NAMI Racine: Profound Impact from Lived Experience

Impact Partner Spotlight 

NAMI Racine County - 

May 14, 2021

NAMI uses the pillars of support, education, awareness and advocacy. A core aspect of its strategic plan is to "maximize outreach, access and engagement with diverse and often stigmatized populations, including communities of color, homeless people, LGBTQ+ people, and those in the criminal justice system.” Much of its work, such as support groups and signature presentations, is led by facilitators and volunteers who have lived experience with mental illness — their rich experiences provide the backbone for the work it does and its mission to meet families and individuals without judgment. All of its services are free of charge. 

What first drew you into the work of NAMI?

NAMI has such a strong presence in the community and is led by devoted and kind people. We love that since NAMI’s founding in 1979, two of its three co-founders are still with us and are involved in NAMI events and activities.

How has NAMI adapted over time — whether that's in the last year due to the pandemic, or since its start as an organization?

Since NAMI’s start, we’ve grown and adapted to meet the needs of and requests from the Racine community. For example, our support groups are still peer-led, but we have also expanded our onsite support and education in hospitals, churches, schools, service agencies, law enforcement offices and virtual spaces. Our signature programming has evolved to address needs of those experiencing mental illness and also to address the intersection of mental health challenges and homelessness, financial stress, LGBTQ+ stigma and support across its lifespan.

Can you share a story about a moment you saw your work leave a positive impact in someone's life?

The positive impact of NAMI really shines through in NAMI’s panel presentations, such as our In Our Own Voice and Nursing Panel programming. The panelists speak from lived experience and share our stories of struggles and recovery — and so many talk about the impact NAMI has had on the journey. We’re all works in progress — when NAMI can be on that path with someone, and we can empathize with that journey, that is such a rewarding moment. 

What is some of the impact NAMI has brought to the community in its lifespan?

Our program director has been so devoted to bringing Ending the Silence (ETS) to schools, churches, teacher trainings, family nights and a virtual format. The profound impact of ETS  is best reflected by its participants. When a teacher, parent or student tells us that someone struggling was offered help on the spot, or that ETS has helped support teachers who have dealt with the loss of a student to suicide in the past, we know NAMI has made a difference. 

Michelle Gehring is the executive director of NAMI Racine County. To support NAMI, check out its two-part, virtual NAMI Smarts training on May 11 and June 8, and consider donating auction items for its Oct. 8 virtual Night Out with NAMI fundraiser. Be sure to follow NAMI's Facebook page to stay up to date on upcoming events.