NAMI Education & Classes
NAMI Fort Wayne offers Peer-to-Peer classes and Family Classes that are led by NAMI-trained facilitators who are your peers. They have lived experience with what your are going through.
We also offer a free online Basics OnDemand program for parents, primary caregivers, and other persons who provide care for children and young adults (ages 22 and younger) with mental health symptoms or diagnose.
Don’t forget to join us for a free, public Education Night on the 4th Tuesday of every month.
NAMI Signature Classes – In Person
Family-to-Family Class
NAMI Family-to-Family (F2F) is a free course for adults (18 and older) caring for a family member or loved one with a mental illness.
The Fall 2026 class will begin on Thursday, September 24th and run for 8 weeks ending on November 11th.
Class sessions begin promptly at 7:00 PM and generally last for about 2 hours. Larger class sizes may require more discussion time for some topics, but the latest a class will end is 9:30 PM.
Light refreshments are served.
Pre-registration is required.
To sign up for the class or request additional information, please see the buttons below or contact the office directly via email office@namifortwayne.org
Classes are held at Chad’s House located directly behind The Carriage House at 3327 Lake Avenue Fort Wayne, IN 46805.
Family-to-Family classes are led by NAMI-trained facilitators who are your peers. They have lived experience with what your are going through. Participants report significant improvement in their coping and problem-solving abilities as well as comfort from the mutual support and positive reinforcement they find in sharing experiences.
You’ll complete the course with a tool-box full of information on topics such as
- Mental health conditions including co-occurring substance use disorders
- Current research on treatments such as medication and evidence-based therapies.
- Strategies for self-care, management of stress and coping with emotional overload.
- Guidance on locating appropriate local supports and services
- Skills related to managing crises, solving problems and communicating effectively
- Training in preparedness and emotional resiliency.
Pre-registration is required. Use the buttons below to register or request more information. You can also contact the office directly by phone or email to receive a notification prior to the start of upcoming courses.
Peer-to-Peer Class
NAMI Peer-to-Peer (P2P) is a free, recovery-focused course for adults (18 and older) wishing to establish and maintain wellness in response to mental health challenges.
The Fall 2026 class will begin on Monday, November 2nd and run for 8 weeks ending on December 21st.
Class sessions begin promptly at 6:00 PM and generally last for about 2 hours. Larger class sizes may require more discussion time for some topics, but the lates a class will end is 8:30 PM.
Light refreshments are served.
Pre-registration is required.
To sign up for the class or request additional information, please see the buttons below or contact the office directly via email office@namifortwayne.org
Classes are held at Chad’s House located directly behind The Carriage House at 3327 Lake Avenue Fort Wayne, IN 46805.
Classes are led by NAMI-trained facilitators who are your peers–they’ve been where you are. The program includes presentations, discussion and interactive exercises and is completely confidential.
You’ll finish the course with a tool box full of information covering topics such as
- Mental health conditions including their biology, symptoms and treatment options.
Note: NAMI does not recommend a specific medical therapy or treatment approach. - Sharing your story and strengthening relationships
- Creating a personalized relapse prevention plan
- Preparing for interactions with health care providers
- Skills for making decisions, communicating effectively and reducing stress
Use the buttons below to indicate your interest or request more information. You can also contact the office directly by phone or email to receive a notification prior to the start of upcoming
NAMI Basics OnDemand – Online
NAMI Basics OnDemand is an online program for parents, primary caregivers, and other persons who provide care for children and young adults (ages 22 and younger) with mental health symptoms or diagnoses.
The course is free and you can work through it at your own pace on your own schedule 24/7.
Parents and family members who have experience raising a child with a mental health condition guide participants through the course material. Learn real-life strategies and discover new resources to navigate challenges. Build strength through sharing common experiences and emotions. Feel compassion and hope on the journey to better support your loved one’s recovery.
Topics include:
Community Connect
Join us–be part of the movement!
Whether you want to share ideas, lend your skills, or simply learn more, there’s a place for you.
NAMI Fort Wayne invites the entire community to be part of Community Connect—a new initiative designed to bring people together to plan, create, and participate in meaningful mental health awareness efforts. Events and activities may include educational speakers, panel discussions, brainstorming sessions, walks in the park, the annual summer picnic and holiday party.
Mental health touches everyone. Through Community Connect, we aim to make awareness visible, accessible, and actionable throughout Fort Wayne.
All events are free and open to the public. We encourage you to bring a friend!
Upcoming Opportunities to Get Involved:
- Candlelight Vigil for Those Lost by Suicide — September 22, 2026 from 8:15-8:45 PM
- Planning & Project Nights (4th Tuesdays) — help shape campaigns, events, and outreach efforts. September 22, 2026, October 27, 2026; November 24, 2026. held at Chad’s House which is directly behind The Carriage House at 3327 Lake Avenue, Fort Wayne.
- Educational Speakers or Panel Discussions — Learn from experts and engage in important conversations.
- Annual Summer Picnic — A relaxed, family-friendly gathering for connection and support. August 25, 2026.
- Holiday Party — Celebrate the year and our community together. December 15, 2026.
Whether you want to share ideas, lend your skills, or simply learn more, there’s a place for you.
NAMI Fort Wayne invites the entire community to be part of Community Connect—a new initiative designed to bring people together to plan, create, and participate in meaningful mental health awareness efforts. Events and activities may include educational speakers, panel discussions, brainstorming sessions, walks in the park, the annual summer picnic and holiday party.
All events are free and open to the public. We encourage you to bring a friend!
Upcoming Opportunities to Get Involved:
- Planning & Project Nights (4th Tuesdays) — help shape campaigns, events, and outreach efforts. October 27, November 24 held at Chad’s House which is directly behind The Carriage House at 3327 Lake Avenue, Fort Wayne.
- Educational Speakers or Panel Discussions — Learn from experts and engage in important conversations. Tentatively September 22 held at Chad’s House which is directly behind The Carriage House at 3327 Lake Avenue, Fort Wayne.
- Annual Summer Picnic — A relaxed, family-friendly gathering for connection and support. August 25 held at Northside Park, Psi Ote Upper Pavillion
- Holiday Party — Celebrate the year and our community together. December 15 held at Chad’s House which is directly behind The Carriage House at 3327 Lake Avenue, Fort Wayne.
Whether you want to share ideas, lend your skills, or simply learn more, there’s a place for you.
NAMI Fort Wayne invites the entire community to be part of Community Connect—a new initiative designed to bring people together to plan, create, and participate in meaningful mental health awareness efforts. Events and activities may include educational speakers, panel discussions, brainstorming sessions, walks in the park, the annual summer picnic and holiday party.
All events are free and open to the public. We encourage you to bring a friend!
Upcoming Opportunities to Get Involved:
- Planning & Project Nights (4th Tuesdays) — help shape campaigns, events, and outreach efforts. October 27, November 24 held at Chad’s House which is directly behind The Carriage House at 3327 Lake Avenue, Fort Wayne.
- Educational Speakers or Panel Discussions — Learn from experts and engage in important conversations. Tentatively September 22 held at Chad’s House which is directly behind The Carriage House at 3327 Lake Avenue, Fort Wayne.
- Annual Summer Picnic — A relaxed, family-friendly gathering for connection and support. August 25 held at Northside Park, Psi Ote Upper Pavillion
- Holiday Party — Celebrate the year and our community together. December 15 held at Chad’s House which is directly behind The Carriage House at 3327 Lake Avenue, Fort Wayne.
Plan to attend the NAMI Fort Wayne Annual Holiday Party on Tuesday, December 15 from 6-9 PM at Chad’s House.
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season! Invite a friend and introduce him or her to NAMI in a relaxed and casual setting.
There will be no peer, spouse or family support groups tonight; however, facilitators will be available for persons who request support.
Doors open at 6 PM with a potluck buffet of delicious main dishes and beverages provided by the NAMI board. Attendees are asked to bring a side dish or dessert to share. The ever-popular mystery present swap-steal will follow dinner. Every guest is welcome to participate. We ask that those who are able please bring a wrapped gift approximately $10 in value.
This event is free and open to the public.
