“You Are Not Alone” Mental Health Support to McPherson, KS
Status:
Completed
Town:
Countywide
Mastermind McPherson County Priority:
Community Health
Contact:
Tayla Naden
Email:
tayla@namikansas.org
Organization Name:
NAMI Kansas Inc.
Start Date:
January 1, 2024
End Date:
December 31, 2024
Grants Awarded:
$6,980
Proposal Summary
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Mid-Kansas serves Marion, Harvey, and McPherson counties. Until now, most of the prominent stakeholders have lived in Newton, KS, which is why most of the support, advocacy, and educational opportunities are located in that city as well. Funds from the Mastermind McPherson County Grant will allow NAMI Mid-Kansas to implement two new monthly support groups (one for those with mental illness symptoms and one for the loved ones of those with mental illness symptoms), recurring educational programs, and a consistent presence in McPherson County.
Community Impact & Accomplishments To-Date
The most measurable figure available will be the number of participants in our support groups and educational classes. We will also be keeping track of attendees to our quarterly educational seminars. We expect these numbers to grow consistently throughout 2024 after the programs are officially implemented.
Why do you think this project is necessary?
Rural mental health care is a challenge to find and McPherson County, Kansas is no exception! Often, finding the help you need, right when you need it, is difficult. NAMI Mid-Kansas strives to educate, support, and advocate for those living with mental illness and their loved ones. We all need support. Adding two monthly support groups, two educational classes, and identifying advocates in the area will help those “in the gap” waiting on benefits, treatment programs, or anything else in their way. It is also not uncommon for those that need the most support to have difficulty with travel and scheduling conflicts. For those in this position, it is even more vital that we implement these programs and resources as close to them as possible.
Collaborative Partners
All partners listed are potential partners. These projects have been discussed with each individual/organization and they have expressed interest in the various roles that were presented:
Austin Regier, Executive Director of STEPSMC – Austin has shown support for NAMI Mid-Kansas and has agreed to either speak himself, or assist in finding an appropriate speaker for our quarterly educational events.
director@stepmc.org, 620-241-9011
Jeanne Koontz, Associate Pastor at First United Methodist Church – Jeanne has been incredibly helpful in our efforts to start a NAMI Connections and NAMI Family Support Groups in McPherson, KS. She has offered a room at First United Methodist Church for these groups to take place in. She has also allowed NAMI Mid-Kansas to present at a local service in our efforts to get the community involved.
jeanne.koontz@mcphersonfumc.com, (620) 241-3626
Amy Truhe, Pastor at Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church – Amy Truhe has expressed interest in being trained to facilitate our educational classes. She has also offered space in the church for NAMI Mid-Kansas programs to take place.
mlchurch@mlc.kscoxmail.com, (785) 227-3977
People Working On The Project
No Member is attached to this project
WE NEED HELP WITH
According to Naden the biggest cost associated with the program is acquiring program facilitators and their training.
“Once the groups start and we have facilitators in place, as long as the facilitators are willing to keep going, (NAMI) will keep going.” Naden said, “Our goal is to hold (this) program indefinitely.”
Those interested in becoming a facilitator or attending the program can reach out to Tayla Naden of NAMI Mid-Kansas at tayla@namikansas.org.
The Foundation has many funds and initiatives that focus on the improvement of mental health in McPherson County. To learn more about how you can help: (620) 245-9070
Contact Organizer
Tayla Naden
tayla@namikansas.org