Nami?

Just wondering if anyone has tried a nami support groups? If they are worth it?.....

[Hidden]

I haven’t used their support groups, but they have helped me tremendously in other areas of my life. I am in their debt.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

what have they helped you with?

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Finding local resources for work and housing considerations.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

did you find that on their website?

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

No I called my local nami.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

ok thank you!

[gogogirl in reply to Hidden]

How are you doing with that? Cheers to ya.

[Hidden in reply to gogogirl]

Good thanks. I have been very busy with the supportive work programs and meeting requirements for it. I am on a waiting list they say could take four years till I get called for work. So I am working on being patient.

[gogogirl in reply to Hidden]

Great! What are the supportive work programs like- like do they provide an income etc? Four years is a long time, but I am glad that you are keeping busy!

[Hidden in reply to gogogirl]

I added an extra “s” on program. I am on a waiting list to enter a supportive work program. No I don’t get paid while waiting or while in the program. When my name moves up the list they assign me a job counselor who helps me write a resume and other job coaching skills. Then they send me out to find a job. The program is county run. The opioid crisis has caused the waiting list. They said only the last few years they have a waiting list. They only have two job counselors for the whole county. They said the average wait at the moment is four years. It could be less they said. So they sent me to a therapist. That’s what has me busy.

[gogogirl in reply to Hidden]

Wow!!!! What about Voc Rehab- I might have asked you that already- if so that old memory is flagging again! Anyway, here you are just living your life and opioids moved you back down the list- just doesn't seem fair, does it? At least though you have some agency who is working with you somewhat.

[gogogirl in reply to gogogirl]

Just wondering also- how do they expect you to survive for four years with no income? Hope they can help with that and housing as well.

[Hidden in reply to gogogirl]

I tried vr last year. They weren’t very helpful because I was not declared disabled or on SSI. They are going to email me when the housing choice voucher waiting list opens up again. It is currently closed. It was just opened and a lottery was held but I missed it in July. Apparently that to may take four years before it opens. I gave up worrying about not having a income. It will only make me depressed. I see the therapist for now and just wait.

[gogogirl in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your reply. Wow, you have been through the ringer. I wonder if seeing a therapist could help you have a better spot in line? I thought also that VR had people evaluated - but you would know best. At any rate, I wish you the best- I wonder ( you probably have thought of this or done it) if you could have a little side business? You deserve a lot after all of this waiting.

[gogogirl in reply to gogogirl]

Hey, can you also talk to your local rep or some other official ? You know the old squeaky wheel? Again, I wish you the best- and I hope you have a good therapist.

[Sprinkle1]

Hello, this is a great group, it is all over in the US and is in other countries. I went to a local group here, I found it supportive and informative, I would recommend it. Sprinkle 1.....

[Fearoffear]

Nami is a great organization. I used to volunteer as a group leader. They are very helpful and most of the people that work through them are recovered or family members of people with mental illness. Go to your local nami chapter and look around in their resource room and they'll also tell you about their groups and give you literature on that. I became homeless at Christmas with my kids when I worked with them and they brought my kids Christmas presents that year because after getting a new place I couldn't afford Christmas. They are wonderful caring people there who just want to help you and your support system.

[gogogirl]

I have done walks for NAMI, and met some really nice people even if they are not reg contacts.