NAMI BUTLER COUNTY

READ MORE ABOUT LIFESPAN'S GUARDIANSHIP AND REPRESENTATIVE PAYEE PROGRAMS

NAMIWALKS 2009 SET FOR OCTOBER 10

The 4th Annual NAMI Butler County “Walks for the Mind of America” is upon us. Last year’s Walk was a rousing success with over 32 teams, 300 walkers, 16 sponsors and 32,000 dollars earned. To all of you who contributed your very valuable time and money, NAMI of Butler County thanks you.

The NAMI of Butler County “Walks for the Mind of America” is the single largest event in our community to increase public awareness of mental health issues. Each one of you who donated funds, your time to captain a team, be a walker, talk to local businesses, professionals, friends, family and neighbors, or help on walk day served to increase awareness of mental health issues and fight stigma here in Butler County.

In addition, the money earned for NAMI of Butler County is being put to good use to educate, support, and advocate for families, friends and employers impacted by mental health issues and the individuals who struggle with mental health disorders in our community. Because 90% of the funds we earn stay in Butler County, we have been able to add a part time staff person, increase our education classes and outreach in the community, and increase our involvement in advocacy efforts to reduce the negative impact of state budget cuts to mental health programs. We have also added a support group for graduates of our Family to Family program and a Book Club that provides a fun and interesting way to increase participants’ understanding of mental health topics.

Because the venue last year was beautiful and perfect for our needs, this year’s “Walk for the Mind of America” is again being held at the Fitton Center for Creative Arts.

So please set aside October 10th and consider becoming a team captain and recruiting walkers and supporters. Our kick-off luncheon on August 27th will be at the Miami University Hamilton Campus and we hope to see you all there.

To sign up in any capacity, go to the NAMI National Website: www.nami.org.

LIFESPAN GUARDIANSHIP PROGRAM

Many of Butler and Warren Counties’ most vulnerable elderly, mentally ill and mentally disabled residents have experienced improved lives thanks to the advocacy of the court appointed guardians from LifeSpan. The Guardianship program has brought stability, safety and companionship to hundreds of area residents since its inception in 1996. LifeSpan was the first organization to offer a guardianship program in Butler County and remains the only one serving both the elderly and those with mental illness or disability.

LifeSpan guardians include both staff members and trained volunteers. They are appointed by the Probate Court to make decisions for their wards relating to health care, living arrangements or safety issues. Wards are individuals who have no immediate family able or willing to help them or they have mental limitations that impair their ability to make competent decisions. They typically live in nursing homes, group homes and in other supported living environments. Many times the guardian may be the only person who visits outside of medical professionals or caregivers.

LifeSpan is always in need of compassionate volunteer guardians as each year the Guardianship program sees an increase in referrals. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, undergo fingerprinting, a police background check, and attend orientation and ongoing training.

REPRESENTATIVE PAYEE PROGRAM

In addition, many mentally ill or disabled residents of Butler and Warren counties rely on Social Security for their monthly income. When their illness or disability interferes with their ability to manage their money, instability or homelessness can result. LifeSpan’s Representative Payee program provides bill payment services for these individuals ensuring their bills are paid on time which keeps their rent current, their utilities on and their lives stable.

Program steps:

• Clients are referred after Social Security, mental health agencies or other organizations recognize they are incapable of managing their money.
• A medical professional confirms the situation and recommends a payee.
  LifeSpan is appointed as the payee.
• The client’s government check is deposited into an account at LifeSpan.
• LifeSpan staff pays the client’s bills and provides weekly funds for groceries and miscellaneous spending.

If you have any questions, please contact LifeSpan at 513-868-3210 or visit our website at www.lifespanohio.org.
 

A NAMI Connection support group meets the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month , 7-8:30 PM, at the Lindner Center of Hope, 4075 Old Western Row Rd., Mason. (Between I-71 and Mason-Montgomery Rd.)

NAMI Connection is a recovery support group program for people living with mental illnesses like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety disorders and other serious mental illnesses. This group will give you a chance to talk with others to share coping strategies and insights, as well as problems and concerns.  This group will be facilitated by trained peer facilitators.

Follow this link to learn more about NAMI Connection.

Educational Programs Now Forming

New multi-week Family-to-Family and Hand-to-Hand classes are forming for the fall. Follow this link to learn more about our family education programs.

Family-to-Family Schedule

Hand-to-Hand Schedule

For information about our educational programs, call 513-860-8387 or follow this link to contact us.