01/31/2026
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NAMI Lake County Illinois
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- Waukegan, IL
- NAMI Lake County Illinois
National Alliance on Mental Illness
Address
C/o New Hope United Methodist Church Of Waukegan 414 N. McAree Road
Waukegan, IL
60085
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Our Story
History of NAMI Lake County Illinois
NAMI Lake County Illinois was officially formed in 1986 by a forward thinking group of people who wanted something different for their family and loved ones living with mental illness. In the mid 2000’s, our affiliate was called NAMI of Lake County and leaders during that time had created the “NAMI Lakeline”, a monthly newsletter filled with mental health information and resources. NAMI of Lake County’s earliest leaders in the mental health arena opened their homes for meetings and working at their kitchen tables, helped put NAMI of Lake County on the map by establishing the Independence Center in Waukegan (a club house model for those with mental illness). Additionally, they formed Lake County Enterprises which operated as “Up Town Café” in Waukegan, (its predecessor was called Mes Ami Café), a consumer run business. The tireless efforts of those early advocates created a strong foundation for future leaders. A big heartfelt thank you from the current Board of Directors for your passion, strength and talents! Click here to access the NAMI Lakeline, March, 2006 on-line newsleletter:http://www.melmetts.com/NAMI/www/attach/06_03_NAMILC_Newsletter.pdf
NAMI Lake County Illinois has continued to grow, modeling the strong qualities of past Board of Directors. We are filled with professionals, parents and those with mental illness, sharing our lived experience - giving back, hoping it will make a difference for someone else. We continue to advocate at the local, state and national level, training facilitators for mental health classes and supports groups. In the past couple of years, NAMI Lake County Illinois, expanded programs to include the Latino population. In 2017, we began offering “Ending The Silence” to students during health class, educating our future by creating open conversations - reducing stigma and sharing resources on where to get help. Our Board of Directors consistently seek new and updated information and the classes we teach are “Evidenced Based” by SAMSHA. We thank each and every one; from those out-of-the-box original thinkers, to our current board and committee members who have brought unique talents and expertise to the already worn in “kitchen table” of the past.
