On the 3rd Wednesday of every month, Judy Whitman represents NAMI Fort Wayne at the library’s Handing out Hope program. Coordinated by the Allen County Public library and H. A. R. T. Hope and Recovery Team, Handing out Hope gathers local organizations and community resources to speak with persons struggling with substance use, addictions or mental health challenges. Whitman, a long time NAMI member and current director on the NAMI Fort Wayne Board, was moved by the number of persons who stopped at the information table and shared their own personal stories and struggles. She observed a pressing need for connection and support opportunities, particularly for persons struggling with mental health challenges who live in the downtown area.
Because of Whitman’s persevering efforts, a new NAMI support group was created!
NAMI Fort Wayne will continue to offer a bimonthly Connection Recovery Peer Support group at the Main Branch of the Allen County Public Library. Attendees can gain insight through hearing the challenges and successes of others.
This support group is free of charge to adults (18 and older) living with mental illness and is led by NAMI-trained facilitators–peers who have experience navigating their own mental health journeys.
Meetings are held bi-monthly on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month from 10:00-11:30 AM. Pre-registration is NOT required.
Please note: there will be NO meeting on January 7, 2023.
The support group meets in a conference room behind the Circulation Desk in the Business Section (on the 2nd floor). An easy way to find it is to use the elevator across from the Globe which opens directly to the Business Section.
A huge thanks to Judy Whitman for her continual efforts to provide resources for persons with mental health challenges and her long time work for NAMI Fort Wayne!
