NAMI Dane County Pioneer Winter 2024

Message from NAMI Board President Ken Herrmann, MD

NAMI Dane County Staff

Executive Director

Jeanne McLellan

Associate Director

Jamie Mulry

Programs and Education Manager

Julia Hyatt

Program Assistant

Nicole McCue

Certified Peer Support Specialist

Sharon Rapnicki

Walk Manager

Heidi Hastings Interns

Oleka Parker

Board of Directors

President

Kenneth Herrmann, MD

Vice President

Nikyra McCann

Secretary

Caitlyn Liu

Treasurer

Whitney Cook

Board Members

Bailey Dvorak

Benita Walker

Brian Russell

Paco Bonnin

Coty Roberts

Nadine Nehls

Nakia Wiley

Patrick Taylor

Table of Contents Our History

NAMI’s road to becoming the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization runs directly through Madison, WI. As NAMI Dane County enters into its 46th year of providing education, support, and advocacy for individuals living with mental illness and their families, we stop to reflect on our rich history of being leaders in the field of mental health.

In 1977, three mothers—Harriet Shetler, Bev Young and Nancy Abraham—each with a son with schizophrenia, met to discuss the challenges they shared raising a child with serious mental illness. These women, along with a group of committed family members and friends of persons with mental illness decided to share their concerns, seek support from one another, and explore solutions.

These committed individuals met for the first time on April 13, 1977 and from there, their mission to advocate for those with mental illness was clear.

In September 1979, with the assistance of Roger Williams from University of Wisconsin-Extension (UW-Extension), these dedicated individuals gathered for a National Conference at The Wisconsin Center in Madison. The title of the conference was “Advocacy for Persons with Chronic Mental Illness: Building a Nationwide Network.”

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The organizers hoped for as many as 50 people but in fact 284 representatives from 59 groups (representing 29 states) attended. By the end of the conference, what started out as a small local group of grassroots advocates formed into a national group - the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI). Today, NAMI is based in Arlington, Virginia and comprises hundreds of local affiliates, state organizations, and volunteers who work to raise awareness and provide support and education that was not previously available to those in need.

Catholic Multicultural Center

A Continuing Tradition of Service

Many basic human needs are tied to mental health outcomes. A recent CDC study has shown an association between food insecurity and mental health, for example. In this study it was found that with food insecurity comes, “a 257% higher risk of anxiety and a 253% higher risk of depression.”1 This coupled with other extenuating societal factors don’t leave a lot of room for people to have positive outcomes. Many local service agencies are able to meet specific needs of the community. A smaller number are able to provide the kind of space that serves as a centralized location where the community can gather, enrich their lives and the lives of their family, and have their most basic needs met.

Article by Jamie Mulry

In this edition of The Pioneer we explore the many resources, services, and supports that can be found at the Catholic Multicultural Center.

The origins of the Catholic Multicultural Center (CMC) are firmly rooted in a mission to serve the community—the whole community. To understand where they are now, it’s important to understand their beginning, because of a consistent theme of meeting people where they are at and treating marginalized communities with dignity and respect.

At a time when the United States was struggling with negative race relations and tension, two organizations—Blessed Martin House and Centro Guadalupe— what we now know collectively as the CMC, success-

Continued on page 7

1Source: Fang, D., Thomsen, M.R. & Nayga, R.M. The association between food insecurity and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Public Health 21, 607 (2021).

Photos courtesy of CMC

Support Group

Schedule

Being Together Peer Support Group

NAMI Dane County has partnered with NAMI Wisconsin to offer a Peer Support Group that’s open to participants statewide. This group is open to adults (age 18+) who are living with a mental health condition.

2nd Thursday of each month at 6:30-8:00pm

Location: Zoom. Monthly registration is required. Space is limited to 20 participants each month. Please visit: https://namiwisconsin.org/being-together/

Adult Mental Health Support Group (In Person)

Join us if: You are an adult living with a mental health condition. This group is not specific to any diagnosis - all are welcome.

1st, 3rd & 5th Mondays at 6:30pm-8pm

Immanuel Lutheran Church (1021 Spaight St, Madison, WI 53703)

Adult Mental Health Support Group (Virtual)

Join us if: You are an adult living with a mental health condition. This group is not specific to any diagnosis - all are welcome.

2nd & 4th Mondays at 6:30pm-8pm

Family Mental Health Support Group (Virtual)

Join us if: You are a family or friend of an adult living with a mental health condition.

1st & 3rd Thursdays at 6:30pm-8pm

Women’s Mental Health Support Group (Virtual)

Join us if: You are a woman who is living with a mental health condition. This group is not specific to any diagnosis - all are welcome.

1st Wednesday of the month at 6:30pm-8pm

Young Adult Mental Health Support Group (Virtual)

Join us if: You are a young adult who is living with a mental health condition. This group is not specific to any diagnosis - all are welcome. Suggested age range 18-25. 1st, 3rd & 5th Sundays at 6:30pm-8pm

LGBTQIA+ Mental Health Support Group (Virtual)

Join us if: You are a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and are living with a mental health condition. Individuals who are still questioning, or do not have specific labels for themselves, are entirely welcome to the group. In addition, asexual, aromantic, pansexual, and other identities are all welcome. The group will be gender-affirming and welcomes all diverse genders. This group is not specific to any diagnosis - all are welcome.

2nd & 4th Tuesdays at 6:30pm-8pm

On behalf of NAMI Dane County staff and participants, we want to extend a huge THANK YOU to our volunteer support group facilitators. The work we do would not be possible without you. We are so grateful for your dedication to the mission of NAMI Dane County.

Lucas

M e e t o u r F a c i l i t a t o r s !

Hey all! I’m Lucas, a 21 year old undergraduate psychology student at the University of Wisconsin Whitewater I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder in 2018, when I was in high school Ever since my own experience started, I have become an advocate for not only mental health, but also for the flexibility, understanding, and openness that needs to come with it. I joined the executive board for my high school mental health advocacy club, as well as later joining the board for my university’s Active Minds chapter Last summer, I completed an internship at NAMI’s national helpline, and obtained my NAMI Helpline Specialist Certification. I have given multiple speeches and presentations regarding youth mental health and the challenges young adults face today, attending the first ever Conversation Summit in Chicago

I feel very comfortable in sharing my own mental health journey, but completely understand how hard it can be to open up to a group of unfamiliar people, and that everyone ’ s journey probably looks a little different I am a big believer in the power of people’s stories, and the power of community, so when I had the opportunity to train to be a support group facilitator, I was thoroughly excited It is my wish that this support group can provide hope to those trying to navigate life, whatever that hope may look like for them.

Adati first encountered NAMI during a seminar in 2021 at UW-Madison, where an outreach coordinator delivered an impactful presentation. Facing challenges during that semester, Adati found the peer support she needed through NAMI Recognizing the positive impact, Adati promptly signed up and trained to become a NAMI peer facilitator. She actively facilitates various groups, including women's groups, young adults groups, and adult groups Alongside her NAMI involvement, she engages in socio-behavioral research on substance abuse and HIV.

Adati

Hi all I am Rachel and I am a graduate student at UW Madison. I have been facilitating with NAMI for almost 3 years I enjoy connecting with people who may have similar lived experiences/in similar stages of life and creating a safe space to talk/seek support. We love meeting new people, and the young adult group is very relaxed You can participate however much or little you want Outside of school and NAMI, I love reading (favorite genre is fantasy), skiing, and trying new restaurants in the Madison area.

fully bridged the divide and united people under the common goal of better serving the increasingly diverse community and ensuring that no one was left behind.

“The most common misconception people have about our organization is that we only serve people who are Catholic. That is not the case. In fact, we don’t ask any questions about religious affiliation whatsoever.”

—Steve Maurice, Executive Director, CMC

Blessed Martin House was founded in 1946 with the goal of promoting interracial unity. Seeing the ongoing turmoil building as the neighborhood grew, community members led by Margaret Straub, who was a founder and served as a volunteer Director for 50 years, joined forces with Father Jerome L. Hastrich to create a space for people to be together, participate in enrichment activities for both children and adults, receive food at no cost as well as employment assistance. The Blessed Martin House was a community hub where people felt comfortable and safe regardless of race, ethnicity, or creed.

In 1977, Dolores Ann Silha saw a need arise in the community for services and support for Spanish-speaking individuals, who were a growing population in Madison as migrant workers came to Wisconsin. Centro Guadalupe was formed and provided similar services to Blessed Martin House with some

additional services including children’s catechism classes, sacramental preparation, a clothing program, Spanish Mass, and English classes. Centro Guadalupe also built the infrastructure for the food pantry that still exists today.

In 2002, Blessed Martin House and Centro Guadalupe combined forces to establish the Catholic Multicultural Center that we know today.

CMC has stayed true to its roots and mission as it consistently responds to the evolving needs of the community. Despite a diverse community with diverse needs, the CMC works really hard to meet as many of the universal basic needs of the community that it can. Specifically, a food pantry, personal

essentials pantry, and a free meal program. According to Executive Director Steve Maurice, CMC serves about 500 individuals a month across its extensive network of services. Further in 2023, they served approximately 10,000 meals.

Leaning proudly into its name, the Catholic Multicultural Center also provides a great deal of services for immigrants. Staff and volunteers are able to guide individuals through a wide range of legal needs when they are not able to afford an attorney. At a time that can be very uncertain and scary for those who are new to our country, CMC truly provides a soft landing spot where people are met with kind-

ness, compassion, and tangible items that meet their needs. Additionally, some opportunities for community engagement that may not be accessible to individuals due to a language barrier are made possible by CMC providing bilingual programming.

When asked what the most common misconception is about the CMC, Maurice shares, “The most common misconception people have about our organization is that we only serve people who are Catholic. That is not the case. In fact, we don’t ask any questions about religious affiliation whatsoever.”

CMC provides crucial resources, support, and services to the community, and plays an integral role in the lives of the individuals and families it serves. CMC is a great example of how when an organization is committed to its mission, they have the opportunity to continue making the greatest impact. Seventy-eight years later, CMC continues to fulfill its mission every day.

To find out more about the Catholic Multicultural center and the services they provide, please visit: www.cmcmadison.org.

NAMIWalks 2023 was a huge success! We raised $242,871 - which are crucial funds that make it possible for us to continue to provide education, support, and advocacy at no cost to our participants. Almost 1,000 Walkers and volunteers made the event possible and we appreciate everyone showing up for mental health and supporting the work we do. We hope that we will see all of you at our 19th Annual Walk which will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at Olin Park!

Below is a list of the Walk teams who raised at least $1,000:

NAMIWalks T-Shirt Contest

While we talk a lot about the fun aspects of NAMIWalks and the excitement of the event - we don’t want to forget the messages that are shared via signs and t-shirts:

Remembrance: Teams walk in memory of loved ones and friends who have struggled and passed away as a result of their mental illness.

Awareness: Teams walk to build awareness around mental illness in order to break the stigma and to normalize the conversation around mental illness.

Hope: Teams walk to spread a very important message - “You are Not Alone.” Individuals in recovery and those who still struggle are able to share their stories and how they have overcome obstacles.

We are happy to announce the top 3 T-Shirt Contest winners below:

Team Ryan Marquis Superheroes of Hope Team Pauquette

We can’t wait to see what our creative and passionate Walkers do next year!

Team Ryan Marquis (above)

Team Pauquette (above)

Superheroes of Hope (left)

Winter 2024 - Highlight on Community Education

We are partners in providing resources and training to the community. NAMI Dane County presentations provide the public with the information and resources they need to better understand mental illness, how to recognize early warning signs and connect people with mental health challenges to community resources.

Community education programs are provided at no cost to the public.

Specialized Community Presentations focus on a specific topic or area of focus. We can match those requests with an existing presentation or we will create one tailor-made for your groups, businesses, or organizations.

Mental Health & Verbal De-Escalation Training is a one- to three-hour training on the signs and symptoms of mental illnesses, how to recognize the early warning signs, and available support services in the community.

Hearing Voices is a one-hour workshop that simulates auditory hallucinations while participants complete various tasks. Audiences will better understand the day-to-day challenges that people with mental illnesses may face, become more empathetic and compassionate towards people who hear voices, and apply what they have learned to their interactions with people who experience auditory hallucinations.

Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) provides 40 hours of training for law enforcement officers and first responders who are interested in better understanding and improving their interactions with people who experience mental health crises.

Crisis Intervention Partner (CIP) is a 16-hour training modeled after the CIT curriculum but is designed for a wider-ranging audience, including emergency personnel, hospital staff, teachers, social workers, and more.

Special Event and Presentation requests can be sent to Julia Hyatt, Programs & Education Manager at jhyatt@namidanecounty.org.

Photos: NAMI Dane County

Dane County Emergency Management

NAMI Executive Director Jeanne McLellan and Madison Mayor Rhodes-Conway

Wisconsin Correctional Association

Sun Prairie Pride Fest

Domestic Abuse Internention Services Community Fair

Madison Public Art Project Mural Celebration

West Fest

Executive Director’s Corner

Workplace Safety: A Culture of Kindness

“If you can choose to be anything, be kind.” We’ve all heard the expression. Easy choice, right? But what constitutes kindness? If I hold the door for someone, say “bless you” when they sneeze, or say thanks when, as we say in Wisconsin, you let me “scootch past ya”, am I being kind. . . or are those simply polite autoresponders?

“We all experience poor mental health days. ...How can we build a culture of kindness that starts at the top and permeates the entire environment of the organization?”

— Jeanne McLellan, NAMI Dane County Executive Director

As we look at returning to our offices and all the social interactions that may entail, how can we build a culture of kindness? A culture that starts at the top and permeates the entire environment of the organization. This isn’t always a line item on the budget. No capital campaign is required. We can do this. Let’s begin by just seeing a person as just that. . .another human being like us.

We all experience poor mental health days. It is imperative for the success of the organization and staff that employers do all they can to provide an environment in which it is ok not to be ok. The most basic thing any of us can do is be open minded and not jump to conclusions. Compassion and understanding can be the key. And that begins with education and awareness. A September 2021 survey of working Americans by SHRM found that 26% of workers hid their mental health struggles from their supervisor. However, when their supervisor was aware that the employee was experiencing mental health issues, the most common responses from the supervisor were to: demonstrate empathy, encourage the employee to take time off, adjust the employee’s workload, and offer remote or flexible work options. To those supervisors I say, “Well done!” Those are precisely the responses that can help people through difficult times.

What if you’re not a supervisor? Are there ways you can support co-workers? Think about what you need when you’re having a bad day. Your youngest spilled breakfast, refused clothing, and resisted all attempts to get the morning caravan moving. You have coffee on your shirt, the screaming match with your partner is still ringing in your ears, and you’re 15 minutes late for work. By the time you put your bag down and flip on your computer, you’re exhausted and all you want to do is cry. You wonder how you’ll keep it together.

Now, imagine I’m your office mate. I’m caring for an ailing parent who I’ve been up with most of the night. The hired caregiver is great, but had car trouble, so I’m on edge as well. So when you walk in late, I’m upset. I was up most of the night, getting my mom back and forth to the bathroom, reading to her to distract from the pain and I still made it on time. I’m feeling anxious, sad and even a bit lonely. If I could be on time, why couldn’t you?!! I’ve got some full-blown righteous indignation going on now. And I’m going to let you know exactly how I feel.

But wait. What would happen if I hit “pause” on that immediate response and thought, “This isn’t like Courtney. I wonder if something else is going on.” Then, instead of saying something snarky, I ask if everything is okay. I ask if there is anything I can do. Maybe I can share with her what’s going on in my life and let her know she’s not alone. We all have bad days and we all need to give ourselves grace. And hope that our boss and co-workers will do the same.

I’ll leave you with this. Recently I heard a story from a man who attempted suicide ten times and continues to struggle with mental illness. He thanked the people in his life (personal and work) for being there for him. He said “sometimes a 15-minute conversation can save a life.” Fifteen minutes. I‘m going to try to keep that in mind, especially when I’m getting frustrated with someone. Will you?

In Service, Jeanne McLellan

Jeanne McLellan, NAMI Dane County Executive Director

Greetings to our dedicated members and valued community partners,

I am thrilled to have the opportunity to introduce myself to you all. My name is Ken Herrmann, MD, and I proudly serve as the President of the Board of Directors at NAMI Dane County. It has been an incredible journey so far, having been part of this Board for several years, witnessing the growth, progress, and remarkable impact that our staff and volunteers have achieved.

Allow me to also introduce the outstanding members of our Executive Committee, a group of passionate individuals wholeheartedly committed to advancing NAMI Dane County’s mission:

Nikyra McCann, Vice President

Whitney Cook, Secretary

Caitlyn Liu, Treasurer

“Hello!” from Ken

Furthermore, I’m delighted to extend a warm welcome to our three new Board of Directors members, Paco Bonnin, Dr. Nakia Wiley, and Patrick Taylor. Their wealth of experience in the field of mental health, coupled with their unique connections and community engagement, bring fresh and exciting perspectives to our organization’s work.

We deeply appreciate the unwavering support from all of you. Your dedication enables us to continue providing education, support, and advocacy for those affected by mental illness. Together, we strive to create a stigma-free community where everyone affected by mental health challenges can find the help, hope, and support they need.

Thank you once again for being part of our journey.

In Service,

Ken Herrmann, MD President, Board of Directors, NAMI Dane County

NAMI Dane County is now accepting awards nominations for the 2024 Community Celebration. These awards are intended to recognize the contributions members of our community have made to reduce stigma and improve the lives of people with mental illness and their families. Award recipients will receive an award at the event as well as two free tickets. In your nomination, please include your contact information and the contact information of the nominee, specifying which award you are nominating them for and why.

Send your nominations to: events@namidanecounty.org

Alma Taeuber Service Award

For a NAMI Dane County volunteer who is dedicated to improving the lives of people with mental illness and has made significant contributions to furthering the mission of our organization.

Jim Hinsberger Award for Excellence

For a person with lived experience with mental illness who has served as a role model by working towards wellness and stability and making a special contribution to the community.

Mental Health Trailblazer

For a community member whose vision, passion and leadership skills have helped blaze a new trail to benefit individuals impacted by mental illness.

Youth Voice of the Year

For a youth or young adult aged 15-25 who uses their lived experience to bring greater public awareness to youth mental health and has played a significant role in linking their peers to community mental health resources.

Thank you, Donors!

Donations 08/01/23–02/29/24

Thank you to our generous donors! You make the work we do possible and we are grateful for your contributions.

In Memory of Susie Clements

Tibor & Betty Zana

Robert & Margaret Gibson

Karen Krueger

Psychiatric Services, SC

Eva Young

Mark Magnuson

Nancy Clements

Kris Fedenia

DeLynn Palmer

Stacey Norris

Tanya Sutton

Donna Winter

Sara Lindauer

Mary Kuypers

Tom Thommesen

Louise Young

Michael Peterson

Eva Young

Susan Pecault Stark

Carol & Gary Polipnick

In Memory of Esenbahahar Gairdner Atis

Resmine Atis

Donna & Jason Borth

Judith & DuWayne Hoffman

Cathy & Pieter Loerke

Margaret Skinner

In Honor of Caitlin Hill

Jill Hill

In Memory of Mary McNulty

Meghan Rollins

In Memory of Sam Dolley

Caroline Swenson

In Memory of Gay Davidson- Zielske

Peter Hoff

In Memory of Sharon Kater

Amber Stoltenburg

In Honor of

Kris & Tom Thommesen

Barbara Kyle

In Memory of Ronald Jungenberg

Tina Cain

Jennifer Jungenberg

IBEW Local 159

In Memory of Mary Stauffacher

Stephanie Pilon

In Memory of Marilyn Lippett-Guimund

Pender & Sherry Auker

In Honor of Erin Haupt

Andrea Seider

In Honor of Michael Herman

Clint Walkner

In Memory of Roger Barts

Jessica Wartenweiler & The Tinsmith

In Memory of Dimiti Hechel

Laura Schnieder

In Memory of Lucille Jamieson

Jim & Sharon Berkner

In Memory of Jean Kammer

Heidi Hastings

In Memory of Paul Hausman

Madison Community Foundation

In Memory of Brian Torvik Amtelco

Cheri Utech

Brian Davis

Carol Poore

Our Lady Queen of Peace Church

Jack & Kay Clipperly

Genoa Health Care

Kendra Scott, LLC

Vintage Brewing Co.

Bill & Idy Goodman Family Fund

Martin Schwartz

First Congregational Church

Midwest Family Broadcasting

Benita Walker

Luther Memorial Church

Kathlyn Maldegen

Steve Meyers

Annette Czarnecki

Lloyd & Patrick Eagan

Katie Hostetter

Faith Kamps

Robert Kane

Dakota Murphy

Kimberly Noyce

Steven Schoeder

Richard Stoffels

Tami Strang

Stanley Goldfarb & Sandra Arnn

James Christoph

Nancy Youngerman

James Youngerman

Perkins Coie

Keith Meyer

Patrick Duchame

Katelyn Reuter

Katie Ripple & Steve Holaday

Sharon & Dr. Paul Rapnicki

Monona United Methodist Church

Susan Heidrich

Messiah Lutheran Church

Alyssa Gilbertson

Paul Domann

Alan Crossley

Floresha Adili

Bradley Bolling

Laura Schneider

AJ Soundararajan

David Dybdahl

Eileen E. Cauley

Shelly Jones French

Linda and Paul Harris

Susan Moskwa

Lynn Perez-Hewitt

Julie Luecke

Middleton Plant Clasen Quality Chocolate

Alicia Fritter

Lyman Wible

Elicia Casey

Barbara Heidecke

Susan Petkovsek

Karen Roach

Holly Jorgenson

Beth Boschee

Joseph Jackson

Richard Rabehl

Peter oppeneer

Clyde Barker

Diane Hanson

David Hoffert

Jessica Wartenweiler

Robert Factor

Jane Sadusky

Janet Loewi

Whitney Cook

Maria Weber

Katharine Penning

David Sample

Katie Prather

The Boldt Company

Mark Rippe

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