Community Corner
NAMI's Peer to Peer Helps Community with Answers and Recovery
NAMI National Alliance on Mental Illness Pennsylvania, Bucks County Chapter is a grassroots advocacy organization comprised of families, friends, professionals, and people with brain disorders (mental illness).
Karen Kelly, sitting in the Eagleville diner, is eating a healthy serving of French toast. Syrup is oozing from its holder. She laughs and says, “See I'm like anyone else. I like to eat, laugh, have fun, I’ve got dreams to chase also.”
Kelly looks beyond my shoulder as if she can she her goals crystalizing behind me.
Last fall Kelly completed the Peer to Peer program given free to the community by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
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The course, a 12-week support, educational, and resource self-advocacy program is for those wanting to learn about their mental health issues.
"My life really has changed because of the classes," Kelly said. "For the first time I feel ok with me, who I am, and the choices I'm making. Now I want to help others. As a peer to peer mentor I’m going to get that chance real soon."
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Debbie Moritz, Bucks NAMI Chapter Administrator, came to NAMI as parent looking for support and answers. "Back then (the 80’s) there was very little out there in terms of information and supports for family members. We were a small group in the early days, but the sense of mutual support meant so much," Moritz said.
"Today," Moritz shared, "I make sure no one goes through the experience of illness alone if I can help it."
Moritz and NAMI Bucks Chapter President Kathleen Campbell have family members living with illness who are recovering. Each has lived experience. Sharing that experience with the others drives them to help others in the community.
Campbell said that it's scary and traumatic for those experiencing illness and their families, however with treatment, support, education and education recovery can and does happened
“There is hope,” Campbell said, and Peer to Peer offers that for so many, Moritz added.
When asked to name the best thing about her NAMI Peer to Peer experience, Kelly said, “Carol! She’s my best bud. I’m never alone. And I feel empowered because of that” she said in a melodious tone.
NAMI is a grassroots recovery oriented organization offering a number of child, transitional youth, and adult programming for the community
If you have or know of a family member or loved that needs help or support you can find out more about NAMI Bucks through the information provided below.
1-866-399-NAMI(6264) – Helpline
Warminster, PA 18974