NAMI-NYC helps families and individuals affected by mental illness build better lives through education, support, and advocacy. *Education* NAMI’s guiding principle is “families helping families.” Towards that end, we offer free classes throughout the year, for family and friends, and individuals living with mental illness. *Support* We provide nearly 30 ongoing support groups for people living with mental illness and for their family members. Groups are facilitated by trained peer volunteers. *Advocacy* We work closely with NAMI national and NAMI-New York State to advocate for improved services for: people with mental illness and their families; health insurance parity; the allocation of more resources for research into neurobiological disorders; and comprehensive, accessible treatment options. Our staff and volunteers: provide professional testimony; sit on task forces, boards and commissions; and collaborate with other advocacy organizations. Annual awareness and fundraising events include our fall Seeds of Hope gala and NAMIWalks NYC.
