Events & Resources September 2023
September Sharing Our Stories Presentation
NAMI Mass Sharing Our Stories (SOS) is an impactful presentation delivered by two family members of people living with mental health conditions. Two trained presenters share their personal journeys as caregivers or supporters. Audience members will have the chance to ask questions and engage in discussion with the speakers.
Date: Monday, September 18
Time: 5 – 6 pm
Register for September SOS presentation
September In Our Own Voice Presentation
In Our Own Voice (IOOV) is a powerful presentation that aims to change attitudes, assumptions, and stereotypes about people living with mental health conditions. Two trained presenters with lived experience of a mental health condition talk openly about their experiences and how they have found pathways to hope and healing. Audience members have the opportunity to ask questions, learn more about mental health, and challenge misconceptions.
The presentation is offered free of charge and is appropriate for diverse audiences, including family members, friends, mental health professionals, and people diagnosed with mental health conditions. IOOV presentations are available for businesses, hospitals, high schools, colleges and universities, communities of faith, community organizations, and more.
Date: Tuesday, September 12
Time: 5 – 6 pm
Register for September IOOV presentation
Youth Mental Health First Aid
For: Adults: teachers, parents, all community members
Purpose: Teaches adults how to identify and respond to mental health and substance abuse challenges in youth ages 12-18.
Date: October 11, 2023
Time: 9 am - 3 pm
Place: Acton Town Hall, Room 204, 472 Main St. Acton, MA 01720
Registration: Email Brittany Nash: bnash@westfordma.gov
Suicide Prevention Panel
When: Tuesday, September 26, 7 – 8:30 pm
Where: Watertown Public Library, 123 Main Street, Watertown, MA
Save the date for a free panel on suicide prevention in honor of Suicide Prevention Month. Speakers will be Max Copans from the Samaritans of Massachusetts, Sarah Eknaian, MSCJ, LCSW from the Newton Police Department, Kim McCauley, LICSW from the Riverside Trauma Center, and Debra L. Smith, author and loss survivor. Registration is not required– just show up!
New Organizations to Learn About
Mental Health Collaborative: mentalhealthcollaborative.org/
Builds resilient communities through mental health education and awareness.
Through our programs, we decrease stigma, increase knowledge, and give people the skills they need to flourish.
Children’s Mental Health Resource Center: cmhrc.org/
Provides guidance and resources for early identification and management of mood disorders, bipolar disorder, and fear of harm.
It’s going to be ok. There’s hope for the child in your life who’s struggling.
Kiva Centers: Massachusetts Certified Peer Specialist Training
When: September 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28, AND October 3, 5, 10
Time: 9 am - 4 pm
There is no cost for the training, exams, or materials. But phone interview is required The deadline to schedule a phone interview is September 6, 2023 at 5:00 pm. Learn more and apply on the Kiva Centers website.
Share YOUR Experiences with Mass DMH
The Massachusetts Department of Mental Health has an online option to encourage individuals to share comments/complaints about interacting with the Community Behavioral Health Centers (CBHCs) or the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Helpline. If you have had need of these new services, please take this opportunity to make your experiences known. Click here: Roadmap Feedback Portal
September 2023 Calendar
Refer to the Support Group page of our website to find contact details.
Thursday, September 7: Teen to Adult Parent Support Group (TTAPS), 7 – 8:30 pm
Monday, September 11: NAMI Central Middlesex Steering Committee Meeting, 7 pm. Contact us if you would like to participate: nami.cmsx@gmail.com
Tuesday, September 12: Family Support Group, Acton/Littleton, 7 – 8:30 pm
Tuesday, September 12: Family Support Group, Winchester, 6:45 – 8:45 pm
Thursday, September 14: Family Support Group, Burlington, 7:30 – 8:45 pm
Thursday, September 21: Teen to Adult Parent Support Group (TTAPS), 7 – 8:30 pm
Tuesday, September 26: Family Support Group, Acton/Littleton, 7 – 8:30 pm
Tuesday, September 26: Family Support Group, Bedford, 7:30 – 9 pm
Thursday, October 5: Teen to Adult Parent Support Group (TTAPS), 7 – 8:30 pm
Monday, October 9: NAMI Central Middlesex Steering Committee Meeting, 7 pm. Contact us if you would like to participate: nami.cmsx@gmail.com
NAMI Central Middlesex Board of Directors 2023
All current board members may be contacted through the affiliate email address, namicmsx@gmail.com.
President: Lori Krinsky
Vice President: Open
Secretary: Rachel Krebs
Treasurer: Jennie Payne
Community Outreach Coordinator: Judy McKendry
NAMIWalks Coordinator: Tom Scurfield
Advocacy Coordinator: Lori Krinsky
Support & Education Coordinator: Ivy Pompei
Board Member at Large: Dee Febba
Board Member at Large: Dawn Bentley