LAKE COUNTY ? A core group of volunteers has come together to form the Lake County chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Board members are in place and additional volunteers are being sought.
The organization aims to be a community resource and liaison serving all those affected by mental illness. “NAMI is about providing support and education in a non-clinical, non-threatening way,” Shanti Gallon, organization president said. “We hope to take the stigma out of mental illness while we provide a foundation of support for those who care for and sacrifice unconditionally for their loved ones.”
NAMI is currently in the organizational stage. A board of four is in place to initiate the effort.
Current board members are professionals who work in various areas of the local resource community.
“We have ourselves fully staffed to get us going. We are in the process of getting our non-profit status and we still have to establish our bylaws,” Sarah Shems, NAMI treasurer said.
NAMI has four primary objectives at present. First and foremost is to get the word out about the organization”s effort to form.
“We need to the get the word out that we are here,” Kathy Agnese, secretary said. “There hasn”t been any activity going on for a couple of years to provide support and linkages to services.”
The second objective is to invite the community to join this volunteer effort. “We invite anyone who is affected in any way by mental illness, whether it”s as a client, caregiver or family member or anyone else with interest who would like to volunteer,” Gallon said. “NAMI members have various experiences and stories, some of which you may find to be comforting or inspirational, others you may find to be familiar. We can share, laugh, cry and learn all in a non-judgmental environment.”
The organization would also like to reach out to foster care providers as well as school districts throughout the county.
The final two objectives are to complete required paperwork and identify needs and devise a plan for services.
NAMI volunteers currently meet from noon to 1 p.m. every Thursday at the Lake Center for Support, 14130 Lakeshore Drive in Clearlake. For more information contact Shanti Gallon at 994-5486.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
