About NAMI of McHenry County

Our Mission: NAMI MC is a non profit grassroots organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for those whose lives are affected by mental illness.   

Our Purpose: We provide emotional support, education and resources for families and individuals who are living with mental illness. In collaboration with the entire community, we advocate for a life of quality and dignity, one without discrimination, for all people affected by these no-fault brain disorders.  We promote and support research for more effective treatment and to find a cure. 

Our Vision: We strive - to be a leader in mental health education for families and mental health consumers, to promote community awareness and eliminate stigma, to advocate for a mental health system of care that supports the best outcomes for personal recovery, and to offer  hope to families and individuals who are living with mental illness.

An Overview of the History of NAMI McHenry County
The story of NAMI McHenry County begins back in 1987, when a small group of families first met and shared their experiences of living with mental illness. This compassionate group of families emphasized one clear message: We (NAMI families) will never give up hope! That night we made a commitment to work together in our mission to improve the lives of people living with mental illness. None of us realized what an impact we would have in our community and how this small group would change the lives of so many others in the future. 

NAMI quickly grew to serve over 700 families in McHenry County through an all-volunteer staff, offering an array of free services including support groups, family & community education and advocacy. We became the voice of the common people who are challenged with mental illness.  

Our first group home, Ami House was established in 1992. A second home, Phoenix House opened in July 1996. Over the years NAMI members have cared for the homes and the people who live there, offering a helping hand with their upkeep, monitoring the programs provided by Thresholds, and sponsoring many enjoyable activities for the residents. The NAMI group homes were made possible through a generous grant from the McHenry County Mental Health Board. 

NAMI’s annual walk for mental illness: "Changing Minds, One Step at a Time" began in 2002, and  raises funds annually to help support quality education and support programs, advocacy for better treatment and community services,  NAMI’s group homes, an emergency medication program, NAMI’s Reintegration Scholarship Program at MCC and the many important events that NAMI sponsors throughout the year. 

As we look to the future we embrace the grassroots efforts of the many dedicated individuals who gave their hearts, time, and talents to help guide and nurture our NAMI.  As a grassroots organization we focus on the needs of the people we serve to help shape the future of NAMI . We invite you to join our monthly support groups and experience the healing compassion and friendship from others who have been there, register for one of NAMI’s free 12 week family education courses, or get involved in our volunteer program.   On the horizon, we are developing a Latino Outreach program which will offer NAMI’s free programs in Spanish.  In 2007 we will present a new educational program for our schools. We look forward to the years ahead as we work together in our mission to improve the quality of life for those whose lives have been touched by mental illness. 

We need your support to continue our mission. Each one of us represents a new hope for a brighter future in NAMI, and in the lives of all people who are living with serious mental illness. Our power is in our numbers, and we invite you to join our growing membership. United, we stand together for a cause that is near and dear to each of us. United we become a powerful voice that speaks in harmony for the good of all people who have suffered from mental illness. United we represent a group of ordinary people who have changed the face of mental illness from one of hopelessness, shame and despair, to a face that shines with hope and the vision of recovery!

Merna Drewno, President and Founder