NAMI Union Colony’s Ambassadors of Friendship Program to Bring Random Acts of Kindness to the Community – Greeley Tribune

The Greeley-based, peer-run nonprofit wants every member of the community to have a friend in the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

The NAMI Union Colony in Greeley is one of 14 Colorado affiliates of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization.

NAMI Colorado follows the same nationwide format in terms of programming, education and training, according to Cherie Bishop, NAMI Colorado program director.

The program includes educational programs and support groups for family members, the NAMI Reconnection Support Groups program for those struggling with mental health, support groups for veterans and their families, peer-to-peer classes for people with serious mental illnesses interested in establishing and maintaining their restoration and other services. All OUR offers are provided free of charge.

The Greeley chapter does not offer the counseling or programs available at other Colorado chapters, but community members can virtually attend classes, classes and support groups offered by other chapters across the country. Instead, the NAMI Union Colony focuses on supporting, encouraging and advocating for families and people struggling with mental health issues.

“We are quick to love and slow to judge,” says their Facebook slogan.

The Greeley chapter of NAMI engages with the local community by hosting special events and setting up booths at festivals, fairs and other events throughout the year. The chapter attracts the largest number of community members to its three annual events: Summer Party, Veterans Breakfast and NAMI Walks.

Every August for the past few years Summer party The NAMI Union Colony regularly draws just under 100 visitors for a day of good company and food, according to Clark Bacco, special events coordinator for NAMI Union Colony. The event, which raises funds for the local chapter, has resulted in an annual increase in the number of community partners who set up tables at the party.

Last year the Greeley chapter also held its first US Walksmodeled after the nationwide NAMI event. Community members volunteer by donating, sponsoring, or signing up to be part of the team. NAMI previously partnered with the Northern Colorado Veterans Affairs Clinic to host a walking event.

NAMI prioritizes supporting and working closely with the veteran community. This includes hosting a breakfast each Veterans Day.

The upcoming breakfast will begin at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11, at the Frontier House in Greeley. Breakfast will include waffles, sausages and more. The Academy of Natural Therapy will also have massage chairs available for veterans from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

“Mental illness does not affect any one group of people, but there is a high rate of mental illness or need for mental health care in the military community,” Bacco said.

In addition to special events, affiliates periodically host suicide prevention and outreach events, teach peer mediation skills, provide educational presentations, and more.

What’s new

The NAMI Union Colony team has created a new group called NAMI Friendship Ambassadors to increase their presence in the community in a positive light.

“You have to be a friend to have friends,” Thomas said.

Inspired by a program created at the Boulder NAMI chapter, Friendship Ambassadors are honing in on random acts of kindness and spreading positive information about NAMI, according to Jay Thomas, NAMI Union Colony Coordinator in Weld County.

To start, the group plans to bring sweets, music and friendship to care homes for Christmas.

“If people see US and have a positive image, they are more likely to be engaged,” Thomas said.

As with veterans, NAMI wants to attract more youth, Bacco added. The ambassadors plan to launch a new public engagement tactic called “NAMI on Campus” to reach the University of Northern Colorado and Ames Community College in Greeley.

Bishop said future steps for the NAMI Union Colony branch will also include identifying family members to start a local family program.

For more information about the NAMI Union Colony, visit its new Facebook page at bit.ly/48oehyi.