NAMI Illinois

NAMI Illinois NAMI Illinois is the not-for-profit statewide organization of the National Alliance on Mental Illness

With more than 210,000 members, NAMI (the National Alliance on Mental Illness)
is the nation's leading grassroots advocacy organization solely dedicated to
improving the quality of life for individuals living with mental illnesses and their
families.

This Black History Month, we are honored to spotlight Regina Brent, a respected community leader whose work continues to...
02/28/2026

This Black History Month, we are honored to spotlight Regina Brent, a respected community leader whose work continues to strengthen connection and opportunity across DuPage County.

As a co-founder and leader of the committee that revived the DuPage County Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast, Regina helped transform it into a powerful annual event now attended by more than 1,000 community members.

Through this initiative, she has created space for reflection, unity, and meaningful action with proceeds supporting the MLK Unity Fund to serve underserved members of our community.

Her partnership with NAMI DuPage has strengthened outreach, advocacy, and equity-centered engagement throughout the county.
We are deeply grateful for Regina’s leadership and her commitment to building a more connected, compassionate community.

02/28/2026

Access to care matters. Systems matter. Policy matters. And so does community. The way we check in. The way we listen. The way we show up for one another. When we show up for each other, we make care possible.

This Black History Month, we are proud to spotlight Kim Mebane, Program Coordinator at NAMI KDK.Kim leads the English po...
02/27/2026

This Black History Month, we are proud to spotlight Kim Mebane, Program Coordinator at NAMI KDK.

Kim leads the English portion of the Senior Circle program at Mercy Housing Aurora, where her compassion and strong interpersonal skills have helped foster meaningful connections with residents. Her presentations have created lasting impact within the community, offering education, support, and hope.

In addition to her work with seniors, Kim facilitates Homefront and Peer-to-Peer trainings in collaboration with other affiliates and NAMI Illinois — extending her reach to individuals and families across our network.

Thank you, Kim, for your dedication to building connection and strengthening community. 💙

This Black History Month, we are proud to spotlight Eric Metcalf, Director of Peer Workforce Development at NAMI DuPage....
02/26/2026

This Black History Month, we are proud to spotlight Eric Metcalf, Director of Peer Workforce Development at NAMI DuPage.

A Veteran and person in recovery, Eric leads with lived experience, strengthening a peer workforce model rooted in inclusivity, equity, and empowerment.

From facilitating NAMI Connections and Peer-to-Peer to leading Sharing Hope conversations within the Black faith community, Eric creates spaces where individuals feel seen, respected, and understood.

His leadership reflects the belief that lived experience, when supported and empowered, becomes a catalyst for healing across entire communities.

We are grateful for Eric’s dedication to advancing hope and peer-led support.

This Black History Month, we are honored to spotlight Stephanie Burl-Hughes, Family Program Coordinator at NAMI KDK. Th...
02/26/2026

This Black History Month, we are honored to spotlight Stephanie Burl-Hughes, Family Program Coordinator at NAMI KDK.

Through Stephanie’s leadership, knowledge, and compassion, the Family Support Group has grown significantly — while remaining consistent, welcoming, and deeply supportive. Participants value the safe space she creates and the steady guidance she provides.

In addition to leading family programming, Stephanie supports youth initiatives, particularly teen support groups, and collaborates to strengthen Connections Support Groups across the affiliate.

Her dedication ensures families and individuals feel seen, heard, and supported every step of the way.

Thank you, Stephanie, for the care and leadership you bring to our community. 💙

At NAMI, we know that when a child is struggling with their mental health, school can feel especially overwhelming for f...
02/26/2026

At NAMI, we know that when a child is struggling with their mental health, school can feel especially overwhelming for families. That’s why we created this resource to help parents and caregivers understand their child’s rights, request evaluations, and access accommodations like IEPs and 504 plans. With the right supports in place, students can succeed both academically and emotionally.

Read the full guide here: https://www.nami.org/kids-teens-and-young-adults/kids-and-parents/getting-your-child-mental-health-support-and-accommodations-in-school/

This Black History Month, we are proud to spotlight LuAnna Handley, Youth Program Coordinator at NAMI KDK.In just one ye...
02/25/2026

This Black History Month, we are proud to spotlight LuAnna Handley, Youth Program Coordinator at NAMI KDK.

In just one year, LuAnna has not only sustained youth programming — she has expanded it. From strengthening school partnerships across three counties to introducing new initiatives like Stop and Chat, she continues to increase access to mental health education and support for young people.

LuAnna has also intentionally created safe spaces for teen support groups within the Black community and collaborates with local partners to grow programs like Storytime with NAMI KDK. Her commitment to uplifting youth voices extends to supporting leaders of NAMI On Campus at IMSA.

Thank you, LuAnna, for your dedication to empowering the next generation. 💙

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02/25/2026

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02/24/2026

What happens when passionate leaders from across Illinois come together to learn, grow, and strengthen mental health programming in their communities?

Real impact begins.

We’re sharing a new video series from our recent Affiliate State Training in Springfield, where NAMI Illinois trained affiliate leaders in our Signature Programs.

Want to get involved or learn more about training? Stay tuned and join us.
Learn more here: https://namiillinois.org/

This Black History Month, we are proud to spotlight Kisha Woods, President of NAMI Tri-County Illinois.Kisha’s leadershi...
02/24/2026

This Black History Month, we are proud to spotlight Kisha Woods, President of NAMI Tri-County Illinois.

Kisha’s leadership is rooted in expanding access to mental health resources within the Black community. From facilitating Sharing Hope presentations to ensuring meaningful representation at community events serving underserved and reentry populations, she leads with purpose and compassion.

Her vision centers on culturally responsive outreach, ongoing support, and making sure the voices of those served are truly heard.

Thank you, Kisha, for your dedication to strengthening community connections and advancing mental health equity. 💙

This Black History Month, we are honored to spotlight Lawana “Lou” Parkman, Secretary of NAMI Tri-County Illinois.Lou pl...
02/23/2026

This Black History Month, we are honored to spotlight Lawana “Lou” Parkman, Secretary of NAMI Tri-County Illinois.

Lou plays a vital role in strengthening community outreach and connection. Whether she’s facilitating Sharing Hope presentations or engaging directly with individuals at events serving underserved and reentry populations, Lou ensures that people feel seen, heard, and supported.

Her dedication and authenticity help drive meaningful impact throughout the Tri-County community.

Thank you, Lou, for your unwavering commitment to mental health advocacy. 💙

Big news for McHenry County!On February 26, NAMI McHenry County will open the doors to its new home at 338 Memorial Driv...
02/23/2026

Big news for McHenry County!

On February 26, NAMI McHenry County will open the doors to its new home at 338 Memorial Drive in Crystal Lake, and the community is invited.

This welcoming space will introduce:
💙 A Living Room–style mental health crisis program
💙 A Drop-In Center focused on connection and recovery

The public open house runs from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

We’re excited to see expanded mental health resources taking root in McHenry County. Join us in celebrating this important step forward.

Learn more: www.namimch.org

Address

101 North Wacker Drive , 17th Floor
Chicago, IL
60606

Website

https://linktr.ee/namiillinois

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