Post by Diane on May 6, 2005 9:53:50 GMT -5
Despite the fact that one in five families will be affected by mental illness, there is still a cultural stigma that goes along with a diagnosis. In light of National Mental Illness Awareness month, Suzette Scheele’s dream is to relinquish society’s misconceptions, not only in May but year round.
In January, NAMI-Minnesota received a one-year grant from the Dakota County Children’s Mental Health Collaborative to provide parent leadership and support while raising awareness about mental health throughout the county.
With the grant funds NAMI has developed support groups in West St. Paul and Lakeville. The West St. Paul group meets the third Tuesday each month and the Lakeville group, which began in March, meets the second and fourth Thursdays.
In addition to the support groups, NAMI is offering a parent education class called Visions for Tomorrow, an eight-week course that covers the brain biology of mental illnesses. Although the class will wrap up next week, Scheele said she plans to offer it again in the fall.
Also in the fall, Scheele said NAMI will offer Kids Shop, an educational course for children with siblings suffering from mental illness. Times, dates and locations for the fall classes have yet to be set.
Support Groups meet in West St. Paul 6:30-8:30 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at St. Stephen’s Church on Wentworth and Charlton. The meeting begins with a light supper for families and children. Call 612-492-9001 to confirm attendance and to reserve childcare for children ages 5-14.
A support group meets in Lakeville 6:30-8 p.m. the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at Lakeville’s Early Childhood Learning Center at 17817 Kenwood Trail (County Road 50). Information: 651-645-2948.
A group meets in Hastings 6:30-8 p.m. the third Thursday of each month at River of Life Church, 800 Vermillion St. All parents of children with mental illness are invited to attend.
In January, NAMI-Minnesota received a one-year grant from the Dakota County Children’s Mental Health Collaborative to provide parent leadership and support while raising awareness about mental health throughout the county.
With the grant funds NAMI has developed support groups in West St. Paul and Lakeville. The West St. Paul group meets the third Tuesday each month and the Lakeville group, which began in March, meets the second and fourth Thursdays.
In addition to the support groups, NAMI is offering a parent education class called Visions for Tomorrow, an eight-week course that covers the brain biology of mental illnesses. Although the class will wrap up next week, Scheele said she plans to offer it again in the fall.
Also in the fall, Scheele said NAMI will offer Kids Shop, an educational course for children with siblings suffering from mental illness. Times, dates and locations for the fall classes have yet to be set.
Support Groups meet in West St. Paul 6:30-8:30 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at St. Stephen’s Church on Wentworth and Charlton. The meeting begins with a light supper for families and children. Call 612-492-9001 to confirm attendance and to reserve childcare for children ages 5-14.
A support group meets in Lakeville 6:30-8 p.m. the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at Lakeville’s Early Childhood Learning Center at 17817 Kenwood Trail (County Road 50). Information: 651-645-2948.
A group meets in Hastings 6:30-8 p.m. the third Thursday of each month at River of Life Church, 800 Vermillion St. All parents of children with mental illness are invited to attend.