LCCC Black History Month Event
On February 15th NAMI of Lorain County were invited by the Lorain County Community College to provide resources during their Black History Month panel discussion. The event took place at the Elyria campus directly across from the cafeteria during lunch hour. This made NAMI visible to hundreds of people as they passed by for lunch or took an afternoon break.
As a key location for our young adult demographic, providing resources to the students and staff at LCCC opens the door to young people letting them know it is ok to talk about mental health and one’s mental health is equally as important as physical health and therefor deserves the same attention to have a well balance lifestyle.
CHIP Leadership Conference
On March 11th the Coalition for Hispanic/Latino Issues and Progress (CHIP) hosted its 25th annual Hispanic Leadership Conference at Lorain County Community College’s Spitzer Conference Center. The over 250 in attendance were able to receive NAMI information on classes and support groups in addition to having the opportunity to sign up to become a volunteer.
Also, with dozens of sponsors involved, NAMI was able to create relationships with other organizations to partner in the future. The conference agenda included guest speakers and sessions discussing topics important to the Latino community such as civil rights, and the importance of one’s health both physical and mental.
Connect for Kids Resource Fair
On March 14th NAMI of Lorain County attended the Connecting for Kids Resource Fair at the Lorain County Community College, Spitzer Conference Center. Not only were there hundreds in attendance to see the NAMI of Lorain County resource table, but organizers also had a “grab and go” option for families that were unable to park, go inside, and view each resource table. This option allowed NAMI information to be available to many more families.
In addition to the families visiting the resource tables from 6pm to 8pm, there was also a networking opportunity for all organizations during the 5pm hour. This allowed NAMI of Lorain County to learn about other organizations and how we can help each other improve the lives of Lorain County residents.
LCCC Police Academy Training
NAMI of Lorain County was invited to present at the Lorain County Police Academy training on March 16th at the Lorain County Community College. The academy asked NAMI to speak about the services offered and programs available. Also, Joe Gonzales made his debut as a NAMI volunteer, Joe has joined NAMI as a public speaker and shared his lived experience as someone who has loved ones that live with a mental health condition. After the presentation, the future police officers asked questions about not only NAMI, but Mr. Gonzales’s experiences with mental health and how it may relate to law enforcement encounters.
Resource Tables in the County
NAMI of Lorain County has taken on a new initiative to partner with organizations and place a resource table at their location. This will allow NAMI to have a constant presence throughout the county giving patrons the opportunity to learn about NAMI and what services and programs are offer.
Our inaugural 5 are:
- Lorain County Community College – Lorain
- Lorain County Community College – North Ridgeville
- Lorain County Community College – Wellington
- The Nord Center
- Penfield Township Community Center
These resource tables are located throughout the county in public community buildings. Thank you to our inaugural 5 and if you would like to have a resource table at your location, please contact us at 440-240-8477 or email office@nami-lc.org.