NAMI Greater Cleveland

Mental Health Togetherness

By Katrina McDowell on Dec 19, 2023 in Giving

NAMI Greater Cleveland was founded in 1979 in Cleveland, Ohio. For more than 40 years, this organization has been smoothing out the challenging path that emerges when someone is diagnosed with a mental health condition. This arduous journey is often through feelings of shame, fear and uncertainty and is compounded by a lack of understanding and the persistence of societal stigma.

NAMI GC offers free mental health education and support programs as essential bridges and supports medical protocols.

• Support Groups: Led by trained volunteers, individuals or families provide emotional support and understanding, coping and problem-solving strategies and form a supportive network.
• Family and Peer Education Courses: families and individuals are offered education courses to understand better mental health diagnoses, treatment, coping, and navigating public assistance and medical care.
• Community Education and Outreach: NAMI GC staff and speakers, including clinicians and subject matter experts, make informative presentations to professionals, the community, and the public on topics related to resources, diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and how to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health challenges.
• Information and Referral services: Individuals can call the NAMI GC helpline and email to support accessing community resources and navigating the mental health system.

These programs offer valuable insights, resources, and perspectives to people living with a mental health diagnosis, their family members, and community members, helping them navigate the complexities of mental health with greater understanding and support.

NAMI GC is working on building its reach to serve populations that have historically had poor mental health outcomes, including those in stigmatized racial groups, LGBTQ+ and communities of faith.

Funding from Yardi goes a long way in helping NAMI GC meet the increasing demand for its programs and services.

“NAMI Greater Cleveland’s Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers are grateful to Yardi’s employees for prioritizing mental health as a funding priority. This generous donation makes Yardi a valuable partner in NAMI Greater Cleveland’s mission to provide FREE mental health support and education programs that will smooth the path and guide our community toward a better understanding of mental health diagnoses,” shared Lisa Dellafiora, development and special events coordinator for NAMI GC.

Thriving Support Testimonial

A client of NAMI GC shares, “As a person living with a mental illness, I know firsthand the isolation and hopelessness that come with this life-altering disorder.  But with NAMI, I know I’m not alone in this fight.  NAMI gives me a caring community of peers who help me daily not only to survive but also to thrive with my illness.  In NAMI, I found my people.”

Volunteer Opportunities

NAMI GC programs would not be possible without volunteers, many of whom have a mental health diagnosis or are family/caregivers to someone with a diagnosis. Find more information here to get involved.

If a mental health diagnosis impacts you or someone you love, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Find help and hope by calling NAMI Greater Cleveland’s free Helpline at 216-875-7776.

Find future non-profit profiles at https://www.yardi.com/blog/category/giving.