YPSILANTI, Mich. – NAMI Washtenaw County is making significant strides in enhancing mental health support across the community by utilizing millage funds to provide a range of essential programs. These initiatives are designed to bring hope, awareness, and a sense of connection to individuals navigating mental health challenges.
The organization offers diverse programs to meet a wide spectrum of needs—from educational courses for caregivers to support groups aimed at young adults, and even a unique program in a women’s correctional facility. By ensuring that mental health support is accessible to all, NAMI strengthens the fabric of the community, regardless of individuals’ locations or life circumstances.
Peer-to-Peer: A Path to Recovery and Understanding
One of NAMI’s standout offerings is the Peer-to-Peer course, an 8-week educational program designed for adults 18 and older who live with mental health conditions. The course is led by trained peer leaders, all of whom have lived experience with mental health challenges. It provides a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where participants can learn about recovery, develop practical life strategies, and build strong support networks.
Erin Naffziger, a volunteer facilitator for the Peer-to-Peer course, shares her personal journey and the profound impact the program had on her. After moving cross-country during a difficult period marked by social anxiety, Naffziger turned to the program to take control of her mental health and recovery. With a background in behavioral neuroscience, she was initially drawn to the course as an opportunity for personal growth, but she quickly realized the transformative power of peer support.
“I signed up because I felt this was a chance for me to take ownership of my mental health and recovery,” Naffziger said. “It was incredibly validating to hear others’ experiences and realize I wasn’t alone in my struggles.”
The course delves into various important topics, including reframing mental health narratives, identifying individual strengths, and learning how to effectively advocate for oneself in healthcare settings. Naffziger highlights one of the most rewarding aspects of the class: helping participants recognize their progress.
“We start by asking, ‘What does recovery mean to you?’ and then we build on that,” she explained. “It’s about seeing the small victories, and we focus on that throughout the course.”
Participants engage in a variety of activities that promote self-acceptance and resilience, such as progressive relaxation, mindfulness exercises, and reflective practices. The goal is to empower individuals to take control of their mental health journey, whether they are in the midst of a crisis or moving towards recovery.
A Wide Range of Educational and Support Programs
In addition to Peer-to-Peer, NAMI Washtenaw County offers several other programs that cater to individuals at different stages of their mental health journey. These include:
Family-to-Family: An evidence-based course for caregivers that teaches them how to manage their own well-being while providing support for loved ones with mental health conditions.
Ending the Silence: A dynamic presentation aimed at teens, helping them recognize mental health warning signs and encouraging them to seek support early.
Connection Recovery: A support group for adults over 18 living with mental health conditions. Participants share coping strategies and discuss how to manage the challenges of daily life.
Campuses in Color: A support group focused on the mental well-being of graduate and undergraduate students of color at the University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University, and Washtenaw Community College.
Family and Friends: A group designed for those who support individuals with mental health conditions. Topics include advocacy, communication strategies, and navigating local mental health resources.
Parents Together: A support network for parents and guardians of children, teens, or young adults experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
NAMI Faith: A group that integrates spirituality with mental health education, providing support for individuals and families seeking solace through faith.
Each of these programs plays a vital role in building a robust network of support, ensuring that individuals and families receive the help they need at every stage of the mental health process. Together, they contribute to strengthening the overall community and fostering a culture of understanding and compassion.
Strengthening the Community through Connection
For Erin Naffziger, the experience of facilitating Peer-to-Peer has deepened her understanding of the importance of connection and shared experience in mental health recovery.
“Taking Peer-to-Peer helped me realize how impactful connection and understanding can be,” Naffziger reflects. “I hope others see it as a step toward taking ownership of their mental health journey.”
As NAMI Washtenaw continues to expand its programs and support services, the organization remains dedicated to improving mental health outcomes and ensuring that no one has to navigate their mental health challenges alone. Through their millage-funded initiatives, NAMI is not just providing services—it’s building a community that thrives on understanding, support, and connection.
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