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HELP-Line
314/966-4670 - Information and referral, telephone support available 9 a.m. to 5
p.m. weekdays to families, consumers, and professionals. Provided by trained volunteers
who have personal life experiences with mental illness. Family Support Groups
Led by peers meeting at numerous locations in the metropolitan area. Groups are
a safe, supportive atmosphere for families or consumers to vent feelings, exchange
information and learn to better cope with their own or relative's illness. Several
specialized groups exist for Young Families and Siblings/Offspring. Check a current
support group (green) calendar for details and locations.
North Club
A socialization and recreational club for consumers. Monthly events planned such
as a day at 6 Flags, a symphony concert, a Cardinals baseball game, bowling, a trip
to Grant's Farm, a special Zoo event, a ride on Metro Link to Union Station or a
Holiday Party. All events are free or $6 or under to the consumer. Families and
friends of North Club members annually raise funds to cover the expenses of events.
The Club provides an opportunity for consumers to do interesting things while creating
friendships with fellow members. Call Pat Rudloff at 618/656-6781 or Shirley Kasselman
at 314/524-4213.
Specialized Family Support Outreach Services
NAMI staff are co-located
at three satellite offices: BJC Behavioral Health Services serving their three locations;
Metropolitan St. Louis Psychiatric Center (MPC); and Grace Hill's Murphy O'Fallon Health
Center. Caseworkers at BJC refer clients' families for one-on-one support and education. At MPC
staff and volunteers are available 20 hours per week to interact with families
for support and education.
Family Education Services
Continuing (General) Education Meetings
Monthly lectures at various locations on topics concerning mental illnesses presented
by a guest speaker or panel of experts. Presentations have included PACT programs,
consumer success stories, future care and estate planning, the criminal justice
system, medicaid, social security, the latest biomedical research, housing, employment,
involuntary treatment and new medications on the horizon. Lectures are routinely
held in St. Louis City. St. Louis County, and St. Charles County.
Family to Family Education
A 12-week course presented several times per year at various locations. Families
learn about the major mental illnesses, problem solving, communications skills,
self-care, gaining hope, brain function, medications, community services, rehabilitation
and advocacy. Registration to a waiting list is required.
Visions for Tomorrow
A an education series for parents and caregivers of children and youth with brain
disorders held either for 8 or 12 weeks. Covers 17 diagnoses, coping and self care,
problem management, rehabilitation, advocacy, judicial, stigma, transition, organization
of data.
Family Skills Workshops - "Living With Severe Mental Illness" and "When Kids Get
Sick" - Day long workshops covering basic information about disorders, brain function,
and treatments with breakouts on specialized topics. Held 3 times per year.
Lending Library
Available 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, some irregular evening hours at the Kirkwood
office. Collection includes books, videos, audio tapes, and periodicals available
for lending. A vertical file holds numerous articles for duplication. A variety
of educational pamphlets is distributed. We offer two publications: A Parents Guide:
Children with Behavioral and Emotional Disorders and Mental Illnesses and A Referral
Guide: Coping with Mental Illness in St. Louis.
NAMI St. Louis Newsletter
3000+ circulation distributed every other month discussing issues, providing the
latest information in research, new medications, helpful coping tips, and what's
happening at NAMI St. Louis
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