We are devastated by the tragedy at Abundant Life Christian School. Our community needs healing, and we know that many are struggling in the wake of this unthinkable event. Please remember that you are not alone, and NAMI is here to help.
With each school shooting, there is a lasting and far-reaching impact on the mental health of the people in the community. We urge anyone who is struggling or needs to talk in the wake of this tragedy to reach out to a friend, family member, or to NAMI Dane County for support.
National Crisis and Support Lines
If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text “9-8-8” to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
NAMI National HelpLine:
• call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
• text “HelpLine” to 62640
• chat online at www.nami.org/help
(available Monday-Friday 9am to 9pm)
NAMI Teen & Young Adult HelpLine:
• call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
• text “Friend” to 62640
• chat online at www.nami.org/help
(available Monday-Friday 9am to 9pm)
NAMI Dane County Resources & Support Groups
NAMI Dane County Resource Guide & Crisis Contacts: www.namidanecounty.org/resource-guide
NAMI Dane County In-Person and Virtual Peer and Family Support Groups: Visit www.namidanecounty.org/support to register. See page 4 of this publication for a complete schedule.
NAMI Dane County Office:
• Call 608-249-7188
• Email outreach@namidanecounty.org.
We have a Peer Support Specialist available Monday-Wednesday from 10am-2pm.
FightingtheWinter Blues at the Madison Children’s Museum
Between the restless feelings from finding safety indoors from cold weather, to feelings of apathy and exhaustion from not getting active enough, the Winter Blues can creep up on anybody who is not looking out for it this season.
Winter Blues also brings to mind our environment itself as snow starts to fall, making it tricky to imagine ways to get outside, active and engaged with others.
UW Health health psychologist Dr. Shilagh Mirgain, a prominent voice on mental health locally, shared just what exactly is behind the seasonal mood shift.
“With daylight saving time just having started and the colder, gloomier weather with winter approaching, many people are feeling the effects,” Dr. Mirgain
explained. “As a result, many people are reporting a lower mood or feeling a loss of motivation or loss of interest in things. We know this time of year can be a trigger for developing Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD for short. We know about 4% to 6% of the US population experiences SAD, while 10% to 20% have a milder form, with the greatest percentage occurring in northern climates.”
Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is most prominent in young adults, especially women, in their 20’s and early 30’s. However, Dr. Mirgain was clear that SAD can affect anyone and manifests the most in these coming winter months.
Those who may need to release pent up energy more than anyone this season are chil-
Continued on page 5
Article by Isaac Trussoni
Photos by Jamie Mulry
The Madison Children’s Museum provides engaging outdoor space on its rooftop which features a full view of the city and areas to climb and play.
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 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.
dren. For families, navigating activities in the cold and snow can be difficult. Luckily, local organizations such as the Madison Children’s Museum dedicate a variety of activities and programming to providing kids winter opportunities to engage and socialize with each other.
Kia Karlen has been with Madison Children’s Museum for well over a decade, and is now the Vice President of Education & Community Engagement. She hopes people come out and take advantage of the space they provide at the museum when families need something to do.
The Wonderground area on the outdoor lower level has a variety of activities for children to participate in. Atlas, age 6, is seen here playing a xylophone.
“From cabin fever energy and needing to play, we really encourage folks to get outside in our outdoor spaces, even in the winter,” Karlen shared. “Our largest outdoor space, the Wonderground, is three years old so we’ve had a few winters under our belt. We want it to be a four season space, and we find ways to lure folks out.”
Karlen spoke on forefronting education, sometimes through collaborations with Madison Reading Project and the Wisconsin Science Festival, as building on the dedication to learning and engagement across age groups.
Cheryl DeWelt has personal experience developing activities and ways to be outside year-round as the Environmental Education & Garden Manager at the museum.
“In the winter, when the weather cooperates, we have this patio area that we put an ice skating rink on,” DeWelt shared as part of the museum’s mission for education
for every season of the year.
“We have ice skates that kids can use and put on. It’s a small rink, but for learning how to ice skate and trying things outside, it’s an easy way to just get that taste. We do snow painting and ice art where we’re putting natural botanicals in ice and hanging them from trees and making bird feeders. In the Wonderground we have snowshoes and cross country skis that, once the snow comes out, kids try on just to see how they work.”
Karlen highlighted their efforts to make Madison Children’s Museum a place where kids can meet new kids from outside of their school or neighborhood, helping build social skills and fight the isolating feeling that can come with winter.
“It doesn’t always matter whether it’s an art program or a science program, what children’s museums create is a space for kids to experience with the grown ups in their life,” explained Karlen. “It’s different in that respect than being with their peers at school. We try to design exhibits that are more fun and more satisfying when multiple kids team up together to make things happen or to role play. That engagement is something we’ve always known is really important for kids.”
DeWelt was confident that changes to the museum’s Wonderground would make it a more hospitable space for adults to gather and socialize to make some new connections for themselves.
“We just put a geodesic dome
Photo: Kate Rowell, Marketing and Communications Assistant with Madison Children’s Museum
in the Wonderground that will have couches and a little bit of heat in there. When people are down there, they can get warm, and parents have full sight lines so the kids who don’t get cold aren’t rushed in,” assured DeWelt who shared some other extra steps Madison Children’s Museum will go to make sure accessibility is their priority.
“There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes. If you’re not dressed to be outside, and you don’t have good mittens or you didn’t wear boots or don’t have snow pants, it isn’t as fun. We also provide warmer coats and things for people, so if you didn’t bring it, in each of our spaces we have things you can put on so that you can still go outside.”
DeWelt and Karlen also emphasized the museum’s accessibility as fees for programming or any offerings can often be negotiated around what families can afford.
Tips for Staying Ahead of the Winter Blues
Dr. Mirgain backed up the idea of finding ways to gather with others as her first of five tips for the Winter Blues saying, “Winter can bring decreased socialization or social isolation. We know socializing really safeguards our well being and can be protective against depression. Socializing contributes significantly to maintaining our well being in a positive mood.”
Getting regular exercise three times a week for half an hour, practicing self-care such as sleep management and finding hobbies, along with making sure you are getting enough vitamin D3 made up Dr. Mirgain’s next three tips for keeping away SAD this winter season. Although days can be cold, the fifth area of advice Dr. Mirgain offered was around getting crucial sunlight hours when you can, especially if you can get outside for them.
has been proven to be effective for treatment of SAD. If you’re thinking about using light therapy, it’s important to speak with your physician to find out if it’s helpful for you.”
Besides the mental and physical benefits of finding a way to navigate the outdoors this winter, DeWelt’s
“During the winter months, there are shortened daylight hours that could disrupt natural circadian rhythms, so when it’s sunny out, get outside when the weather allows,” advised Dr. Mirgain. “In the morning, open up your curtains to let in some natural light. Enjoy a meal or read a book by the window in the morning. For some people, light therapy
experience in Wisconsin’s climate year-round has given her insight into how we could all work to appreciate the diversity of seasons we have.
“When you get outside, no matter what time of year it is, all of your senses are integrated,” said DeWelt. “You
can feel the wind on your cheeks, whether it’s cool wind or warm sunshine wind. You can feel the rain and catch the snow on your tongue. Being able to move your bodies and be outside no matter what the weather is, is a really important life skill that’s been around since people have been around.”
ness where they’re not 100% sure what the amenities are or what to do if their kid is hungry, here, people come and they know what a children’s museum is. They get to have these outdoor experiences and we really hope that leads them to explore more in the rest of their their free time”
Dr. Mirgain’s advice certainly applies for anyone at any age, and appreciation for our environment is a lifelong process, but difficulties getting out in nature or finding ways to get active during the winter can be especially challenging as families grow in size.
Karlen emphasized how the children’s museum can be a good alternative for a more intense outdoor adventure for families with young children saying, “If it feels daunting to a parent to bundle up their toddler and go to a hike somewhere out in the wilder-
Winter Museum Hours
OPEN
Wednesday through Sunday 9 am–4 pm
CLOSED
Monday and Tuesday
FREE ADMISSION
Thursdays 4–8 pm
Keep Madison Children’s Museum in mind this season as an ally in helping you and your family fight the Winter Blues, even for adults who may want to enjoy the space themselves without kids for one of the museum’s “Adult Swim” nights.
Be sure to be aware of any changing moods or emotions over the coming season as well to be sure if you or your loved ones may be experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder.
“If you or your loved one is having difficulty concentrating, if there’s changes in weight or appetite, or sleep disturbance, that’s another symptom of SAD,” advised Dr. Mirgain. “If there’s a general feeling of hopelessness or helplessness. When we’re determining if a person’s in that clinical depression during the winter months, that Seasonal Affective Disorder, we’re also looking at distress and impairment.”
Dr. Mirgain’s final advice on navigating SAD this season was to seek professional help if feelings become so distressful or impairing that it affects you or a loved one’s everyday life.
Help you and your loved ones keep aware of SAD this season by being aware of the symptoms and taking steps to keep the Winter Blues away.
Access Admission Discounted Rate
Families who qualify can visit the museum for the discounted ticket rate of $1 per person. This admission rate is available every day the museum is open to the general public.
To use this benefit, ask for the Access Admission rate at the admission desk of the museum when you check in. They do not require doc-
umentation for Access Admissions, but the staff member checking you in will ask you which program(s) you qualify for. There are over 20 qualifying programs, including BadgerCare Plus, Free/Reduced Lunch, IEP or 504 Plan, Foster Care. Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Birth to 3. Visit: https://madisonchildrensmuseum.org/ visit/access-for-everyone/ for more information.
NAMIWalks 2024 Final Results
In 2024, we set our NAMIWalks fundraising goal at $275,000. Thanks to the hard work of our Walk Manager, Heidi Hastings, the Walk Committee, staff team, Board of Directors, and our incredibly supportive community, we were able to surpass that goal by almost $10,000! Our fundraising total ranked us in the top 11 NAMIWalks events in the entire country.
2024 Grand Total
$284,124
As a result of our amazing Team Captains, we had a total of 918 participants (virtual and in-person). Below is a list of all of the teams who raised at least $1,000. Join us in thanking them for their hard work and commitment to bringing awareness to mental health and helping us continue our crucial work in the community.
Walking Into the Light (Bettine Lipman): ...................................$14,569
for NAMI Dane County’s 20th NAMIWalks on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Olin Park!
Keeping Our Community Warm
With colder weather returning, many local homelessness organizations redouble their efforts to make sure that possible mental health issues are not affecting homeless folks’ ability to seek and find the shelter they need.
The Road Home Dane County and Friends of the State Street Family are two such organizations in the Madison area who are deeply involved in addressing homelessness throughout the year.
Beth Maglio serves as Vice President for Friends of the State Street Family, an organization that provides support and hope through resources and connection for those experiencing homelessness. Maglio gave some insight into how shelters will often reach capacity during colder months when weather is the harshest.
“What we’re seeing now is that people are coming back downtown, but less,” Maglio said of the seasonal change. “In the summer, we would probably serve 75 people because people were limited to 90 days in shelter, and so they saved their days for the cold or really hot months to get out of the weather. The people who are sleeping out now tend to be people for whom the shelter does not work for whatever reason. There’s a variety of them.”
Nicole Christen, Program Director with The Road Home, expanded on some reasons she heard directly from people experiencing homelessness for not accessing shelter during the coldest days of the winter. Along with reasons such as not agreeing with certain restrictions and feeling uncomfortable in close
Addressing Winter Homelessness in Madison
Article by Isaac Trussoni
quarters, Christen identified a tendency towards avoidance that affects everyone, but can have especially negative consequences when avoiding things such as bills and rental guidelines leading to housing instability.
“Avoidance, in my opinion, is a huge factor in the lives of most people, but also especially in the lives of people experiencing homelessness,” said Christen. “I see a lot of avoidance with the homeless population. Maybe they do struggle with depression or anxiety, and that avoidance just sets in, and that can lead to further housing complications. So the way that our staff support with that is we’re very supportive when it comes to the conversations that we have with participants.”
The Road Home Dane County is an organization that looks to alleviate homelessness through resources, skill building, and working with families for longterm success in acquiring housing. Part of that work is in helping those experiencing homelessness in finding shelter if they are looking for it.
What Christen recalled taking her by surprise was the amount of people experiencing homelessness who would pass over resources or services. This is possibly because they are avoiding the stigma of being homeless, or because they believe they are simply going through a momentary, rather than a long-term lapse in housing. Maglio reported how the general mentality of housed people thinking they are at minimal risk of homelessness can still affect those who suddenly lose housing and find themselves in dire economic straits.
“The lists for housing support are so long that if you’re looking for a small leg up from even the city or state, it’s not easy to figure out the path,” Maglio said. “It is such a challenge. I have a hard time sitting here in my living room on my computer trying to figure out sometimes things that I can do to help people. If you’re in your car with limited reception, and you can’t charge your phone because you don’t have the gas to run your car, there’s just always those little things.”
➠ Ashley, of Friends of the State Street Family, picking up the third wave of winter coats from East Wash Laundry.
One way we can help address homelessness is by fighting to end the stigma around mental health issues and seeking mental health resources. Christen’s work at The Road Home has shown her barriers in working at the intersection of housing and mental health.
Beyond cultural and economic aspects causing people to possibly not seek help, Christen made it clear that certain mental health conditions with negative perceptions attached increase housing difficulty saying, “When you think about those suffering with severe and persistent mental illness, specifically thought disorders like schizophrenia, there’s such a stigma and misconception that the people experiencing schizophrenia or thought disorders are inherently violent. I don’t believe that that is the case. Unfortunately, you do see such an overlap with mental health in the field of homelessness, because oftentimes that mental health disorder or whatever they’re struggling with might have been the reason that they ended up experiencing an episode of homelessness.”
For Maglio, it is hard to imagine how someone could navigate systems of applying for housing or resources when even basic needs like food and hygiene are a struggle to meet. Navigating systems around mental health on top of that makes the work that organizations such as The Road Home Dane County and Friends of the State Street Family crucial for those experiencing homelessness.
Maglio provided questions for reflection when imagining what else might be needed for making sure no one has to sleep in the cold this winter.
“How do I get people to get the mental health that they
➠ Beth Maglio and fellow Friends of the State Street Family volunteer socializing and providing resources to community.
need? Does that mean that people need to come to the people who are homeless and not expect them to navigate that whole system? How do they get the paperwork filled out to be able to even be on the radar for housing? When they get that letter that they are two years down the list, what does that mean for other options? When you’re only thinking about your meals and your safety and things like that, it’s so hard.“
Funding was another obvious answer for Maglio, who mentioned having more health care, mental health care, and outreach workers on the front line as well.
Christen’s final thoughts on addressing homelessness in Madison focused on how we treat those experiencing homelessness as well, and remembering that all human beings deserve warmth and safety over the coming months.
“We need to educate not only the people that are receiving services, but also the people that are providing services, so that they are not spreading misinformation,” Christen said. “I think we do need to be very careful about how we’re explaining mental illness, and we need to be more objective about the behaviors that we see, rather than pathologizing somebody based on just a title that they’ve been given. That they are mentally ill or what they’re experiencing.”
Consider extending assistance out to a neighbor in need this holiday, especially through support and spreading awareness around the amazing local organizations fighting to keep everyone in our community warm this winter.
End of Year Report
Our community’s generosity and commitment to our mission makes it possible for us to spread awareness, educate, provide support for both individuals and families, and advocate for legislative change that benefits those living with a mental illness.
Here are some highlights of the work our donors made possible in 2024:
51,962
6,884
households and businesses received our Pioneer publication
282
attendees at our Community Celebration and Art Exhibit
3,597
unique website visitors seeking resources, education, and support
185 law enforcement officers, first responders, and community stakeholders received crisis intervention training.
For information on how to donate, please visit www.namidanecounty.org or see the back cover of this issue.
social media followers engaging with our awareness content
66
Community events and presentations
6
Public education classes
164
867
Resource and support calls/emails
In-person and virtual support groups
How Donor Dollars Can Impact our Work:
• $25: 20 Resource Guides that we can distribute to our community at events and presentations.
• $50: 5 children’s books that teach kids how to manage their feelings and know when to ask for help.
• $75: Materials for a workshop teaching people how to advocate for mental health through public policy.
• $100: Educator stipend for an 8-week community education class for families impacted by mental illness.
Finding Peace from Within A Message of Hope A Few Words of Gratitude
There is no denying, these are difficult days that can overwhelm us, make us sad, cause anxiety. Too often it’s hard to remember good times and hope for better tomorrows. We’re all doing our best to cope with the heartbreaking recent events. We get up in the morning and try to face the day as bravely as possible. . .walk the dog, get the kids to school, be productive in our jobs. We’re trying hard each and every day. Sometimes going through the motions is the best we can do. We are showing up, but not really present.
Jeanne McLellan, NAMI Dane County Executive Director
2024 was an amazing year for our organization! We took on new endeavors, sought out new and innovative approaches to our work, grew from the lessons we learned, and laid a pathway for what will be an incredible 2025.
With so much fear and sadness in the world, is there space for hope? There is a risk to exposing ourselves to disappointment by daring to dream of peace and goodwill. Sometimes we may not be able to answer that call. However, whenever possible, we must have hope so that we can be part of the change we wish to see.
Now more than ever, prioritizing our mental health is imperative. Self-care is essential, especially if we intend to help others. Grieving is inevitable, so space and grace should be given for that. However, we can’t lose sight of who we are at our core. We have to give ourselves permission to unplug from the sadness and enjoy the activities that make you you and me me. . go for a hike, talk with friends, read a book, bake cookies. Focus on the things that give your life meaning. Only when we find our way back to ourselves can we find the calm within us. Inner peace will follow. Then the real work can begin.
In Service, Jeanne McLellan
In the new year, we look forward to building new partnerships and collaborations, spreading awareness about mental health, and helping our community to reimagine a world where mental illness doesn’t carry with it a stigma and everyone knows they are seen, loved, and not alone.
On behalf of the entire NAMI Dane County staff team, we would like to express our deepest gratitude. We are grateful for each and every one of our dedicated donors, supporters, volunteers, and ambassadors—our work wouldn’t be possible without you. Thank you for the role you play in making our corner of the world a better place.
Thank you, Donors!
Donations 06/30/24–11/30/24
Thank you to our generous donors! You make the work we do possible and we are grateful for your contributions.
Madison Monona Lioness Lions Club
Laura Fernandez
Niki Leonard
Keara Smyth
Louise Loehnertz Uttech
Justine Zadra
Kris Hoffman
Carol Poore
Linda Schmitt
Nancy & Jesse Ishikawa
Jack & Kay Cipperly
Florian Helff
Nicholas Von Bergen
Mary Hamilton
Deborah Parker
Mollie Martinek
In Honor of Heidi Hastings
Elaine Gundlach
Kris & Tom Thomessen
While all donations to our organization are valued and appreciated, we do take pause when we receive gifts made in memory of loved ones who have passed away. Memorial gifts allow families and friends to remember their loved ones and pay tribute to them while helping their legacy live on through a meaningful contribution to a good cause. Each donor dollar we receive has a name and a purpose for us—a resolve that the work that we are doing is essential and that it matters. Each and every person’s life matters and we are humbled and grateful for generous contributions toward our mission.
In Memory of Scott Shimanski
Lois & Joel Maturi
Susan Haen
Joan Richtsmeier
In Memory of Kyle Macauley
Sarah Salzwedel
In Memory of Diane Marty
Nancy Arnold
Nancy Wolfgram
Jane Kleven
Nancy Vidlak
Audrey Rice
Patricia Bender
John Marty Jr. &
Jeanette Marty
Willi Sindermann
Daniel & Brenda Besteman
Sadie Larkin
Michael & Renee Powers
Patricia McComish
William & Mary Beth Wheeler
Mary Ellen &
Thomas LaChance
Sarah & Jeremy Mosley
Roger Marty
Judith Bodden
Jeanette Kistner
Jamie & Dana Mosley
Diane Maida
Ronald & Mary Todd
Rebekah Tjugum
In Memory of Brooke Stratton
Rosalie Richardson
Lawrence & Vicky Beyler
Dale & Joann Marsden
Mark & Huldah Ellestad
Bonnie & James Summers
Barbara Newhouse
Wayne & Gayle Huston
Stephan & Donna Slinde
Ernie Thieding
Todd & Carol Naze
Heleen Hayden
Joseph & Angela Schwartz
Michael Heresman & Holly
Voelker
B.J. Voelker
Mary Jane Smith
Paul & Patti Bartosch
Kevin Stratton
Mary E. Smith
In Memory of Jake Damm Friends of Yahara House
In Memory of Valerie Cuccia
Athur & Amy Keleny
In Memory of David Zaleski
Fred Gants
John Blasi
Martin Preizler
Marla McCrary
James Heineke
Eve Fortenbery
Mary Ann Doll
In Memory of Mark Hellenbrand Hellenbrand Septic Service
Gifts to NAMI Dane County in 2024 had a direct impact on our community, and helped us improve the lives of people affected by mental illness.
We Educate.
Our education classes ensure that we are bringing awareness and resources to those living with and affected by mental illness.
We Advocate. We build support for public policies to increase funding, improve access to services, and support recovery programs for people living with a mental illness.
We Support. Our peer and family support groups are offered at no cost to participants and provide access to mental health support and resources.
Please find our membership/donation form on the back page.
❍ Yes, I’d like to join or renew my membership with NAMI Dane County: ❍ $5 Open Door (low-income) ❍ $40 Individual ❍ $60 Household (includes all people in a single household) ❍ Yes, I want to support NAMI Dane County with the following gift: ❍ $250 ❍ $100 ❍ $50 ❍ $25 ❍ Other $ _____________
Name
(If purchasing a household membership, please write the names of all individuals in your household) Address _________________________________________________________________________________________________
Is your donation being made in memory or in honor of someone special? If so, complete information below: In memory of: ___________________________________________________________________________________________ In honor of: _____________________________________________________________________________________________
Notification of my honorarium or memorial gift should be sent to (name and address): Donors may be publicly acknowledged. ❍ Please check box if you prefer to remain
