NAMI Metro Suburban Annual Report FY2020

2020 ANNUAL REPORT

“Openly discussing mental health and the need for access to compassionate care should be a part of every family and organization. When we discuss mental health and advise that treatment is both available and highly , we infuse hope and decrease stigma. I believe in the vision and talent of the Leadership Team and Board. I am proud to be able to serve alongside an amazingly dedicated lives.” CAREY CARLOCK, NAMI METRO SUBURBAN BOARD MEMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS Rev. Meredith Onion, President Adam Hellebrand, Vice President Mary Stimming, Secretary Nancy O'Brien, Treasurer Carey E. Carlock, Board Member Maureen Brennan, Board Member Peter M. Chapman, Board Member Patrick Chambers, Board Member Michelle DeCola, Board Member Rev. Alan Taylor, Board Member Lia Daniels, Board Member Shanan Essick, Board Member

A YEAR OF IN ACTION Dear Community Partners and Supporters, Together with our nation, NAMI Metro Suburban is witnessing an unparalleled time in our history. Across communities, we are reimagining the meaning of connection and hope—perhaps even reevaluating their place in optimism; grief among life’s joys. Our community is not only grappling with fears related to health, income, childcare, and the toll of social isolation, but also how to support themselves or loved ones with a mental health condition. A recent Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) survey found that more than 40% of people are struggling with mental health issues stemming from the pandemic. At tandem, a movement for social justice collides with civic unrest and political newsfeeds – we are all striving in some way, understandably depleted, however looking and connecting to hope. In these moments, we think of the strong women who founded NAMI Metro Suburban. In its inception, these mothers of adult children with mental illness yearned for a sense of community—for themselves and their children—and a lifeline to hope. It is this grassroots spirit of jointly identifying need and collectively building great hope. at NAMI Metro Suburban, our Living Room and Drop-In Center teams are serving on the front lines, for those persists in supporting the emotional health of teachers, parents, and students who are navigating various complex platforms for learning. Our family programs remain unwavering – providing critical support to the loved ones of Suburban see you – our participants, partners, friends, and stakeholders – as conduits to our advancement: our connection to hope. Metro Suburban message that recovery is possible. In the pages that follow, we invite you to review highlights of our impact and undertakings, alleviating the silence that surrounds mental health. Through NAMI Metro Suburban, we have the opportunity to be united in a vision where mental health support is accessible and equitable to all; where no matter our circumstances, we can connect to the threads of humanity that bind and restore collective hope. Sincerely, Meredith Onion Kimberly Knake NAMI Metro Suburban Board President NAMI Metro Suburban Executive Director 2020 NAMI Metro Suburban Annual Report Page 1

OUR HISTORY there was no other support for their adult children in the community, they opened the NAMI Drop-in Center. After 28 years, it is the oldest free-standing Drop-in Center in Illinois. Since those early years, the Drop-in Center has expanded in programs and services and over time has become a beacon of hope for thousands of people. OUR VISION All people and their families have equitable and accessible mental health care, have no stigma or barriers to care, and are treated with empathy, wisdom and compassion. 2020 NAMI Metro Suburban Annual Report Page 2

OUR MISSION We are a grassroots family and consumer self-help support, education and advocacy organization dedicated to improving the lives of people, families and 2020 NAMI Metro Suburban Annual Report Page 3

IN FISCAL YEAR 338 Individuals 52 8,122 Were Served Groups STUDENTS were held for were reached across 325 29 family members SCHOOLS 1,363 49% Peer Support Services Of Living Room guests returned for follow up services 95% Of Living Room guests experienced a reduction in distress feel more equipped to help someone in need 29 PEOPLE 87% of Drop In Center participants secured a job through our 2020 NAMI Metro Suburban Annual Report Page 4

OUR PROGRAMS We believe that caring for mental health is as “Sometimes I just have one of fundamental as caring for physical health, those days and no one can do that wellness is a journey, and that recovery happens in a community. As part of our anything about it, except for three pillars of service, we are committed to NAMI. Coming here may not take away my problem but it can help me create solutions and provide support.” JACKIE, DROP-IN CENTER PARTICIPANT PILLARS OF SERVICE A powerful peer-based model creates the foundation for our triad of service pillars: Mental and Community Education. This approach is Mental Health embedded throughout all of NAMI Metro Suburban’s programs, service philosophy, and Family School & theory of change. Support Community Education We see actualized potential every day in those who have a mental health diagnosis—viewing the abilities, talents, and possibilities for a full life alongside mental illness. The forces of empathy, understanding and wisdom through the lived experience of those with mental health brighter future to those struggling. Page 5 2020 NAMI Metro Suburban Annual Report

FAMILY EDUCATION AND SUPPORT MEET TRINA Caring for a loved one with a mental illness can acceptance of what is enables us to create space certainly be challenging. Guilt, shame, anger and frustration are only some of the emotions felt as better future with realistic expectations” says a witness to such circumstances. When personal Trina. Approaching life day by day with an resources have been exhausted and attitude of acceptance and a spark of hope is the overwhelming feelings set in, who can we turn magical combination through which our heavy to? How can we continue caring for our loved one as we are reaching a point of defeat and through a sense of community is also desperation? These are some of the questions advantageous to a positive outlook. According to asked by so many of the family members Trina works with on a regular basis. As a family support other people who have been there, it gives them specialist, Trina is committed to inspiring hope the idea that there are pathways to make when all else is lost. Out of a lifetime of personal progress, even when it seems really hard.\" experience, she has searched for light within the darkness and is now dedicated to illuminating Although the support given cannot change the this pathway for others like herself. nature of the circumstances, a shift in perspective and the connections shared by caregivers for a source of strength and support. One through their collective struggle is enough to mother was afraid to admit just how tired and bring a sense of resiliency and peace to their defeated she felt until meeting Trina and discovering that what her daughter was going understands.” through was common with her illness and that in fact, she was not alone in her struggle. This once “When loved ones are able to connect with other people frightened mother was now able to access a who have been there, it gives them the idea that there are tremendous sense of hope following their pathways to make progress, even when it seems really hard.\" conversation, knowing that what her daughter is going through isn't quite as bad as she had once Page 6 thought. Speaking out about her experience and making connections with others who have similar to day life, knowing that there is a safety net of support to strengthen her when times get tough. So, what does hope really mean in such heavy acceptance. Trina tells us that a radical 2020 NAMI Metro Suburban Annual Report

OUR VOLUNTEERS At NAMI Metro Suburban, we are committed by mental health issues. I want to give them to supporting our community members by hope that things can get better.” Hope is always at the center of our attention, and our connections, and journey into recovery. Each volunteers are often living proof of what person is treated with dignity and transformational change hope can bring. compassion, which often leaves a lasting impression. The heart-centered nature of our Anyone who has personal experience with work attracts kindred spirits; special people mental illnesses knows that being who want to share their light with others so overwhelmed is common. Too often, mental that they may feel comfort and peace. We health issues can feel big and heavy, even are so very fortunate to have the help of debilitating for one individual. Our volunteers these special people who come to share their are people who have lived with or witnessed stories, share their time, and share their this plight and want to serve as a pillar of hearts. support for those who currently struggle. In fact, many members across our organization Many of our volunteers have personal are here for the same reasons. Maureen experience with mental health issues, stating Brennan, a current board member and volunteer leader, states that she is an active struggled with anxiety and depression myself, I want to help – even in a small way- community-based service continuum.” 2020 NAMI Metro Suburban Annual Report All in all, connections make us stronger. A community makes us safer. No one needs to and let’s build your strength in hope together. myself, I want to help – even in a small way – to improve mental health issues. I want to give them hope that things can get better.” ALEX, NAMI METRO SUBURBAN VOLUNTEER Page 7

NEW PATHWAYS NEW LIVING ROOM IN SUMMIT, IL NAMI Metro Suburban is grateful to announce that with support from generous funding partners, our Living Room Program is expanding in 2020, with a new Living Room in Summit, Illinois. The launching of the new Living Room will continue our work to address the need for increased equity and access in mental health support. west suburbs of Cook County, especially those who may be lacking information or are facing barriers to care. The Summit Living Room emerged from close exploration of needs across the western Cook community need. Too often, access to support for mental health conditions is deterred by expense, insurance coverage, language/cultural barriers, and/or stigma related to seeking help. Summit is highly represented by Hispanic and Latino community members, as well as a prominent number of in the highest percentage of poverty in the region. Recognizing the many barriers to care for those in Modeled after existing Living Rooms, The Summit Living Room is a purposefully planned, approachable, and no-cost alternative to the emergency room for individuals experiencing an increase in their mental health symptoms. Operating under a holistic, person-centered model, NAMI Metro Suburban Living Rooms serve any adult experiencing concerns related to their mental health. The Living Rooms often move beyond one-time, peer-crisis care to ongoing support. 2020 NAMI Metro Suburban Annual Report Page 8

WRAP & COVID-19 COMMUNITY RESPONSE Metro Suburban altered our in-person programs and services substantially and immediately to reach those in need. We have been intensely aware of the necessity to continue serving as a place of support for the community and swiftly specialists, we also know that when facing adversity, it can be helpful to have a wellness plan in place; a personalized system of support that takes your moods and behaviors into emphasized the growing need for mental health for responding at times of heightened stress. In awareness in our everyday lives. Isolation and becoming aware of our own mental health uncertainty tend to exaggerate mental health behaviors, it empowers participants to react imbalances, often leaving the individual and their loved ones afraid, distraught and at wit’s end. more control and ultimately a greater sense of Realizing this, we made it a priority to keep our personal power. recovery programs accessible to any and all who need them by being just one click away. Our We at NAMI Metro Suburban take pride on being team has made themselves available for personal or group sessions, making sure that we support and recovery tools to inspire healthier meet the needs of our community members in communities. We applaud the ability to adapt and these tumultuous times. and managing mental and emotional health. We As part of our in-person and now virtual recovery celebrate our WRAP participants and all of our programs, Wellness Recovery Action Plans guests and participants who have adjusted out of (WRAP) Classes are a self-designed prevention necessity during the pandemic – gracefully transi- and wellness process that anyone can use to get tioning with us to virtual services. Despite current well, stay well, and make their life the way they limitations, we remain dedicated to our vision of making mental health literacy and wellness of 8 weeks, a list is developed of things to do education accessible to all. every day to stay as well as possible and to identify upsetting events and early warning signs that things have gotten worse. Personalized Wellness Tools are then turned into action plans

FINANCIAL OVERVIEW 8% 21% Drop-In Center: $266,427 4% Living Rooms: $472,757 Education: $384,167 EXPENSES Development: $57,463 Management & General: $102,584 30% $1,283,398 37% Contributions, 4% 9% Donors, Special Events: 25% 16% Federal & State: Foundations: $614,583 REVENUE Local Government: Service Fees & Misc. Income: $1,342,252 2020 NAMI Metro Suburban Annual Report 46% Page 10

GRATITUDE TO OUR DONORS Funding Partners Brian Cassin Gary and Mary Doten Berwyn Township Brian Davis Gretchen Bolanos Community Memorial Foundation Brian and Roxie Smith Hope Sabbagha Healthy Communities Foundation Jackie Aumann Illinois Children's Healthcare Foundation Brittany Trauthwein James and Raylene Wilborn Illinois Department of Human Services C Lang Lyons Township Mental Health Commission Caitlin Joycesmith James Havlat Motorola Solutions Foundation Carey Carlock James McConchie Oak Park River Forest Community Foundation Carla Sloan Jan and Vic Fraccaro Oak Park Community Mental Health Board Carol and Peter Chapman Janice Zivkovich Oak Park Township Carol and Rob Foster Jean and Tom Larson Pelino Charitable Foundation Cathleen Lucas Jeanette Earlandson Proviso Township Mental Health Commission Cecelia Millar River Forest Township Central Plaza Jennifer and Rick Hayes Riverside Juniors Woman's Charity Chandeep S. Kalra Jennifer Connor Riverside Township Mental Health Board Charles Sloan Jessica Johnston Rotary of Western Springs Charlotte Larson Jill and Dr. Mark Wright The Chicago Community Trust Chris Stacey for Judge Jim and Myrian Vargo United Way of Metro Chicago Christine Harder Jim Palermo and Joan VanderLinde Village of Oak Park Christopher Meister Joan Greene VNA Foundation Christopher Murphy Joan Suchomel Westlake Health Foundation Cindy and Frank Carsello Joan W Greene Regency House Y's Men's Club Clare Kralovec Joanne Clancy Colathur Palani Joanne M. Everett Donors Colette Malone Jocelyn Pinsler ABBVIE Employee Engagement Fund Colleen Suneson John and Ellen Kunkle Adam Hellebrand College of Lake County Agatha Gallo Congregation of St. Joseph John Brankin Alex Millar Craig T Flagg John Sullivan Alex Onion Daniel Kill Judith Strawn Alexandra Corcoran Dave and Carrie Farra Julie Durr Williams Allen and Patricia Pedersen Dave and Stephanie Mortimer Karen and Kevin O'Donnell Allison Kracker David and Dorothy McCarty Karen Fogarty Allyson Zak David Husemoller Karen Martin Alyson Schoenfeldt David Kodama Karla Chew Amanda Bishop David Martin Kate Spelman Amy and Marv Baldwin Debra Teufel Kathleen Altier Amy and Ron Lazzeretti Denise I Harnish Kathleen Clark Ann and Tim Palumbo Di and Brian Wilson Kathleen Dellacecca Anne Schmidt Diana and Murray Johnson Kathleen Russell Anthony Ambrose DPOP Don Harmon Kathleen Vega Araceli Reyes Katie Roberts Benevity Impact Fund - Macy's Inc. Drew Peel Kenneth Sinko Bergen County's United Way Eileen Furey Kevin Buckley Bernadene Davis Eileen Lynch Kim and Tim McCahill Beth and Jim Havlat Emily Plummer Kimberly Knake Beth Bannor Erin Davis Kirsten Goessman Brad Dezur Fidelity Charitable Kyle Schumacher Brian and Dominica Davis First Congregational Church of Western Springs Lake Street Brewing, LLC. Brian and Martina Shea Frank Rohde 2020 NAMI Metro Suburban Annual Report Page 11

GRATITUDE TO OUR DONORS Larry Shapiro Nancy Gelman Susan Buchanan Laura and Bill Reilly Nancy O'Brien Susan Vecchione Laura Majerowski Nancy Rose Japlon Suzanne McDonald Laurel Seidelman Network For Good Tara Bradbury Lauren Hurt Nicole Cavaliere Terence Kennedy Laurie Bellmar Nikki Rashes Teresa Blomquist Leah Shapiro Nina Brewer-Davis The Eyeglass Store Inc. Letecia James Noel Ogden Therese and Tom Byrne Lia Daniels Noel Smith Tim and Erin Molek Libbey Paul Old North State Trust, LLC Timothy Hinsdale Linda Augustyn One Lake Brewing Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist Congregation Linda Howe Center for Energy Integrity, LLC Pam Robertson Vanessa Matheny Linda Moran Patrice Martin Vi Orr Lisa and Howard Ott Patricia Bailey Victoria Scaman Lisa and Ned Sher Patricia Joyce Smith Viki Cvitkovic Lloyd Hubbard Patricia Madai William George Lori and Scott Mitchell Patricia Marino William Ward Louis LaRocco Patrick Chambers Woman's Society-First Congregational Church of Lydia Marquess Patrick O'Connor Western Springs Paul Baldassarre Yasmina Duwe Maia Conner PEO Sisterhood Chapter EZ Zada and Brian Clarke Make My Donation Peter Chapman Marcy and Dave Larson Rachel and Bill Callahan Event Sponsors Marcy and Marty Dunne Rebecca and Kyle Simms BNY Mellon - Fleisher Foundation Margaret Cullen Renaissance Charitable Foundation Compass Real Estate Margaret McGrath Rev. Alan Taylor Continental Honda Margaret Welsh Reyna Santillan Currie Motors Marie and Kelly Murrell Richara Jennings Edward Jones Mario R. Barrios Richard Garton First Congregational Church of Western Springs Marion Sirefman Robert Behar and Sharon Flaim FNBC Bank and Trust Marsha White Robin Moran Gateway Foundation Mary and Marty Brown Robyn Sherlock Hinsdale Orthopedic Associates Mary Aronin Ruth Fisher Home Helpers Mary Jo Mulcahy Ruth Rankin and Steven Parker Janet and Robert Fleisher Foundation Mary Lee and Mike Gosz Sally and Mike Thiessen Loyola MacNeal Hospital Mary Lukach Sandy and John Fugate Lyons Township Mental Health Commission Mary Raleigh Sara Spivy Proviso Public Partnership Mary Stimming Sarah Krebs Smith Proviso Township Mental Health Commission Mary Swiontoniowski Sarah Ostrowski Riveredge Hospital Maureen Brennan Shanan Essick Stephen Scheuring Meg and Dave Heinz Sharon and Mark Cloghessy Synergy Behavioral Health Care Meredith and David Onion Sidney Wax The Center for Collaborative Counseling and Psychiatry Michael and Mary McGillicuddy Simone Boutet Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist Congregation Michael Fleisher Stacia Kopplin Wesley C. Wise, DDS and Associates Michele and Steve Chudik Stephanie Weller Michelle DeCola Stephen P DePalma Mike and Caitlin McNeily Steven Koch Myrna B. Lovejoy Sue and Mike Spear Nancy and Barry Orr-Depner Susan and Tom Pluss 2020 NAMI Metro Suburban Annual Report Page 12