CAR WASH CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS. April Peer Council Meeting PEER COUNCIL CORNER WITH MICHAEL GARDEN

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1 SPRING 2015, ISSUE NO. 1 CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS The White Picket Fence is now accepting submissions for our Summer issue. Please submit your stories, poems, pictures and other works of self-expression to: chrinirio@namipbc.org. PEER COUNCIL CORNER WITH MICHAEL GARDEN GARAGE SALE The Council is planning a Gather Your Goods Garage Sale on May 16, 8:30 am-1:00 pm at the NAMI office, th Avenue, N, Lake Worth. Proceeds will also benefit the Peer Council s activities. Contact Michael at for more info. CAR WASH On March 14, the NAMI PBC Peer Council held its first car wash in Lake Worth. Peer Council President, Michael Garden, initiated this profitable event to raise funds for the multitude of activities sponsored by the Council. Many cars were washed, everyone worked hard, and we all had a lot of fun! Check out our YouTube video at: tinyurl.com/namipbcvideos April Peer Council Meeting Friday, April 24th at 4:30 pm NAMI PBC office, th Avenue North, Suite D, Lake Worth, Bingo, pizza and refreshments will be served

2 Page 2 NAMI Connection Recovery Support Groups Lake Worth (NAMI Office) th Avenue N, Suite D Lake Worth, FL Saturdays 6:00-7:30pm YOU CAN HELP US! NAMI Palm Beach County is thrilled to participate in the GREAT GIVE PBC, a 24-hour online giving event. Led by the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties and United Way of Palm Beach County, the GREAT GIVE is designed to raise as much money as possible for local nonprofits in a single day. Every donation NAMI Palm Beach County receives from 5:00 pm May 5 to 5:00 pm May 6 will be multiplied with bonus dollars from a local pool. IT S SO SIMPLE: Even the minimum donation of $10 will make a difference! Tell YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY. Keep an eye out for events and more information. Delray Beach (Toole Building So. County Mental Health Center) S Military Trail, Delray Beach, FL Mondays 1:45-2:45pm & Wednesdays 10:15-11:30am Jupiter (Southeast Behavioral Health Network) 140 Intracoastal Pointe Dr., Suite 208, Jupiter, FL Wednesdays 5:30-7:00pm Hypoluxo (Amigos Group Jeff Industries) 111 E Coast Avenue, Hypoluxo, FL Tuesdays 6:30-8:00pm NAMI/PBC Adolescent Support Groups West Palm Beach (NAMI Office) 5205 Greenwood Ave, Ste 110, West Palm Bch, FL Grades 7-8: Tuesdays 5:30-6:30pm Grades 9-12: Tuesdays 6:30-7:30pm Lake Worth 6801 Lake Worth Road, Suite 101, Lake Worth, FL Grades 7-8: Thursdays 5:30-6:30pm Grades 9-12: Thursdays 6:30-7:30pm Jupiter 50 South US Highway 1, Suite 309, Jupiter, FL Grades 7-8: Mondays 5:30-6:30pm Grades 9-12: Mondays 6:30-7:30pm Boca Raton *NEW 800 Meadows Road, Boca Raton, FL Grades 7-8: Tuesdays 5:30-6:30pm Grades 9-12: Tuesday 6:30-7:30pm Young Adults Group Ages st three Fridays of the Month 6:00 pm-7:30pm NAMI PBC Office th Ave., N, Suite D Lake Worth, FL For more info contact Peter at

3 Page 3 EVERYDAY AYURVEDA By Gia Sweeney No wonder Ayurveda struck a chord with me from the moment I walked into my first workshop. This sacred healing system, dating back thousands of years has found its way into my life and continues to grow each day. Ayurveda, known as the living science of life, Teaches us to respond to the stress of everyday life. Ayurveda treats the whole person, not the symptom(s). For me, Ayurveda has given me the gift of becoming "myself." It makes room for any Western medical treatments I may need along with a holistic approach. It meets me where I am, which is another reason why I feel so drawn to this practice. In closing, I feel so grateful to have been introduced to this healing system, and I am blessed to have such inspiring teachers. Thanks for letting me share. Om, om, om. Gia facilitates Yoga sessions for NAMI PBC s Peer Council A FAIR MAIDEN There once was a maiden of a place who ruled time and space. She lived in a castle near the sea waiting for me to be free. When I get to her, I already know by the way she wears her clothes, it s time to dance the night away until the next day. Her looks are flawless as can be while she waits and waits for me. I will come someday maybe in the month of May. Until then take this kiss to forever hold even when you are old; never giving it away or letting it go astray, because I only want the girl with the golden hair for she is fair. -Perry Schwartz Think your Drink and Eat for Health We will discover together how to make the most helpful healthful choices when choosing beverages and snacks. Presented by Marilyn Ricci, M.S., R.D.N., NAMI National 2nd Vice President Two Presentation Offerings: April 7, 2015 April 21, :30-5:00 pm Or 3:30-5:00 pm West Palm Beach Lake Worth RSVP Required

4 Page 4 Pet Profiles BOB, THE RECYCLER Meet Bob, our Executive Director, Liz Downey s dog. Bob is 10 years old and is a Australian Shepherd/Golden Retriever mix. He is 92 lbs. and a very lovable guy. As you can see, Bob didn t start out so big. He used to fit in my hand, says Liz. JACKIE S BEDSIDE MANNER Bob has many tricks, but the best trick of all is his ability to recycle. Many years ago, Peter, Liz s son, taught Bob to recycle for a video he was making for Earth Day. You can still view the video on You Tube just search for: Bob the Recycler Earth Day 2010 I was recently sick for three days. Astoundingly, my dog, Jackie, laid right there at the foot of my bed. She knew in a remarkable way that I didn t feel well. Yet, on a larger scale, in an incredible way, she makes me feel well. She has such a receptive nature and is great with other people and dogs of all types. Her intuition is astounding at times. She sits, is an accomplished fetcher and a great traveling companion. Dogs have become quite a topic of dogalogue in our society, from man s best friend, to rescue, to service; they provide quite a purpose. Through NAMI I ve come to know many peers with pets of all kinds and realize what a difference their relationships make in our lives. - Michael Garden Send us a story about your pet/s with some pix. We will feature you and your furry friends in our Summer issue. info@namipbc.org

5 advocacy NAMI PALM BEACH COUNTY SPEAKS OUT AT NAMI S RALLY IN TALLY PBC Delegation from left: Peter Davey, Carmen Palacios, Donna Estess, Marsha Martino, Sen. Joseph Abruzzo, Liz Downey and Victoria Witt. On March 23, six of our members took a road trip up to Tallahassee for NAMI s Advocacy Day Rally In Tally. On March 24, our Palm Beach County delegation was afforded an opportunity to address the House Subcommittee on Mental Health and Substance Abuse at the Capitol in Tallahassee. Each one of us was called to the podium to speak. They knew NAMI was in the House. After leaving the room, the NAMI PBC delegation was greeted with applause and many came up to congratulate us on a job well done. It was a great start of our day! We urge you to join NAMI PBC s Public Affairs Committee. Next year we hope you will join us to be a part of this important advocacy. VOLUNTEER SERVICE By Michael Garden Page 5 NAMI Connection Recovery Support Groups are free, 90-minute, weekly structured support groups. When I first got involved with NAMI I became a regular NAMI PBC peer member participant for over a year at our NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group in Lake Worth. One of the co-facilitators offered me the opportunity to become a certified facilitator. After completing the NAMI Florida facilitator training, I cofacilitated the NAMI Connection group in Lake Worth for over a year. Becoming a NAMI Connection facilitator has given me mental strength, structure and also friendships. Each week peers gather together to share, open up, listen, or just attend to be a part. Throughout the year, we gather, as some would say, regulars, some newcomers, and some dropins as anyone with diagnosis is welcomed. In these solution-oriented meetings, we share our unique experience as well as similar symptoms, challenges and accomplishments. There is encouragement and motivation to attend and to remember, We never give up hope! PEER-TO-PEER GRADUATION Become one of our NAMI Peer-to-Peer Alumni. Get signed up, get educated, and get involved! Call Lynsey at to get on the wait list for the next course offering.

6 National Alliance on Mental Illness of Palm Beach County 5205 Greenwood Avenue, Suite 110 West Palm Beach, FL NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION US POSTAGE PAID WEST PALM BEACH, FL PERMIT NO Or Current Resident MEMBERSHIP: Regular $35 Open Door $3 SPONSORSHIP: Family $55 Professional $65 Corporate $250 Pay online through our secure PayPal at: namipbc.org NAMI Membership exists at 3 levels: Affiliate, State & National. NAMI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, charitable organization contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Together, we can continue to fight for all those affected by mental illness. PLEASE NOTE: In order for NAMI/PBC to receive your full donation, please send your donation to the NAMI/ PBC office. Thank you! FL SOLICITATION REGISTRATION NUMBER: CH6498 A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SER- VICES BY CALLING ( ) TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Check here for renewal: Date: Name: Address: City/St: Zip:...Phone: I d like to support NAMI PBC with a donation of: $25 $50 $100 other: $ I d like to volunteer for NAMI/PBC s 2014 Walk. I wish to receive NAMI National s solicitations Greenwood Ave., Suite 110, West Palm Beach, FL T: F: info@namipbc.org Website: namipbc.org Members are NAMI/PBC s lifeblood; your membership helps us continue to provide free outreach, support & education. In bringing mental health issues to wider attention, we advocate for better treatment. As our membership base grows, our voice becomes stronger. Respect, Compassion & Hope NAMI Works!