WHO WE ARE

Mission

The mission of NAMI Massachusetts is to improve the quality of life both for people with mental illnesses and for their families.

Vision

We seek to extend the education, support, and advocacy programs of NAMI Massachusetts so that we will reach out to all Massachusetts consumers and their families; improve the public’s awareness and understanding of mental illnesses; and advocate at all levels to ensure that all persons affected by mental illnesses receive, in a timely fashion, the services that they need and deserve.

Values

Central to NAMI Massachusetts is a commitment to programs that are both peer/consumer-driven and family-driven; to the key concepts of recovery, resiliency, and support that are essential to wellness and quality of life; and to full and meaningful lives for all persons. Our supporters include individuals, families, local foundations, corporations, churches and professionals. We also receive support from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. We are indebted to all of our supporters who demonstrate concern and support for our work on behalf of all people affected by mental illness.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Massachusetts (NAMI Mass) is a nonprofit grassroots education, support and advocacy organization. Founded in 1982 and obtaining 501(c) (3) status in 1999, the state’s voice on mental illness, NAMI Mass, with 21 local affiliates and over 2,500 members is comprised of individuals with mental illness, family members and others in the mental health community.

The affiliates are located throughout the Commonwealth. NAMI Greater Boston CAN (Consumer Advocacy/Affiliate Network) is an independent advocacy affiliate that is instrumental in creating empowerment opportunities for individuals with mental illness in the Greater Boston area. NAMI Latino Metro Boston is a Spanish speaking affiliate.

Our free educational programs offer resources, insights, coping skills, and genuine support for families and those in recovery. Our volunteers who run our educational offerings strive to better equip the class participants with the knowledge they need to navigate the mental health system

All of our programs are taught by peers; people who have lived the journey and can relate on a personal level to those seeking knowledge and comfort. These volunteers are trained by NAMI Mass according to the best practices instituted by NAMI National. The highest standards are maintained by this practice and are governed by the oversight of each program’s Steering Committee and the Education Committee.

Even though one in four families experience some form of brain disorder, there are few educational sources that explain the treatment and recovery process. The lack of knowledge about brain disorders in the medical profession and the public is immense. Through peer courses, frequent electronic and print newsletters, NAMI web sites across the Commonwealth, and a close working relationship with many collaborative coalitions, we are able to educate our members and the public. Support for these activities comes from our donors. NAMI has been leading the way to fill the many gaps by acting as an educator and communicator of information.