See JOB OFFERS below; Hiring University Students.

 

For updates on Current Events, it is best to check our Facebook page, email nami@namiacadiana.org or call 337-504-4752

 

BECOME A MEMBER

See ‘Become a member page’ and get email updates from NAMI Acadiana.

 

COMMUNITY EVENTS?

Do you have an event that we can attend and share our resources to bring awareness to mental illness and suicide prevention? If so, email us at nami@namiacadiana.org

 

Family-to-Family CLASS TO BEGIN July 11,2024

This free educational program is for families, partners or friends of individuals with serious mental illness. Read more about it and how to register for this FREE class on “Support & Education”

Stay tuned for notice of 2024 NAMIWalks to be held October 5th.

#Together4MH

Would you like to sponsor this event? For more information email Walk Manager Rose Seach at namiwalks@namiacadiana.org or call 337-288-0744

 

HIRING University Students

for

Campus Peer Support Position

at

UL Lafayette, McNeese University, and LSU Eunice

Campus Peer part-time Position
Job Description
Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the campus peer will
function as a role model to students; exhibiting competency in personal
recovery, and serve as a source of support for students with behavioral
health challenges. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication
skills and the ability to effectively assist students in articulating their own
goals for recovery. As campus peer support, the candidate will have a
strong talent for developing engaging and informative program initiatives.
Ultimately, they are motivated by the desire to support their peers and
provide resources for those with behavioral health needs.
Essential Functions
● Support students in identifying and creating goals and developing
recovery plans with skills, strengths, and resources to aid them in
achieving their goals
● Share their own experiences and what skills, strengths, supports, and
resources they used
● Use ongoing groups to teach students how to identify and combat
negative self-talk and how to identify and overcome fears by providing
a forum which allows other students and campus peers to share their
experiences
● Assist students in obtaining services that suit their recovery needs
through self advocacy
● Coordinate with the Program Manager to host mental health fairs,
presentations, forums, panel discussions, or conferences
● Track all student engagements in designated database
● Must meet with the Program Manager weekly to give updates, submit
weekly/monthly reports
● Participate in contract monitoring site visits with Office of Behavioral
Health (OBH) and/or Program Manager
● Maintain confidentiality at all times
Qualifications/ Requirements
● Education: High School Diploma or equivalent
● Must have lived experience with mental health or substance abuse,
but experience with both is preferred
● Must be able to identify as a person in behavioral health recovery for
at least one year
● Must be a student at the the university, preferably a sophomore, juniors
will be accepted
● Must be comfortable speaking with others about their experience with
a behavioral health challenge
● Should have the ability to learn and utilize community resources
● Must have good problem solving skills
● Must provide a copy of clear criminal background check and drug
screening
● Must complete training to become a “Recognized Peer Support
Specialist”
● Must be able to complete a minimum of 10 hours a week

Contact: angelinajohnston15@gmail.com

Recruiting Board members and Treasurer.

Would you like to serve on NAMI Acadiana’s Board?

Contact Laura Guidry at laura.guidry@namiacadiana.org

Listed below are programs & activities that occur during the year

 

SUPPORT GROUPS

No registration and no fee required. For dates and times of the Family Support Group for family and friends of individuals living with severe mental illness and the Connection Support Group (for individuals living with mental health issues) check out our Support & Education page or email NAMI Acadiana at nami@namiacadiana.org for Support Group Flyer or call Karen at 337-654-2138 or email karen.dubois@namiacadiana.org

You Are Not Alone!

After reading about the support groups and attending, if you think you want to train to be a facilitator, contact Karen DuBois at 337-654-2138

 

Family to Family Class

Family to Family Classes are held in January and July beginning on the first Thursday of these months.This FREE 8 session class is held weekly on Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:30pm with a meal served. It is for family members of adults living with a mental illness. Check out F2F class on our Education & Support page. For more information or to register, contact Karen DuBois at 337-654-2138 or Karen.dubois@namiacadiana.org 

After reading about this class on www.nami.org, if you feel you could train as a teacher, please contact Karen.

Peer to Peer Class

Peer to Peer Class will be held in April. Call 337-654-2138 for date.

This is a FREE 8-session class held weekly for 2 hours on Thursday evenings (with a meal served) for individuals who want to learn more about their mental illness and are interested in maintaining wellness. It is taught by NAMI trained individuals living with a mental illness who are in recovery. Depending on demand, the class will be held twice a year or more. Contact Karen DuBois (as above) for more information or to register for the class.

After reading about this class on www.nami.org, if you feel you could train as a teacher, please contact Karen at 337-654-2138

 

NAMI Louisiana Conference

NAMI Louisiana’s Conference is a one day event held annually in April. Email info@namilouisiana.org for more information and to get on NAMI LA’s email list.

 

Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Follow us on Facebook to spread awareness and find out about special events. Behavioral Health Day at the Capitol is held annually in early May. More information on Behavioral Health Day can be obtained from info@namilouisiana.org

 

SOLA Giving Day

NAMI Acadiana participates in South LA Giving Day – the region-wide event offered by the Community Foundation of Acadiana takes place on the first Thursday in May every year. This event helps our community to donate to causes they believe in. Please help us by visiting www.solagivingday.org/organizations/NAMI-Acadiana on SOLA Giving Day (or donate online during “early giving” April prior to SOLA Giving Day.)

 

NAMI National Convention

NAMICon is held in-person every year in early Summer. (Information on the 2024 Convention, as well as previous years, can be obtained at www.nami.org/convention ) Convention can be amazing! Check out NAMI’s website www.nami.org and their Facebook page announcing the upcoming Convention starting in early Spring.

NAMI Acadiana may pay for your Convention registration fee.

 

September is Suicide Awareness Month

Help NAMI Acadiana to bring awareness to suicide prevention especially in September. Follow us on social media. Do you have an event we can attend with our resource table this month or have a Suicide Prevention display at your workplace. Contact us a nami@namiacadiana.org

 

Mental Illness Awareness Week

Mental Illness Awareness Week runs the first full week in October each year and coincides with additional related events to be found on www.nami.org

  • National Day of Prayer for Mental Illness Recovery and Understanding

  • National Depression Screening Day

  • World Mental Health Day

  • NAMIWalks National Day of Hope (see below for NAMIWalks Acadiana)

Check out the www.NAMI.org page and our Facebook page for MIAW videos of people sharing their life experiences and lots of other information letting you know YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

 

NAMIWalks Acadiana

Our annual major awareness and fund raising event is held in support of the National Day of Hope which falls on the Saturday of Mental Illness Awareness Week (the first full week in October) Participation begins in the Spring forming teams and joining online by going to www.namiwalks.org/Acadiana  Community Sponsors needed to offset costs of this public event. Can you partner with us? Email namiwalks@namiacadiana.org

Gather or walk with us on this great day where hundreds of people are together for the same cause. Register online or donate online at www.namiwalks.org/Acadiana or mail donations to PO BOX 51903, Lafayette 70505. Help bring awareness to Mental Health for All.

Contact: Rose Seach at namiwalks@namiacadiana.org or call 337-288-0744

NAMI Acadiana is financially supported mostly by individual donations.Your donations help us to educate, support, advocate and raise public awareness of mental illness.

 

Annual Member Meeting and Christmas Party for Members/Support Group Attendees

Many enjoy this fun annual event held every November/early December. The Annual Member Membership Meeting is combined with the Christmas Party.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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