:30pm, Center for Spirituality, Room MLK, at SIUE Campus #1 Circle Drive, Edwardsville, IL 62026, for more

information contact Jen Gerlach at (636) 358-1800 or log onto http://namiswi.org.

BELLEVILLE (St. Clair County)

Second Friday of each month, a support meeting for individuals living with mental illness, 3:30PM - 5:00PM,

Chestnut Health Systems 12 N. 64th St., Belleville, IL 62223. For more information, call NAMI SWI office at (618)

798-9788 or email info@namiswi.org.

NAMI SWI SUPPORT GROUPS

BELLEVILLE (St. Clair County)

Third Tuesday of each month, a support group for Family Members and Individuals Living with Mental

Illness, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM, St. Matthew’s Methodist Church, 1200 Moreland Drive, Belleville IL 62223, in the

library. Use the Fellowship Hall entrance from parking lot. Contact Mike or Kathy Janik (618) 277-5459 or log

onto http://namiswi.org.

EAST ST. LOUIS (St. Clair County) Starting on September 21st; see note on page 6 about location!

Third Monday of each month, a support group meeting for parents/caregivers of children & adolescents with

brain disorders, 6:00 - 8:00PM, location to be determined. For information contact Kim McClellan at

Kimberlyjmcclellan@yahoo.com or by phone at 618-407-9081 or log onto http://namiswi.org.

EDWARDSVILLE (Madison County)

Fourth Tuesday of each month, a support meeting for Family Members, 7:00 - 8:30PM, First Baptist Church,

534 St. Louis St., Edwardsville, IL 62025; use church parking lot entrance, Contact Mary Ann Miller at (618) 977-

6542 or log onto http://namiswi.org.

GREENVILLE (Bond County)

Third Tuesday of each month, a support meeting for Family Members, 7:00 to 8:30PM, St Lawrence Catholic

Church, 512 S. Prairie Street Greenville, IL 62246. For more information contact Facilitator Linda Methvin

at (618) 541-2407 or log onto http://namiswi.org or call the NAMI SWI office at (618) 798-9788.

WATERLOO (Monroe County) Meetings will resume in September!

Second Monday of every month, a support meeting for Family Members, 7-8:30PM , at the Immanuel

Lutheran Church, 522 S. Church Street, Waterloo, IL 62298. For more information contact Royal Boeder

at (618) 340-8825 or call the NAMI SWI office at 618-798-9788 or log onto namiswi.org.

NAMI SWI MILITARY FAMILIES SUPPORT GROUP

MARYVILLE (Madison County) First Tuesday of each month, a Military Family Support Group, 7:00 to 8:45PM, YMCA, 1 Town Center Drive,

Maryville, IL 62062. Contact NAMI Office at (618)798-9788 or email at vetsupport@namiswi.org or log onto

http://namiswi.org. ____________

When Southwestern Ill College (SWIC)

classes are cancelled because of bad

weather (snow, sleet, etc.), NAMI support

meetings are also cancelled. SWIC cancel-

lation notices will be broadcast on all

major TV and radio stations in the St. Louis area.

If there is a tornado watch or warning for the area

where a support meeting is to be held during the time

frame of 6:00-9:00PM, that support meeting will be

cancelled.

_________________________

NOTE

NEW

5

St. Louis Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Support Group: 3rd Saturday of each month,

10:00AM to Noon at Missouri Baptist Hospital

Auditorium #1, 3015 N. New Ballas Road, Creve

Coeur, MO 63141. Contact: Jan at (314) 291-7556.

DBSA (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance)

of Madison County Meeting: Every Monday

7:00PM - 9:00PM, Anderson Hospital,

Maryville, IL, on Level B, behind cafeteria.

Facilitated by Tina Jackels, (618) 960-2902.

DBSA of Hope - Belleville: Every Saturday at

12:00PM AND every Tuesday at 7:00PM, St. Eliza-

beth Hospital, 211 S. 3rd St., Belleville, IL, 7th Floor,

Room 722. Facilitated by Tod Jurke at (618) 567-

0986 or by email at boeingme@yahoo.com or Lisa

Wojick at (618) 581-4179.

“With Hope in Mind” Support Group: for family

members or caregivers; meets the 4th Tuesday of

each month from 7:00-8:30PM at Christian Hospital

Northeast (CNE), 11133 Dunn Road, St. Louis, MO,

Room 2100. For more information contact Linda

Hossin at (314) 302-2740 or by email at

lhossin57@aol.com. GROW meeting for individuals living with mental

illness, every Wednesday, 7:00PM at St. Bartholo-

mew’s Episcopal Church, 2167 Grand Ave, Granite

City, IL 62040. Contact Sharon at (618) 977-1133.

GROW meeting for individuals living with mental

illness, every Thursday, 7:00PM at St. Elizabeth’s

Hospital, 211 S. Third St., Room 729, Belleville, IL

62221. Contact Sharon at (618) 977-1133.

ADHD Support Group: Meetings will resume

in September 2015. Please contact facilitator

Kristen Weber at (618) 406-0842 or email kristin-

weberadhdcoach@gmail.com more information.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call toll-free

1-800-273-TALK (8255) or go to their website at

http://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ Youth M.O.V.E. meets concurrently with Family

Voices Parent & Caregiver Group above. Same time,

same location, but separate room. Contacts for

Youth M.O.V.E. Group are Jennifer Johnston at

jjohnston@childrenshomeandaid.org and Beverley

Watkins at bbwatkins@fanad.net.

Karla Smith Foundation Support Group for family

and friends of anyone with mental illness: 1st and 3rd

Thursday of each month, 7:00–8:30PM, Peace Chap-

el, 10101 W. Main St., Belleville. For more infor-

mation call Tom or Fran Smith at (618) 624-5771 or

send email to ksf@karlasmithfoundation.org.

Belleville Location—Karla Smith Foundation

Suicide Survivor Support Group: 2nd & 4th Thur. of

each month, 7:00 – 8:30PM, Peace Chapel, 10101

W. Main St., Belleville. For more information call

Tom or Fran Smith at (618) 624-5771 or send email

to ksf@karlasmithfoundation.org.

Karla Smith Foundation Support Group in St Lou-

is for family and friends of anyone with mental ill-

ness: 1st & 3rd Wednesday of each month, 7:00 -

8:30PM, Lutheran Family and Children's Services,

8639 Delmar, St. Louis, MO 63132. For information

contact Linda or Jim Murphey 314) 481-0008 or

ksf@karlasmithfoundation.org Friday Night Social: for persons living with mental

health conditions on the first Friday of each month

from 7:00 - 8:30PM, 607 Vandalia, Suite 500, Col-

linsville, IL. Contact Jen Gerlach by phone (636)

358-1800 or send email to jgerlac@siue.edu.

REFRESH (formerly Family Voices Parent

& Caregiver Group in Fairview Heights) IS

ON HOLD TILL FURTHER NOTICE.

Questions, contact Kim McClellan at 618-407-9081

or email at kimberleyjmcclellan@yahoo.com.

Youth M.O.V.E. meets concurrently with Family

Voices Parent & Caregiver Group above. Same time,

same location, but separate room. Contacts for

Youth M.O.V.E. Group are Jennifer Johnston at

jjohnston@childrenshomeandaid.org and Beverley

Watkins at bbwatkins@fanad.net.

REFRESH (formerly R.E.S.T. Parent &

Caregiver Group in Alton) IS ON HOLD

TILL FURTHER NOTICE. Questions,

contact Kimberley McClellan at (618) 855-4806 or

send email to kimberleyjmcclellan@yahoo.com.

Nar A Non meeting for families seeking help and

support who are facing dual diagnosis issues. Every

Monday, 7:00PM at Bridge Church, Steiss Road,

Glen Carbon, IL 62034. For more information call

618-973-6863.

____________

OTHER LOCAL SUPPORT MEETINGS

CONTACT PERSONS: Please check that the information (time, location, contact info, etc.) for your meeting is still current.

Send any changes to Sandy at skgiger@hotmail.com.

ATTENDEES: These support group meetings are not affiliated with NAMI SWI. For questions please call or email the contact

person for that particular meeting. ____________

NOTE

NOTE

New time

NOTE

6

Recovery Conference

“Opening Doors to Success”

The 19th Annual Recovery Confer-

ence is scheduled for Friday, October

2, 2015, from 9am to 3:15pm with reg-

istration beginning at 8am. It will be held at the National

Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville

Join us for an inspiring message from our keynote

speaker, Herbert Cobbs. Herb prides his recovery jour-

ney in which he turned full circle. Living in a cardboard

box on the streets on the south side of Chicago, eventually

led Herbert to several incarcerations and receiving mental

health services. Sober for 15 years now, Herb is currently

helping others reach success in their recovery as the Coor-

dinator of the drop-in center at Community Counseling

Centers of Chicago. Herb is now a homeowner and lives

with his wife and family on the south side of Chicago.

After the keynote presentation there will be a live

WRAP for an hour. A WRAP class will be demonstrated

and the audience will join the class sharing in the group

discussion of the topics.

Other highlights: Afternoon Recovery & Wellness

Workshops; Information Tables; and Consumer Art Show.

The cost is FREE and lunch will be provided. For more

information or questions, contact Cindy at 618-474-3813

or cindy.mayhew@illinois.gov.

___________

Education Classes/Support Meeting Updates NAMI SWI Family to Family Education starts Thurs-

day, Sept 3, 2015 Edwardsville, IL at 7pm

NAMI SWI Spanish De Familia a Familia Educa-

tion starts Wednesday, September 9, 2015 Fairmont

City, IL at 7pm. For participants who only speak

Spanish, please call (618) 632-1755. NAMI SWI Peer to Peer Education starts Tuesday,

Sept 22, 2015 Belleville, IL at 7pm

NEW Parent/Caregiver Support Group starts Monday

Sept 21, 2015 in East St. Louis, IL at 6pm (See article

in next column.)

Waterloo, IL Support Meetings will resume in Septem-

ber on the second Monday of each month. See Page 4,

Support Meetings, for time and more information.

To register for a class or learn more about a support

meeting, please call the NAMI SWI office (618) 798-9788

or email info@namiswi.org.

____________

_____________

Breathe Easy with AIR

What is Air? AIR (Anonymous Inspiring Relatable) is

the new NAMI app, a free, mobile-based social network

designed for individuals living with mental health condi-

tions and their family members/caregivers. NAMI AIR is

intended to provide another way for people to find and

give support, to connect with others through smart phone

and computer tablet. AIR encourages users to anonymous-

ly share their stories and receive feedback in the form of

social interactions such as “like,” “hug” and “me too.”

Also allows users to access information on how to get

help, learn more about NAMI and connect with the NAMI

HelpLine. AIR facilitates personal connections with others

who may be going through, or have been through, similar

situations. Users are anonymous but not alone.

How do I start using NAMI AIR? After AIR is down-

loaded through the Apple and Android App Stores, users

will start by creating an account and selecting a group to

join. Individual living with a mental health condition

Family member or caregiver What posts you see are

determined by the path you chose (for example, If you am

a caregiver or family member, the stories you see on your

feed will also be from caregivers or family members). You

can “toggle” between these two groups—so you can

choose to engage in one group, then select the other,

allowing you to interact in both communities. However,

you will not be able to interact in both at the same time.

How do users know that my information is safe and

confidential? Users don’t create any sort of username

while signing up. All posts are completely anonymous.

The only information you give is your email address.

Email addresses are only used for sign in and in case of an

emergency. So you can be assured that your posts and

participation are completely anonymous. Find out more by

reading the NAMI Air EULA and Privacy Policy. - See

more at: http://www.nami.org/Find-Support/Air-

App#sthash.JBxIZIv1.dpuf ____________

New Support Meeting in St. Clair County

NAMI SWI will have another location for a support

group meeting in St. Clair County. The East St. Louis

Support group meeting for parents/caregivers of children

and adolescents with brain disorders will begin on

Monday, September 21st! The meetings will continue

every 3rd Monday of each month from 6:00 to 8:00PM

thereafter.

Location has not been finalized as of this writing. A

notice will be posted on the NAMI SWI website as soon as

the site has been determined and it will be in future news-

letters. You may also contact Kimberly McClellan for

location details at Kimberlyjmcclellan@yahoo.com or

call her at 618-407-9081. ____________

S U C C E S

7

NAMI SWI VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT IS ON…………

Our affiliate is proud to announce that Katie Crocket is the NAMI SWI spotlight

volunteer!! Katie has been a member of NAMI SWI since 2004. Her efforts have

increased the number of individuals and family members served by NAMI SWI

programming. Katie has been active with the In Our Own Voice program for many

years. Katie, and her husband, Dan Crocket, have been certified as In Our Own

Voice program presenters, helping our affiliate reach hundreds of community

members throughout Illinois and Missouri. In 2012, Katie became the NAMI SWI In

Own Voice Program Coordinator. Her dedication to our organization has helped our

affiliate increase funding and public awareness of our affiliate’s mission to provide

education, support, and advocacy programs to individuals, family members, and

others impacted my mental illness. Katie schedules and coordinates over ten mem-

bers certified in the IOOV program bringing these powerful and hopeful presenta-

tions to local community members!! Katie has helped NAMI SWI collaborate with numerous community partners

including: Chestnut Health Systems, Wellspring Resources, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville and many

others. Our affiliate says “THANK YOU” to Katie Crocket for her many efforts to help improve our affiliate and

increase awareness of NAMI SWI throughout the St. Louis Metro region!!!

____________

Katie Crocket!!

Mary Ann & Shirlee are asking, “Who is that silly lady?”

Hmmm...Can you say “Pat Rudloff?”

Photos courtesy of David Rudloff & Mary Gauen.

On your mark, get set, GO!

Maryssa Dubach 2nd Place Overall!!

Let the walk begin...

Steve Mersinger 1st Place Overall! !!

Let the walk begin... Let the fun begin...

On your mark, get set, GO!!

8

...Jessica L. Gruneich,

NAMI SWI Executive Director

July 12, 2015

Thank you to all directors, members, and volunteers for

ensuring the 12th Annual Race-Walk was a HUGE success!!

Welcome to new board members, Priscilla Hammond,

Amelia Jumper, Amber Kaan, and April Scales!!!!

Annual Report

Fiscal Year 2014-2015 NAMI SWI

Activities by the Numbers

NONE OF THIS IS POSSIBLE WITHOUT YOU…

...THANK YOU!!!

EDUCATION: 158 people attended one of the following

classes: Family-to-Family, Basics, Parents and Teachers As

Allies, Ending the Silence, or Peer to Peer educational pro-

grams.

SUPPORT: 460 people attended affiliate Support Group

sessions

ADVOCACY: 306 people attended an In Our Own Voice

Session

REFERRAL: 360 mental health helpline calls for infor-

mation, emotional support, and referral contacts during office

hours, weekend, and after hours

OTHER:

5,007 NAMI SWI Newsletters/E-Newsletters Distributed

351,234+ “hits” on www.namiswi.org (since inception)

85 Active NAMI SWI Volunteers

1,853 volunteer hours contributed FY 2014-2015

213 NAMI SWI Memberships

235 followers on Facebook

Notable Achievements:

NAMI SWI awarded NAMI National Minority Mental

Health Month Grant /Continued Sharing Hope Grant

17 In Our Own Voice Presentations to 306 community

members throughout our catchment region

62 Educational/Public Forum/Mental Health Awareness

events attended throughout our region

United Way Fund Development Award Recipient

Expanded Signature Programming…..Special Thanks To

the following members who attended training or started

new support groups:

NAMI Support Group Facilitator Training, October 2014:

Phyllis Stevens

Efrend and Carlos Garcia

Mary Gruneich

Kimberly McClellan and Eugene Luster

Angeline Early-Exton

NAMI Family-to-Family Teacher Training, Nov 2014:

Diane and Paul Borawski

NAMI Basics Teacher Training, January 2015: Ann Barnum

Mary Gruneich

NAMI Peer to Peer Education Teacher Training, Jan

2015:

Marion Endress

Tricia Hogan

NAMI De Familia a Familia Teacher Training, Feb 2015:

Carlos and Efrend Garcia

NAMI Family to Family Teacher Training, Feb 2015:

Amanda Corrado

Roger and Judi Boker

Sonja Vauters

Mary Ellen Bock

New NAMI Connection and Recovery Support Meeting

Special Thanks to facilitators Pat Norris and Shirlee Byrd

New NAMI Family Support Group Waterloo, Illinois

Special Thanks to NAMI Board Member Royal Boeder

New NAMI Family Support Group Greenville, Illinois

Special Thanks to facilitator Linda Methvin

Expanded Signature Program/Operational Goals 2016:

15 NAMI Parents & Teachers as Allies Programs

15 NAMI Ending the Silence Programs

2 Peer to Peer Educational Programs

20 In Our Own Voice Advocacy Presentations

5 NAMI FaithNet Presentations

5 NAMI Sharing Hope Presentations

3 NAMI Connection & Recovery Support Meetings

WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO ANOTHER GREAT YEAR!!! THANK YOU!!

9

“MAY I HAVE YOUR

ATTENTION PLEASE?” “VOLUNTEERS,

YOU ARE TRULY APPRECIATED!!”

We want to give a shout-out to our list of new

volunteers as well as our monthly, ongoing volunteers

who donated their time since the last newsletter.

We extend a hearty thank you to:

2015 NAMI SWI Walk/Run Co-Chairs, Mary Pat DeJarnette

and Kris Gamm-Smith.

Webmaster Mary Gauen for overseeing our affiliate’s online

walk/run registration set up with Final Lap Race Management!

Webmaster Mary Gauen for keeping the website current and

user-friendly.

Tom Giger for coordinating NAMI SWI brochures, resource

guides, community directories, and overseeing the office

equipment and keeping Kettler lobby stocked with brochures!

NAMI SWI Social Media Coordinator Ann Barnum.

NAMI SWI Helpline Volunteers: Bill Jeffreys, Ann Barnum,

Amanda Corrado, Joan Foster, Claudia Voris, and Bev

Churchill!

Linda Methvin who facilitates the Greenville, IL family

member support group!

Mike and Kathy Janik who facilitate the NAMI SWI

Belleville Support Group Meeting.

Mary Ann Miller and Bev Churchill who facilitate the NAMI

SWI Edwardsville Support Group Meeting!

Peter Dodge who facilitates the Maryville Military Families

Support Group!

Royal Boeder who is facilitating the Waterloo, IL family

member support group in Monroe County!

Our NAMI SWI IOOV Presenters: Katie Crockett, Dan

Crockett, Sharon Diaz, Dani Robinette, Heather Harris,

Jen Gerlach, Pat Norris, AJ French, Melody Corbin, &

Jeremy Lincicum!

Shirlee Byrd, Jen Gerlach, Matt Gauen, John Malson, and

Patrick Norris who facilitate the Connection Recovery Sup-

port Group meetings in Edwardsville and Granite City!

Jim Isaac, Mary Gauen, Matt Gauen, Ann Barnum, and

Marilyn Vise for working on the marketing team!

Tom Johnson who is our NAMI SWI CIT Project Leader!

Chestnut Health Systems & WellSpring Resources who

have been printing our newsletters for many years as a service

to NAMI SWI!

Pat Rudloff for coordinating NAMI SWI press releases in

Madison County!

NAMI SWI Newsletter team including: Mary Gauen, Tom

and Sandy Giger, Jessica Gruneich, David Malear, Carol

Morrow, Lynn Piggott and NAMI Llama!

Jessica Gruneich for setting up NAMI SWI as an available

charity with AmazonSmile.

Kami Bonnell, Shirlee Byrd and Lisa McMichael have vol-

unteered weekly at the NAMI SWI office!

Bill Jeffreys is the NEW NAMI SWI Helpline Coordinator!

Thank you, Bill!

Mary Jane Kenyon, Megan Munzert, and Lousie Cox have

joined the 2015 Run/Walk planning committee!

Board Development Committee consisting of Bev Watkins,

Peter Dodge, Royal Boeder, Mary Pat DeJarnette, Tom

Johnson, Jim Isaac, Cathy Malear and Jessica Gruneich!

NAMI Llama for being an awesome mascot!!!

June 27, 2015 NAMI SWI Race-Walk Volunteers: Beverley

Watkins, Peter Dodge, Royal Boeder, Kris Gamm Smith,

Kim McClellan, Jim Issac, Phyllis Stevens, Tom Johnson,

Nancy Johnson, Donna Reedy, Jeff Reedy, Mark Pacatte,

Shaun Pacatte, Valentina Mangino, Marie Krysnoski,

Kami Bonnell, Ashton Hall, Lisa McMicheal, Megan

Munzert, Matt Gauen, Shirlee Bryd, Pat Rudloff, Mary

Ann Miller, Jamie Miller, Irma Cummins, Roger Boker,

Judi Boker, Marion Endress, Tim Endress, Tricia Hogan,

Scott Hogan, Louise Cox, Isabella Schmidt, and Susy

Woods.

June 27 NAMI SWI Race-Walk Photographers Mary Gauen

and David Rudloff.

June 27 Mint Green for supplying the artwork and t-shirt

design for the Race-Walk

July 18, 2015 Kim McClellan organized and hosted the NAMI

SWI Community Outreach BBQ in East St. Louis, Illinois.

Aug 1, 2015 NAMI Parents and Teachers as Allies program

training who will complete the training: Ann Barnum, Mari-

anne Kohrman, Mary Ann Miller, Kim McClellan, Jennifer

Gerlach, Herbert Lomax, Mary Gruneich, Amber Kaan,

Sharon Zenik.

Aug 7, 2015:Marion Endress will represent NAMI SWI at the

Toby Gross Memorial Hockey Game, St. Louis Mills in

partnership with the St. Louis Blues.

Aug 15, 2015 Carlos and Efrend Garcia will represent NAMI

at the “When Mental Illness Hits Home” Conference in Belle-

ville, IL.

Aug 29, 2015 Beverley Watkins, Mary Pat DeJarnette, and

Kim McClellan will represent NAMI SWI at the Sharing Our

Stories Mental Health Conference at Belleville East Belleville,

IL.

Sept 3, 2015 Roger and Judi Boker will begin teaching

NAMI Family to Family Education, for NAMI SWI in

Edwardsville, IL

Sept 9, 2015 Carlos and Efrend Garcia will begin teaching

NAMI De Familia a Familia Education for NAMI SWI in

Fairmont City, IL.

Sept 21, 2015 Kim McClellan will facilitate a NEW Parent/

Caregiver support group in East St. Louis, IL.

Sept 22, 2015 Marion Endress and Tricia Hogan will begin

teaching NAMI SWI Peer to Peer in Bellevile, IL.

As a grassroots organization, NAMI relies on volunteers.

Special thanks to ALL volunteers for your awesome work!!

Members, if a project strikes your fancy and you’d like to

help with it or just to find out more information about it, call

the NAMI Office at 618-798-9788 . We’d love hearing from

you!!

VOLUNTEERS: Don’t forget to email your volunteer

hours to INFO@NAMISWI.ORG.

____________

July 15, 2015

10

Exhibitors/Vendors

Allsup, Inc

Furry Friends Recovery

Bursting Bubbles

DBSA

Grow

Youth Move St Clair County

ASD Advocate

Health Source Chiropractic

Region 5 Leadership Council

Chestnut Health Systems

Wellspring Resources

Call for Help, Inc.

Gateway Regional

NAMI SWI

Marketing Team

Ann Barnum, Facebook

Mary Gauen, Website

Sandy Giger, Newsletter

Photographers

David Rudloff

Mary Gauen

Art Work & Shirt Design

Mint Green

Sponsors

Gateway Grizzlies

GCS Credit Union

St. Clair County Mental Health Board

Kuna Food Service

Genoa Healthcare

Chestnut Health Systems

Wellspring Resources

Madison County Mental Health Board

Family Farms, Inc.

Allsup, Inc.

Bank of Edwardsville

Clover Leaf Bank

Call for Help, Inc.

Health Source Chiropractic

Ameren Illinois

Country Financial

St Clair County Medical Society Alliance

Molina Healthcare

Metro Deaf LLC

Touchette Regional Hospital

Hortica, Inc.

Runners

Walkers

Volunteers

Beverley Watkins

Peter Dodge

Royal Boeder

Kris Gamm Smith

Kim McClellan

Jim Isaac

Tom& Nancy Johnson

Jeff & Donna Reedy

Mark & Shaun Pacatte

Valentina Mangino

Marie Krysnoski

Kami Bonnell

Ashton Hall

Lisa McMicheal

Megan Munzert

Matt Gauen

Shirlee Bryd

Pat Rudloff

Phyllis Stevens

Mary Ann & Jamie Miller

Irma Cummins

Roger & Judi Boker & family

Marion & Tim Endress

Tricia & Scott Hogan

Louise Cox

Isabella Schmidt

Susy Woods

Rob & Jessica DeJarnette

5K Race & 1 Mile Walk, Continued from Page 1

OVERALL TOP TEN RACE FINISHERS

Place Name City Bib No Age Gender Age Group Total Time

1 Steve Mersinger St. Jacob IL 61 37 M 30-39 24:28.3

2 Maryssa Dubach Glen Carbon IL 53 10 F 1-18 25:00.8

3 Kevin Fitzgerald Edwardsville IL 54 58 M 50-99 25:23.3

4 Joseph Poindexter Swansea IL 64 38 M 30-39 25:49.5

5 Aaron Schultz 74 40 M 40-49 26:30.0

6 Brandon Weber 85 42 M 40-49 27:31.5

7 Samantha Becerra Edwardsville IL 48 26 F 20-29 27:42.3

8 Chuck Croxton 86 55 M 50-99 28:58.0

9 Matt Gauen Granite City IL 73 39 M 30-39 28:58.6

10 Joseph Riggs 75 51 M 50-99 29:09.2

11

LINKS… keeping

you connected

When Mental Illness Hits Home

The 9th Annual When Mental Illness Hits Home

(formerly Erase the Stigma of Mental Illness) Confer-

ence will be held at the National Shrine of Our Lady of

the Snows in Belleville, IL, on Aug. 28, 2015, from 9:00

a.m.-4:00 p.m. Because of staff reductions, the confer-

ence will only be one day this year. This is a unique

conference for friends and family members who journey

with people with mental illness and for professionals in

the mental health field. The cost is $40.00 which

includes lunch. Illinois Continuing Education

Units Offered for Attendance: CEUs, LCPC and LCSW

– $20

The diverse slate of presenters follow:

Theodora Binion, Director of the Illinois Department

of Human Services, who will discuss person-

centered systems of care for those living with a

mental illness.

Rev. Mike Rayson, a pastor who “walks the talk”

because he has a mental illness.

Emily Smith, Executive Director of Karla Smith

Foundation, and Rebecca Mowen, Licensed Clinical

Social Worker who supervises the Family Naviga-

tion and Support Program at the Karla Smith Foun-

dation, will discuss navigating the mental health, so

the process of engaging appropriate clinical and

community supports, and what families should ex-

pect during the journey of supporting their loved

one.

Presenter Dr. Luis Giuffra, a professor of Clinical

Psychiatry at Washington University and Medical

Director for the Multidisciplinary Assessment Pro-

gram for Distressed Professionals at Clayton Behav-

ioral, will address co-occurring disorders, i.e., what

are co-occurring disorders, how do they develop,

how are they treated and what are the complications

involved with these issues. He received the Mortimer

Goodman award from the National Alliance for the

Mentally Ill in 2011, and has been recognized by his

peers as one of the “Best Doctors in America” for

the past several years.

George Smith, M.A., LCPC,CSAD, a certified train-

er in Mental Health First Aid and Youth Mental

Health First Aid from Chestnut Health Systems, will

discuss the purpose of Mental Health First Aid: to

build first aid skills to help persons in distress and to

reduce the stigma of mental illness. For the past cou-

ple of years, Mr. Smith has conducted several ses-

sions for community laypersons and health profes-

sionals to create “Mental Health First Aiders.”

The 2015 sponsors are Karla Smith Foundation,

National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, NAMI

Southwestern Illinois, and St. Clair County Mental

Health Board. Exhibitors include Chestnut Health

Systems, Karla Smith Foundation, NAMI SWI,

Victorious Missionaries and many more.

For more information or to register, please call

618-394-6270. ____________

Sharing Our Stories (SOS)

Connecting the Mind & the Body

When: Saturday, August 29 2015

Where: Belleville East High School, Gymnasium

Schedule of Events:

8 AM – 9 AM: Check In

9 AM - 3 PM: Sharing Our Stories Program

Book Signing at Lunch

Event Summary: A free of charge event for all at-

tendees. The event focuses on youth, 6th grade and high-

er, using a fast pace interactive educational forum em-

phasizing the connection between mental and physical

wellness for today’s kids. Participants will benefit from

small and large group interactive workshops led by Mr.

Williams and local youth group organizations demon-

strating the benefits of maintaining a healthy balance,

mentally and physically.

It will highlight a dance performance, personal testi-

mony of our very own #86, former St. Louis Rams

Rookie of the Year and Super Bowl XXXIV Champion,

Mr. Roland Williams, practical information from child

and adolescent psychiatrist, Dr. Dawn M. Porter, and

community resource information for parents/guardians

by Ms. Debbie Humphrey.

Breakfast snacks and lunch will be provided. Limited

space available. Early registration closes on August

24, 2015 which entitles the registrant to special raffle

events.

For more information, contact Jim Isaac at 618-798-

3263.

This event is sponsored by NAMI SWI, Karla Smith

Foundation, St. Clair County 708 Board, Gateway

Regional Medical Center, Lessie Bates Davis, Family

Renewed, 40 Days of Nonviolence, and Belleville

O’Fallon Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi.

____________

Get Linked

Human Rights Watch has

released a report, Callous and

Cruel, on the "unnecessary, exces-

sive, and even malicious force" used

in jails and prison to control inmates

with mental illness. It's an issue that NAMI has long

been concerned with, except that it's more than an issue

or a concern: It's Outrageous: Jails and Prisons Are

No Place to Treat Mental Illness; Just Ask Paton

Blough.

____________

12

Seven Tips to Manage Your Stress A personalized approach to coping with anxiety

More Americans are stressed than ever, according to

the American Psychological Association's (APA) annual

Stress in America™ survey. Some research exists that

some people may be more anxious because trauma in their

ancestors' lives, which makes most people predisposed to

anxiety given history's prevalence of trauma.

In addition to measuring the stress levels of Americans

every year, the APA additionally offers seven tips to man-

age your stress, which are described below.

1. Understand what stress looks like for you. In other

words, how do you think, feel and behave when you are

stressed as opposed to when you are not stressed? Even

though stress shares many similarities among people who

experience it, individuals are all unique and what looks

like a stressful day for one person may look like a walk in

the park to another. Know your unique experience of what

stress is like for you so that you will be better equipped to

deal with it as necessary.

2. Understand why you are stressed out. Determine

what is stressing you out. When you are able to identify a

source of stress, you will be better able to manage your

stress since you can link it to something in your life.

Knowing the source of stress may also better help you deal

with the problem at hand, if you have any control over it.

3. Know your warning signs of stress. Everyone's expe-

rience of stress can be unique. To better manage your

stress, catch it before it catches you by being very aware of

your warning signs. Pay attention to your body and mind

identify their signals of stress. Some example warning

signs include poor sleep, appetite problems, restlessness,

worried thoughts, stomach aches, and problems breathing.

4. Know how you deal with stress. Sometimes, the way

people deal with stress can only make it worse. Many

people cope with anxiety by drinking alcohol, for example,

but consuming alcoholic beverages can sometimes only

exacerbate your anxiety. Knowing your go to moves when

you are hit with stress is key so that you can determine

whether these behaviors are helping you or hurting you in

the long run.

5. Manage stress in a healthy way. Once you determine

your typical ways of dealing with stress, you can continue

them if they are helpful, or replace them with healthier

ways of managing stress. Mindfulness meditation,

exercise, and talking to a therapist are all excellent ways of

dealing with stress. If you have experienced trauma and

suffer from Post-traumatic stress disorder, research

demonstrates how talk therapy can change your brain.

Managing stress in a healthy way will help you keep it to a

minimum.

6. Practice self-care. A little bit of selfishness can go a

long way to help you manage stress. Taking good care of

yourself is better for you and everyone around you. Self-

care means eating well, sleeping enough, exercising and

doing whatever you need to do to be your best.

7. Ask for help. The worst thing you can probably do for

yourself is deal with your stress alone. Talk to your family

and friends and even better, find a therapist who is trained

to help you manage your stress. We are social creatures

and we do best when connected to others. If your stress

feels like more than you can manage, reach out for sup-

port. ____________

IL Warm Line: 1-(866) 359-7953

Phone Support: Hope is Just a Phone Call Away

http://www.illinoismentalhealthcollaborative

Sometimes what is needed most in difficult times is

someone to talk with who listens and understands. This

program is for persons with mental health and/or substance

abuse challenges, their families, friends, and community

members. IL Warm Line is staffed by Recovery Support

Specialists who live out RECOVERY. You’ll get

emotional support, recovery education, self-advocacy

support, and referrals.

Phone hours are Monday thru Friday, 8am-5pm. Dial

1-(866) 359-7953. Then from the main menu, select

option #2, then option #5.

Interpreter available for hundreds of languages are also

adept at conversing through Video Relay Service.

For hearing impaired: TTY: 1-(866) 880-4459

____________

____________

13

Five Steps to Slow Down and Combat Overwhelm

When Life is Moving 90 MPH

Whether it's back to school season, the holidays or just

another day in the fast-paced chaotic life you lead, it is

crucial to be able to slow down from time to time. This

article offers five simple steps for you to slow down when

your life seems to be moving at the speed of light, so that

you can reduce stress, enjoy the moments you have, and

experience greater ease in general. Changing how you

approach your life may be all you need to slow down and

get out of overwhelm.

Step #1- Practice mindfulness. Mindfulness can be described as merely being present,

aware and in the moment. It does not mean that you have

to isolate yourself in the mountains and practice silent

meditation for days.

When you eat, for example, just eat and notice the fla-

vors and the textures of the food that you are eating. Put

away your tablet or your phone or whatever gadget you

are playing with and just be present to your experience.

Being mindful in a world of stimulation and distrac-

tion may sound easier than it actually is, but any small

dose of mindfulness that you can implement will reduce

overwhelm and cultivate what might feel like a slower

pace.

Step #2 - Stop multitasking.

Sometimes it feels like multitasking is the only option

to get something done, and it is often lauded as a precious

skill, but in reality, the brain is simply not meant to do

more than one thing at a time.

Researcher Clifford Nass and his colleagues out of

Stanford University found in a study of 262 college stu-

dents that heavy multitaskers were more likely to be

distracted by extraneous information and less likely to be

as efficient at task switching as their more singularly

focused peers.

Other research also exists that we are simply less

effective when we multitask. The bottom line here is that

to be more efficient and effective, do one thing at a time.

Step #3 - Go easy on your email.

With phones that have the ability to ding every time

one receives an email, limiting the number of times a day

one checks their email can be a challenge. You will save a

lot of time and feel much less overwhelmed if you decide

to only check your email one to three times a day than

constantly.

Step #4 - Say "no," or if that's too hard for you, start

with "let me think about it." If you find yourself saying "yes" when you mean "no,"

and you constantly feel like there is too much on your

plate, start protecting yourself by considering another

approach. If it feels too difficult to immediately start

saying no, set your default response from "yes" to "let me

think about it," so that you can at least buy yourself some

time without the perceived social pressure of responding

affirmatively. Looking out for yourself and protecting

your time is not a bad thing, and no one else is going to

do it for you.

Step #5 - Have fun! With everything that you have scheduled into your

busy calendar, it is crucial that you make room for fun

time, whatever that looks like for you. The work is always

going to be there waiting for you, so make sure to priori-

tize having a good time even when you have not complet-

ed everything on your to-do list. Getting some play in will

not only be enjoyable, but will it recharge you, leave you

refreshed and improve your life overall.

____________

Membership Annual Meeting

Tuesday, July 9, 2015

Election of board of directors took place at our annual

meeting. Congratulations to our new board members

Priscilla Hammond, Amelia Jumper, Amber Kaan, and

April Scales!!!! Special thank you to the Executive

Board and the entire Board of Directors. You’re doing

an awesome job!!

____________

Dr. Olivia Johnson, Founder of Blue Wall Institute in Belleville, spoke at the annual meeting on the challenges of first responders. She is a Peer Support columnist for Police One, a periodical for the law enforcement community.

Board Member Jim Fraser who is the Director of Develop-ment and Marketing for Chestnut Health Systems spoke about the IL budget cuts and how we all need to be proactive with calling our legislatures.

14

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

What is NAMI SWI?

NAMI Southwestern IL

(NAMI SWI), a grassroots

organization, is an affiliate

of the National Alliance on Mental

Illness, a non-profit, self-help,

volunteer organization dedicated to

improving the quality of life for

people with mental illnesses and their

families.

NAMI has state organizations in

all 50 states as well as in Puerto Rico

and District of Columbia. This area

encompasses more than 1,200 local

affiliates. NAMI SWI is one of 30

affiliates in Illinois.

NAMI SWI serves the following

12 Illinois counties:

We provide free education and

support programs for persons with

mental illnesses and their families.

We also provide a voice for

individuals affected by mental

illnesses by advocating for them with

public and private policy makers for

better legislation and more effective

treatment options. NAMI SWI is

here to help. Please call the office at

(618) 798-9788 or send an e-mail to

info@namiswi.org or attend one of

the support group meetings listed on

page 4.

What Are the Benefits

of NAMI SWI Membership?

All NAMI members receive the

benefits of membership at all three

levels of the organization, including:

NAMI Affiliate, NAMI State

Organization, and the NAMI

National organization;

Eligibility to vote in all NAMI

elections;

A subscription to The Advocate,

NAMI's flagship magazine, as

well as access to optional sub-

scriptions to specialty newsletters

and information at the national,

state and local levels;

Member discounts on brochures,

videos, promotional items and

registration at NAMI's Annual

Convention and many state and

local conferences;

Access to exclusive members-

only material on www.nami.org;

Access to NAMI SWI library;

And maybe the best of all,

you’ll meet a great group of folks

who share your same concerns.

Not a NAMI SWI member yet?

Call the NAMI SWI Office at (618)

798-9788 to have a registration form

mailed to you or register today by

clicking:

http://namiswi.org/

namiswiMembershipAPP.pdf. Bond

Calhoun

Clinton

Green

Jersey

Macoupin

Madison

Monroe

Montgomery

Randolph

St. Clair

Washington

NAMI Southwestern IL Gateway Regional Medical Center 2100 Madison Avenue, 4th Floor Granite City, IL 62040

TO: