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Claudia Smith I have been a member of NAMI North Texas and a teacher of Family-to-Family in Spanish and English for the past 8 years. I had been in the hotel business for the past 37 years, 25 of those in Dallas, Texas. I love my family; they are my support. I love walking my dog and gardening (they are also my therapy). I immensely enjoy my Family-to-Family classes because I am able to pay back all the love, support, and teaching that NAMI provides for me and my family, and also teach families how to understand and help their loved ones suffering from mental health issues.

¿Qué es la enfermedad mental? Grupo de Apoyo para Familias Aprenda Más Familia-a-Familia Aprenda Más NAMI Conexi ó n Aprenda Más Recursos Aprenda Más Más Información Aprenda Más Rompiendo Barreras Aprenda Más La enfermedad mental es una enfermedad que altera el pensamiento, sentimiento, humor, capacidad para relacionarse con los demás y el funcionamiento diario de las personas afectadas. Al igual que la diabetes es un trastorno del páncreas, las enfermedades mentales son condiciones médicas que a menudo resultan en una disminución de la capacidad para afrontar las demandas ordinarias de la vida. Enfermedades mentales graves incluyen la depresión mayor, la esquizofrenia, el trastorno bipolar, el trastorno obsesivo compulsivo (TOC), trastorno de pánico, trastorno de estrés postraumático (TEPT) y el trastorno límite de la personalidad. La buena noticia sobre la enfermedad mental es que la recuperación es posible. Las enfermedades mentales pueden afectar a personas de cualquier edad, raza, religión o ingreso. Las enfermedades mentales no son el resultado de una debilidad personal, la falta de carácter, o de mala educación. Las enfermedades mentales son tratables. La mayoría de las personas diagnosticadas con una enfermedad mental grave pueden experimentar un alivio de sus síntomas participando activamente en un plan de tratamiento individual. NAMI North Texas es una organización de salud mental sin fines de lucro que se esfuerza por mantener la diversidad. Entendemos que las enfermedades mentales pueden afectar a cualquier persona en cualquier momento y queremos estar ahi cuando surge la necesidad de ayuda. Como el ex presidente Bill Clinton afirma que "La enfermedad mental no es nada de que avergonzarse, pero el estigma y los prejuicios vergüenza de todos nosotros." Sobre NAMI NAMI, la Alianza Nacional de Enfermedades Mentales (NAMI, por sus siglas en inglés), es la organización de salud mental más grande de los EEUU dedicada a mejorar las vidas de las personas con serias enfermedades mentales y las de sus familiares. Tras su fundación en 1979, NAMI se ha convertido en la voz de la nación con respecto a los trastornos mentales. NAMI es una organización nacional que incluye oficinas en cada estado y en más de 1,000 comunidades locales, alrededor del país, las cuales se reúnen para alcanzar la misión de NAMItravés del asesoramiento, la investigación, el apoyo y la educación. NAMI Dallas fue incorporada como una organización sin fines de lucro en Texas en 1982. Se trata de una organización de caridad deducible de impuestos 501-c-3. NAMI Dallas es una filial de NAMI (Alianza Nacional de Enfermedades Mentales), una organización nacional de base fundada en 1979 por un grupo de padres en Wisconsin. NAMI Dallas también es una filial de NAMI Texas, NAMI quiere que sepa que usted no está solo NAMI está aquí para compartir una comunidad de esperanza. En los momentos en los que más necesitan para sobrellevar los desafíos de una enfermedad mental, NAMI les brinda aceptación, comprensión, información y apoyo. Para obtener ayuda, póngase en contacto con (214) 341-7133. Cuando se comunique con NAMI Dallas, tenga un pedazo de papel y un bolígrafo disponible. Lo pondremos en contacto con nuestro enlace bilingüe que puede organizar apoyo.

Silence Can be a Threat to Hope NAMI Ending the Silence for Students is an innovative 50-minute presentation that helps middle and high school students better understand mental health. Students learn early warning signs of a potential mental health issue and are given ideas about how to help themselves, friends, or family members who may be in need of support. The presentation includes personal testimony from a young adult who shares an authentic journey of courage and recovery in his/her experience with mental health challenges, as well as educational slides, videos and discussion. Why Ending The Silence Matters 1 in 5 kids experiences a mental health condition; only 50% of them actually get help About 50% of students ages 14+ with a mental health condition will drop out of school Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for 15-24 year olds The earlier the better: early identification and intervention provides better outcomes ​What Your Students Will Hear Ending the Silence delivers a message of hope and recovery, helping to end stigma and empower safe, open communication around mental health conditions. Moving stories from positive role models have the power to change kids' views. The discussion gives students the rare opportunity to ask questions about mental health challenges to people who have lived it. ​ The presentation’s message of empathy and hope encourages students to actively care for themselves and their friends. It also teaches them it's okay to talk about what they're feeling. NAMI Ending the Silence covers: Early warning signs of declining mental health Facts and statistics about youth and mental health conditions Personal perspectives on the experience of living with mental illness Recovery and coping strategies When, where and how to get help for themselves or their friends What Your Students Will Receive Resources they can use if they have concerns or questions about mental health, including: Contact information for mental health agencies and youth support services A list warning signs of declining mental health Recommendations on how to help themselves or a friend who is experiencing mental health problems ​ Research on the Effectiveness of Ending the Silence for Middle and High School Students Download Research Reports "This program will prevent many people from feeling alone or having suicidal thoughts."

Community Recognition NAMI North Texas Walk Your Way Award ​In order to continue to provide free mental health services to our North Texas community, peer fundraising is crucial. Nearly 70% of our budget comes from individual and small business contributions, most of which rely on the efforts of our NAMIWalks participants. The Walk Your Way Award recognizes any participant who has gone above and beyond to raise awareness and funds for NAMI North Texas through their role as a NAMIWalks team captain, walker, or both. 20 23 | Medical City Green Oaks 2022 | Bonick Landscaping 2021 | Victoria Tortorelli 2020 | Robert Walters Marion Shaw Community Support Award In the words of former NAMI North Texas President Sherry Cusumano, “Marion Shaw was the epitome of integrity and dedication to others." She loved helping others and passionately promoted the importance of building a supportive, nonjudgmental mental health community; a community we fondly refer to as our NAMI North Texas family. In honor of Ms. Shaw, this award recognizes an organization that has gone out of its way to support our office and advocate in the community on our behalf.​ 2023 | Carrollton Springs 2022 | People Living Active Now 2021 | Patriot Paws 2020 | Beta Theta Pi, UT Arlington Advocate of the Year Award ​Our Advocate of the Year is a change-maker who shows significant leadership in the mental health community by going out of their way to start the mental health conversation, reduce stigma, and promote NAMI North Texas through their own efforts, above and beyond their commitments as a volunteer. To earn this distinction, the awardee must be a NAMI North Texas volunteer who has contributed significant time to our organization this past year and is not afraid to shout their mental wellness message from the rooftops! 2023 | Annette Addo-Yobo 2022 | Bud Browne 2021 | Claudia Smith 2020 | Alex Andrews Young Adult of the Year Award ​As we know, 75% of mental illness symptoms present themselves before age 24. Early intervention is therefore key to raising awareness and starting the mental health conversation before it’s too late. Our young adult presenters and Ending the Silence programs are critical components of normalizing this discussion among adolescent students, their parents, and teachers. This award recognizes one of our young adults who has stood out for their dedication to the Ending the Silence program and passion for early intervention. This person has impacted young adults in North Texas through their story and at least four (4) Ending the Silence presentations this past year. 2023 | Kezia Philips 2022 | Isabelle Scott 2021 | Olivia Fan 2020 | ​Selina Sambar New Volunteer of the Year Award ​This award symbolizes our continued commitment to our identity as a grassroots community service organization. We cannot do what we do without the support of our community. It is therefore incredibly important that we continue to recruit new volunteers and recognize those who have shown exceptional leadership potential and commitment to our NAMI North Texas family. To qualify for this award, this individual must have started volunteering this calendar year, be a trained presenter, support group facilitator and/or class teacher, and have volunteered for at least five (5) programs in their first year. 2023 | Deondreia Reynolds 2022 | Rebeca Henriquez 2021 | Tracy Green 2020 | ​Omar Olivarez Dr. Sherry Cusumano Distinguished Service Award ​The Distinguished Service Award is presented to one of our most active and reliable volunteers. To qualify for such recognition, this person must be trained in two (2) or more volunteer roles and have actively served in those roles for more than one (1) year. The awardee is not only a model mental health advocate, but someone who brings fresh ideas on how to better serve our community. 2023 | Rebeca Henriquez 2022 | Tracy Green 2021 | Kathy Giddings 2020 | Mary Kelley Jerome & Hazel Byers Award ​This award is named after the late Mr. Jerome and Mrs. Hazel Byers, founding members of NAMI North Texas, former board members of several North Texas mental health organizations (including NAMI Dallas), and true pioneers in mental health advocacy for over 30 years. The recipient of this award is recognized for their lifetime achievement as a mental health advocate and their commitment to the NAMI mission. To qualify for this award, this person must have been part of the NAMI North Texas family for more than ten (10) years and be an active NAMI North Texas volunteer who has held multiple roles in our community from teaching and facilitating core NAMI programs to going above and beyond their role as a mental health advocate at the individual, local, regional, state, and/or national levels. 2023 | Claudia Smith 2022 | Charlene Gaffney 2021 | Rolph Holt 2020 | ​Madeline Kelley

Together We Can Achieve More If you are seeking support or need information on how to better manage a mental health challenge in yourself or a loved one, you are not alone. NAMI is here for you. NAMI supports and enriches your and your family's unique journey towards mental wellness. Our outstanding peer-led programs provide free education, skills training and support. We invite you to join our movement to ensure better lives for everyone. Together we can make mental health a priority and be part of the solution to solve one of the biggest problems we face as a nation. Mission NAMI North Texas is a grassroots organization that provides education, support, advocacy, and public awareness to improve the lives of people living with mental health conditions and their family members. Vision NAMI North Texas empowers North Texans through our ongoing education, support, advocacy, and awareness initiatives. We envision a stigma-free, supportive community where recovery is achievable and mental health services are accessible by all. Komunidad Nililinang namin ang isang komunidad ng pagsasama, halaga, at pagtitiwala. Authenticity Nangangako kami ng transparency, pagiging totoo, at pagiging patas sa aming paglilingkod sa komunidad. Paggalang Pinararangalan namin ang bawat tao at ang kanilang paglalakbay sa pagbawi. Empowerment Sinusuportahan namin ang isang pamantayan ng kahusayan sa aming mga pagsisikap na magbigay ng inspirasyon sa pag-asa at lakas sa puso ng bawat North Texan.

About Michelle Horridge Michelle has 23 years law enforcement experience; 18 years for Flower Mound Police Department, and is currently a Mental Health Coordinator/Detective. She graduated from Midwestern State University with a BA in Criminal Justice, has a Master TCOLE Peace Officer License, is a TCOLE Instructor, Peer Support Team Coordinator, Traffic Accident Investigator, Crime Prevention Specialist, and CIT Coordinator.

NAMI North Texas holds regular in-person and virtual meetings each month to provide additional education about mental-health related topics. ​ Upcoming Mindful Connections August 17, 2024 11 AM - 12 PM 300 Country Club Rd #300, Wylie, TX 75098 Let's Talk Whole Body Health and Mental Wellness Register Here September 21, 2024 11 AM - 12 PM 300 Country Club Rd #300, Wylie, TX 75098 Let's Talk Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) Register Here October 26, 2024 11 AM - 12 PM 300 Country Club Rd #300, Wylie, TX 75098 Let's Talk Substance Abuse, Alcoholism, and Addition Awareness Register Here November 16, 2024 11 AM - 12 PM Virtual Zoom Meeting Texas Veterans Network Presents: Let's Talk Veterans Mental Health Register Here

NAMI On Campus NAMI On Campus are student-led clubs that raise mental health awareness and reduce stigma on high school and college campuses through peer-led activities, education, and events. Through a partnership with NAMI North Texas, student leaders are empowered with toolkits, materials, and resources to make running the club fun and educational. NAMI On Campus connect students with their local community and supports them in creating a culture free of judgment and accepting of reaching out for help; a more aware and mental health-supportive school culture. NAMI On Campus are open to all students interested in mental health – It is not a support or therapy group. NAMI On Campus serves as a space where like minded students can spearhead activities and discussions that combat stigma and contribute to an overall positive climate for mental health Open to schools and universities in Collin, Dallas, Denton and Rockwall Counties. The purpose of NAMI On Campus is to: Educate and raise the awareness of students, teachers, faculty, and school administration about mental health and wellness Be supportive of students who are living with mental health conditions Encourage people to recognize early warning signs Let students know there is help available if they need it Encourage students who are having mental health issues to get help Provide information on school and community resources Work to end the stigma that surrounds mental health conditions Create an inclusive, safe, and supportive school environment NAMI knows that some of the best support a student can receive is from their peers. When students connect with one another, they can share common experiences and support each other. It's the NAMI way. NAMI On Campus works to end the stigma that makes it harder for students to talk about mental health and get the help they need. NAMI On Campus clubs hold creative meetings, innovative awareness events, and offer signature NAMI programs though partnership with NAMI North Texas. ​Interested in starting a club? Please complete our Online Interest Form . We can't wait to meet you! If you have any questions, please give us a call at 214.341.7133 or email Tiffany Gomez at tiffanyg@naminorthtexas.org

Rompiendo Barreras Rompiendo Barreras es una serie de testimonios de personas sufriendo con una enfermedad mental o sus familiares. Es una colaboración con profecionales y especialistas en salud mental, los cuales quieren ayudar a la comunidad Ispana en Dallas y sus ciudades circunvecinas. Este projecto esta dirigido por Claudia Smith que es miembra de la Mesa Directiva de Nami North Texas y la cual es maestra del programa ‘’De Familia a Familia” en Español e Ingles por los ultimos 8 años. ​ "Amo a mi familia, ellos son mi soporte. Amo caminar diariamente a mi perrito o trabajar en la jardinería (los dos son mi terapia). Me encanta dar las clases de Familia a Familia pues puedo RETRIBUIR todo el amor, ayuda y enseñanza que NAMI nos proporciono a mi y mi familia. Además las clases enseñan a otras familias a entender y ayudar a sus familiares que sufren con una enfermedad mental." Claudia Smith ​Family Advocate & Board Member ​(469) 600-3616 Rompiendo Barreras is a series of testimonials from individuals suffering from mental illness or from their families, as well as professionals who aim to help the Spanish community in Dallas and surrounding areas. ​ This project is led by Board Member Claudia Smith who has been a member of NAMI North Texas and teacher of Family-to-Family in both Spanish and English for the past 8 years. ​ ​​​"I love my family, they are my support. I love walking my dog and gardening (they are also my therapy). I immensely enjoy teaching the Family-to-Family class because I am able to PAY BACK all the love, support, and teaching that NAMI provides for me and my family, and also teach other families how to understand and help their loved ones suffering with mental health issues." Rompiendo Barreras I-play ang Video I-play ang Video 05:45 Rompiendo Barreras | Breaking Barriers - Misael ​En este video, Misael habla de La Salud mental y como podemos apoyar a quienes padecen una enfermedad mental. In this video, Misael discusses mental health and how you can support those with a mental illness. I-play ang Video I-play ang Video 12:48 Rompiendo Barreras | Breaking Barriers - Jose Luis Jose Luis nos dice la historia de su amigo sufriendo con bipolaridad. Jose Luis tells his story of a friend suffering from bipolar disorder. I-play ang Video I-play ang Video 08:13 Rompiendo Barreras | Breaking Barriers - Aysel Aysel comparte su historia como madre de alguien que sufre de una enfermedad mental. Aysel shares her story as the mother of someone suffering from a mental illness. I-play ang Video I-play ang Video 12:31 Rompiendo Barreras: Comité de Abogacia | Breaking Barriers: Hispanic Community Advocacy Rompiendo Barreras es una serie de testimonios de personas sufriendo con una Enfermedad Mental o sus familiars. Profecionales y especialistas en Salud Mental, los cuales quieren ayudar a la Comunidad Ispana en Dallas y sus ciudades circunvecinas. Este projecto esta dirigido por Claudia Smith que es miembro de la Mesa Directiva de Nami North Texas y la cual es maestra del programa ‘’De Familia a Familia” en Espanol e Ingles por los ultimos 8 años. En èste video, conoceremos personas del Comité de Abogacia de NAMI North Texas, los cuales compartiràn sus propias experiencias en la Salud Mental y còmo Nami NTX mejorò sus vidas y la de sus familiares. Rompiendo Barreras is a series of testimonials from individuals suffering from mental illness directly or within their families, and professionals who aim to help the Spanish community in Dallas and the surrounding areas. ​ This project is led by Board Member Claudia Smith who has been a member of NAMI North Texas and teacher of Family-to-Family in both Spanish and English for the past 8 years. ​In this video, we will meet members of the NAMI North Texas Advocacy Committee who will share their own personal experiences with mental health and NAMI NTX.

Get Involved Connect Become a member of NAMI North Texas or join our mailing list to receive the latest newsletters, updates, and to learn about mental health events in North Texas. Sign Up Volunteer Your Time Ito ay isa sa mga pinakasimpleng paraan upang matulungan ang aming layunin. Naniniwala kami na ang pinakamahusay na paraan para maging matagumpay ang aming mga inisyatiba ay ang aktibong pakikilahok ng komunidad. Ito ay isang madali at mahusay na paraan ng pag-aambag sa mahusay na gawaing ginagawa namin sa NAMI North Texas. Makipag-ugnayan sa anumang mga tanong tungkol sa kung paano mo maaaring I-volunteer ang Iyong Oras ngayon. Become a Volunteer Intern With Us Internships follow the academic calendar and are offered in fall, winter/spring, and summer. View Open Positions Make A Donation Make a donation, financial or otherwise! Non-financial donations include office equipment and/or supplies, furniture, etc. Donate North Texas Giving Day 2024 Donations will be used to recruit and train volunteers, facilitate our programs, and provide materials at no cost to participants. In addition to our core services, we are raising funds to enhance our existing programs and foster innovative new initiatives, allowing us to better serve underrepresented communities, at-risk youth, individuals with language barriers, and our first responder community. Donate

Empowering Education Professionals NAMI Ending the Silence for Educators is a free 1 to 2-hour mental health education in-service for school professionals to help them better understand the emotional and behavioral difficulties that may be early warning signs of mental health concerns in children and adolescents in their classrooms. The in-service also provides tips on how to intervene once the symptoms are recognized and suggestions on how to communicate with the parents and caregivers of the students to achieve the best possible outcome. Our free, on-site presentation is led by a team from your community consisting of a young adult with a mental health condition, a parent and a teacher. The presentation will share how to: Understand the difference between “bad behavior” and symptoms of a mental health condition. Recognize early warning signs. Communicate and partner with families effectively. Link to community services quickly. Create a supportive learning environment for all students. Why Your School Needs NAMI Ending the Silence for Educators 1 in 5 kids experiences a mental health condition, but only 20% of them actually receive services. About 50% of students ages 14+ with a mental health condition will drop out. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for 15-24 year olds.​ ​"This program gave me a new understanding of the importance of my role in early recognition of kids with symptoms of mental illness and the urgency of early intervention on their behalf."

Support Group Schedule Welcome to our page for Family Support and Connection Recovery. Virtual support groups are conducted through the utilization of Zoom conferencing software. Registration is required for all online support groups. However, no registration is required for in-person support groups. If your group is being held virtually, the confirmation email will contain log-in instructions for your group. You can connect via computer, telephone app or by dialing the phone number and entering the passcode when prompted. The phone number and passcode will be included in your confirmation email. Support groups roughly have 5 to 15 participants. Please join the group at the scheduled time. If you are late joining your group, the facilitator has the right to deny entry. This goes for both in-person and virtual groups. For more support group options please visit NAMI TEXAS Jump To: Family Support Connection Recovery Grupo De Apoyo Para Familiares Overwatch Family Support Meeting A support group for family members of individuals experiencing mental health challenges 1st & 3rd Tuesdays @ 6:00 - 7:30 PM 2nd Saturday each month @ 1:00 - 2:30 PM 1ST TUESDAY LIVE GROUP 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM August 6 September 3 October 1 November 5 December 3 ​ Hunters Glen Baptist Church, South Entrance 4001 Custer Rd Plano, TX 75023 Registration not required 2ND SATURDAY LIVE GROUP 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM August 10 September 14 October 12 November 9 December 14 ​ First ​United Methodist Church, Rockwall 1200 East Yellow Jacket Ln; Rockwall, TX 75087 Registration not required 3rd TUESDAY VIRTUAL Group 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM August 20 September 17 October 15 November 19 December 17 ​ Meeting held via ZOOM REGISTER NOW Un grupo de apoyo para familiares de personas que experimentan problemas de salud mental. Segundo sábado de cada mes de 4:00 a 5:30 p. m. 2do sábado grupo virtual 4:00PM-5:30 PM 10 de Agosto ​14 de Septiembre 12 de Octubre 9 de Noviembre 14 de Diciembre ​ Meeting dado via Zoom REGISTRARSE A support group for individuals struggling with all types of mental health challenges 1st Tuesdays @ 6:00 - 7:30 PM 2nd Tuesdays @ 6:00 - 7:30 PM* ​2nd & 4th Saturdays @ 1:30 - 3:00 PM 1sT TUESDAY LIVE group 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM August 6 September 3 October 1 November 5 December 3 ​ Hunters Glen Baptist Church, So uth Entrance 4001 Custer Rd Plano, TX 75023 ​ ​ Registration not required 2nd saturday virtual group 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM August 10 September 14 October 12 November 9 December 14 Meeting held via ZOOM REGISTER NOW 2nd Saturday LIVE group 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM ​ August 10 September 14 October 12 November 9 December 14 ​ ​First United Methodist Church 1200 East Y ellowJacket Ln. Rockwall, TX 75087 Registration not required 2nd Tuesday virtual group* LGBTQ+ Connection Support Group 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM August 13 September 10 October 15 November 12 December 10 ​ ​ Meeting held via ZOOM REGISTER NOW 4th saturday virtual group 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM ​ August 24 September 28 October 26 November 23 December 28 ​ ​ Meeting held via ZOOM REGISTER NOW 3rd Thursday Live Group* With PLAN 1121 ROCK 6:00 - 7:30 PM September 19 October 17 November 21 December 19 ​ Iris Place Apartments Community Room 13321 Emily Rd, Dallas, TX 75240 ​ ​ ​ ​ Registration not required A support group led BY family members of first responders FOR family members of first responders 4th Monday of each month @ 7:30 - 9:00 PM 4th Monday VIRTUAL meeting 7:30 - 9:00 PM August 26 September 23 October 28 November 25 December 23 ​ Meeting held via ZOOM Register Here