NAMI Vermont

01/26/2026

❄ Wow, that’s a lot of snow! ❄

Due to the severe weather, our NAMI Vermont office is closed today, January 26, 2026. We encourage everyone to stay inside, stay safe, and stay warm!

If you need to reach us, please email info@namivt.org or leave a message at (802) 876-7949, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we’re back in the office. Thank you!

01/23/2026

Join us for our upcoming Lunch & Learn in February, featuring Bryn Loftness, researcher and founder of Biobe!

In this session, Bryn will share how her team translates biobehavioral science into tools that support children's emotional wellness through Sprout Foundations, a 50-strategy toolkit for families and pediatric settings. Participants will see the tools in action, hear real-world stories, and receive materials for ongoing learning.

Date: February 4, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Location: Online via Zoom

Register today at www.namivt.org/lunch-learn-series. After registering, you will receive an email with the Zoom link.

01/22/2026

We are just one week away from Mental Health Advocacy Day 2026!

Join NAMI Vermont, Vermont Care Partners, and The Vermont Association for Mental Health and Addiction Recovery at the State House and Supreme Courthouse Auditorium for this important day of Advocacy. Hundreds of mental health advocates, along with over 40 co-sponsoring organizations and their networks, will come together to urge Vermont leaders and legislators to support the mental health of Vermonters. Our key theme is “Together for Dignity, United for Change: Reclaiming Mental Health in Vermont.”

Register to attend in person or watch the morning session livestream: www.namivt.org/advocate.

This year’s keynote speakers include Representative Daisy Berbeco from Winooski and Vermont State Treasurer Mike Pieciak, who will share their perspectives on reclaiming mental health in Vermont.

As Mental Health Advocacy Day approaches, we want to make sure everyone feels confident, prepared, and ready to advocate. To help set the stage, please join us on January 26, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. for a virtual legislative advocacy training. This session will cover what to expect, how to share your story, and tips for engaging legislators on mental health policy. Whether you're new to advocacy or experienced, this training will help you feel confident and ready to make your voice heard. Presented by Amy Johnson, from Vermont Care Partners. Register here: https://bit.ly/3YTKaLo.

Whether you're a mental health advocate, peer, family member, professional, provider, community member, or mental health stakeholder, your story can help us advance the mental health care system in Vermont. If you have any questions, please contact lemerson@namivt.org. We hope to see you there!

01/21/2026

Get ready for NAMI Vermont's biggest event of the year on Saturday, May 16th, 2026!

Join us at Centennial Field, along with peers, families, and advocates, as we walk to break down stigma surrounding mental health conditions and raise awareness about the free mental health services NAMI Vermont provides across the state. Whether you're walking, fundraising, or attending to learn more about us, your presence matters!

As we gear up for NAMIWalks Vermont 2026, we are looking to partner with other like-minded non-profits, businesses, and organizations that also know the importance of mental health, brain health, and self-care.

There are so many ways you can get involved:

- Sponsor this event! If you're a business owner or know someone who is, this is a great opportunity to boost your advertising.

- Donate an item or two to our silent auction. Email events@namivt.org directly with your contribution or donate a gift card through GiveDrive: www.giftdrive.org/drive/337.

- Be a vendor with a table exhibit at the Walk. We have an early bird special for local non-profits in Vermont! Claim your FREE vendor space by emailing events@namivt.org.

- Create your own team or join an existing one!

- Make a donation to the Walk team of your choice!

- Share this opportunity with your coworkers, friends, family members, and colleagues!

Visit www.namiwalks.org/vermont to get started! If you have any questions, please contact our Events Coordinator at events@namivt.org.

01/20/2026

Attention Newport area! If you or someone you know is living with a mental health condition and needs a safe space to talk to people who understand, consider joining a NAMI Connection Support Group meeting. Our Newport Connection Support Group will meet every Tuesday, starting this afternoon, from 3:00 to 4:30 PM at Front Porch Mental Health Urgent Care. These groups are free, confidential, and facilitated by trained volunteers who are in recovery themselves. No registration is required. This group is open to all Vermonters who identify as peers!

Thank you to our partner, Northeast Kingdom Human Services, for making this group possible!

For more details, support group reminders, and to find a group near you: www.namivt.org/csg.

If you have questions or are interested in facilitating a group, please contact our Program Coordinator: program@namivt.org.

01/19/2026

As we honor Martin Luther King Jr., we reflect on his legacy and wisdom. He was a leader who united people, fought for justice and equity, and inspired others to do the same.

At NAMI Vermont, we carry that message forward as we continue to advocate, educate, and support mental health for all.

Today, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

His words remind us that courage is revealed not in comfort, but in moments of challenge—when standing up for justice, dignity, and humanity matters most.

At NAMI, we carry that call forward by advocating for mental health care, equity, and compassion for all. 🕊️

01/16/2026

Thank you to everyone who donated to our Annual Appeal! Your continued support has allowed us to provide even more resources, educational programs, and support groups to Vermonters statewide in 2026. We're grateful to everyone for helping us Grow Unity in Community! NAMI Vermont gratefully accepts donations year-round. Every contribution you make will stay in Vermont. Make a difference today at: www.namivt.org/donate.

Here's what you can look forward to in the coming year:

- Don't miss our new Connection Support Group in Newport, starting on January 20! No registration is required. More details at www.namivt.org/csg.

- Our spring Family-to-Family class is filling up fast! Save your spot by registering today. This virtual class will start on February 12 and run until April 2. Learn more and register at www.namivt.org/f2f.

- Are you part of the Black/African Ancestry community? NAMI Vermont is hosting a virtual Sharing Hope series on February 3, 10, and 17! Register at www.namivt.org/sharing-hope to receive a confirmation email with more information and a Zoom link.

-Join us on March 3 for our Basics virtual class designed for parents and caregivers of youth (22 and younger) living with a mental health condition. Classes will run until April 7. Learn more and register at www.namivt.org/basics.

The best part? All of these opportunities are free and open to the public! Visit www.namivt.org to stay up to date on our programs and events!

01/15/2026

If you’re a parent or caregiver supporting a child experiencing mental health challenges, we invite you to join our FREE Basics program this spring! This six-week educational course is designed to equip families with essential tools, knowledge, and support.

VIRTUAL via Zoom
Teachers: Kathleen K and Margie L
Tuesdays, 6:30–9:00 p.m.
Start Date: March 3
Cost: FREE

To get the most out of this class, we encourage you to attend all the sessions! If these dates and times don’t work for you, please join our waitlist for the next Basics class.

Take a moment to share this valuable opportunity with a friend, loved one, co-worker, or anyone you think would benefit from it.

Visit www.namivt.org/basics to learn more and register for a class.

01/15/2026

Thank you to everyone who spoke out against the devastating cuts. Your advocacy helped restore essential, life-saving funds!

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"In less than 24 hours, NAMI advocates sent 16,000 messages to Congress and made hundreds of phone calls. NAMI state and affiliate leaders worked with their representatives on the Hill to share the devastating impact of these grant terminations. And NAMI worked with the media to ensure reporters were immediately aware of the scope of these cuts."

Read NAMI's full statement: https://www.nami.org/press-releases/nami-applauds-swift-reversal-of-devastating-mental-health-cuts.

01/14/2026

We have some unfortunate news to share.

Hundreds of SAMHSA grants that fund substance use and mental health care have been abruptly terminated. Early estimates suggest that these cuts amount to $2 billion in funding for mental health and substance use services. This funding, approved by Congress, is essential for addressing mental health and substance use needs across the country.

We need your help.

Read NAMI’s full statement and learn how you can take action: www.nami.org/press-releases/nami-reacts-to-abrupt-termination-of-samhsa-grants.

01/13/2026

Looking to talk to someone about mental health? NAMI Connection Recovery Support Groups provide a safe space to talk about your mental health challenges with people who can understand. In our commitment to expand our support groups throughout Vermont, we’re excited to announce the launch of a new Connection Support Group in Newport on January 20!

Here are all the details you need to know:

- Dates: Every Tuesday, starting January 20!
- Time: 3:00-4:30 p.m.
- Location: Front Porch Mental Health Urgent Care, 235 Lakemont Rd, Newport, VT 05855
- Facilitated by Katie B. and Bill C.
- Completely free & always confidential - no registration required!

This group is made possible through our collaboration with Northeast Kingdom Human Services.

Learn more and find a group near you at www.namivt.org/csg!