Why Support NAMI....

Nationally known and respected programs for support, education and advocacy.

  • We get it!  Everyone in NAMI has some sort of lived experience, either as a family member or person with a diagnosis.  Sometimes both!  
  • Lived experience and national training is what makes our volunteers experts in support, education and advocacy.
  • We provide positive role models with focus on recovery.
  • 90% of NAMI SCC are volunteers, allowing us to provide $6 of services for every $1 donated!

Family Support Groups

Classes for Family Members

"Before I took the course, I felt alone and overwhelmed dealing with my daughter’s mental illness. By taking this course, I have met others who are going through the same things I am and have learned about many resources that I never knew existed."

"I thought my wife and I knew just about everything there is to know about the system and the illness. Boy, were we wrong. Without a doubt, this is the best support course I have had the privilege of taking part in, bar none." 

Peer Support Groups
People with a diagnosis

Classes for Peers 
"NAMI Peer-to-Peer has allowed me to take the focus off my illness and learn to balance it with the rest of my life. By engaging in recovery I am able to be more relaxed and productive both at work and home."

"It made me feel I was not alone in coping with mental illness. It gave me hope that I could recover and that my life would not always be filled with chaos, and it gave me positive role models to inspire me to strive for recuperation and success in life." 

Classes for Providers
“When I went through the course, I kept thinking ‘what a wonderful learning experience that all our [hospital] staff need to have.’ We have worked hard over the years to create a more humanistic and compassionate culture. This program will definitely help us in that direction.” - Participant 

“Most of the attendees have expressed that the course has profoundly affected their work. Many have stated that this was the best training class they have ever taken.” - Teacher 

We reach out to youth.
NAMI Santa Cruz County also supports high school clubs with mental health advocacy ideas and micro grants.

We are NAMI and we GET IT.