NAMI Colorado :: EDUCATION

  EDUCATION

The Family-to-Family Program/Colorado Visions Program/

Support Group Training/NAMI Connections/ Wellness Recovery Action Plan/

Caminantes de Colorado (en espanol)/Caminantes de Colorado (english)


PROGRAMS OFFERED FREE OF CHARGE:

 
 

The Family-to-Family Education Program

 

About the Family-to-Family Education Program

The “Family-To-Family” education course was designed and written by Joyce Burland, an experienced family-member who is also a mental health professional, and to date, over 115,000 family members in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico have completed this course.  The “Family-To-Family” course is FREE and offered as a community service to Colorado family members and caregivers of persons living with mental illness. Trained, volunteer family members in teams of two, facilitate these classes.  (See information below if you are interested in teaching Family-to-Family)

    The “Family-To-Family” Education Program consists of a series of twelve weekly classes designed specifically for the families and caregivers of persons with serious and persistent brain disorders (mental illnesses).  The course balances education and skill training with self-care, emotional support, and empowerment.  THERE IS NO COST to participate in the “Family-To-Family” Education Program.     

    

Important Components Covered in the Family-to-Family Course

  1.  Information on the following mental disorders: Schizophrenia, Schizo-affective Disorder,  

         Major Depression, Bipolar Illness (Manic-depressive disorder), Borderline Personality  

         Disorder, Panic Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Co-Curring Brain

         Disorders (mental illness with combined substance abuse).

  2.  Biology of the brain/new research

  3.  Coping skills; handling crisis and relapse. 

  4.  Listening and communication techniques.

  5.  Problem solving and limit setting; rehabilitation.

  6.  Empathy:  understanding the actual experience of people suffering from mental illness.

  7.  Self-care; learning how to recognize normal emotional reactions among families; how to deal

       with chronic worry and stress.

  8.  Basic information about medications and their side effects

  9.  Information about connecting with appropriate community services and community supports.

10.  Advocacy:  Getting better services, fighting discrimination.

 

The following are direct quotes from family members after completing the 12-week Family-to-Family Education Course:

  • “It was comforting to share with other families and individuals regarding their experiences with 

              mental illness.  I would highly recommend it to anyone dealing with mental illness.”

  • “How did I not know about this course before?  Would that all people could take it!  I think I have come a long way toward acceptance of my daughter’s illness, realizing there’s no “one answer”  to the problems she presents and feeling generally more comfortable compassionate and confident in dealing with her.  I “beat up” on myself much less when I find myself ineffective.”
  • “I have benefited greatly from this class.  I am now able to be with my son and not be angry!  I

              now look beyond his illness to the person beneath.  I am also learning to let go.”

See more quotes.....Click here

Designated a best practice by the National Institute of Mental Health, classes in NAMI Colorado's Family-to-Family program are developed and scheduled by our Director of Education Programs, Cheri Bishop who also conducts teacher trainings and mentors our Family-to-Family volunteer teachers.


 

Family-to-Family Teacher Trainings

To register or for more information on how you can become a volunteer Family-to-Family teacher, please click on the links below or contact Cheri Bishop by email at cbishopnami@aol.com or by calling 303-518-1289 or 303-321-3104.

About the Family-to-Family Teacher Training

Family-to-Family Teacher Training Registration form

NEW*** See Past Family-to-Family Teacher Training Photos

 

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Colorado Visions Education Program for Parents and Caregivers of Children and Adolescents with Brain Disorders

Click on the links below to register for a Colorado Visions class, or to view a

listing of the current class schedules and locations.

 

Register for a Colorado Visions Class

View Colorado Visions class schedules and locations

You may also contact Tammy Snow, the Colorado Visions Program Coordinator, by email at tsnow@nami.org, or by phone at 303-321-3104 (NAMI Colorado office). 

 

About the Colorado Visions Education Program

Since February 2001, NAMI Colorado has offered an education program to parents and caregivers of children and adolescents with mental illness and/or serious emotional disorders collectively described as "brain disorders". The Colorado Visions program provides five weeks of education and support to these family members and caregivers.

The Colorado Visions program curriculum covers brain biology, brain disorders, coping and self-care techniques, de-escalation and communication skills, problem solving, and also includes strategies and information on dealing with the schools and juvenile justice systems. Caregivers may be parents, extended family, or foster parents. Teachers of this program are trained family members who have experienced firsthand the rewards and the challenges of raising children with brain disorders.

The comments from previous students include testimonials such as: "Visions... is a must-do for those families who face the day-to-day challenges of taking care of their children/adolescents with brain disorders. I am impressed with the curriculum, teachers, and the amount of knowledge I am getting.  I can't wait for each workshop!"

Classes for the Colorado Visions program are scheduled by our Colorado Visions Program Coordinator, Tammy Snow.  Tammy can be contacted by email at tsnow@nami.org, or by phone at 303-321-3104 (NAMI Colorado office). 


Colorado Visions Teacher Training

To register or to learn how you can become a volunteer Colorado Visions teacher, please click on the links below or contact the Colorado Visions Program Coordinator, Tammy Snow, by email at tsnow@nami.org, or by phone at 303-321-3104 (NAMI Colorado office).   

About Colorado Visions Teacher Training

Colorado Visions Teacher Training Registration

 

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Caminantes de Colorado

Camino a la recuperación Nami de Colorado continua actualizando su misión de apoyar , educar y proteger los derechos de todas nuestras familias que han sido afectadas al tener un ser querido diagnosticado con una enfermedad mental. Reconocemos y respetamos la diversidad de nuestras familias y es por esta razón que hemos establecido un programa educativo que ha sido desarrollado tomando en consideración los valores culturales de nuestras familias latinas .

Este programa educativo es similar a otros programas establecidos por Nami de Colorado tales como "Familia para familia" y " Visiones de Colorado " . Este programa educativo es diferente porque toma en consideración la influencia de los valores culturales , idioma y necesidades especiales de nuestras familias latinas en el estado de Colorado.

Caminantes de Colorado es enseñado en español y el contenido de las clases han sido condensado de manera que en solo 5 semanas nuestras familias logran obtener una base sólida de los conceptos fundamentales sobre los desordenes mentales , tratamiento y servicios ofrecidos en el estado de Colorado. Estas clases son gratis y estan disponibles ahora.

Para información sobre horario y lugares de clases llamé a Catherine Benavidez Clayton - Directora de Servicios Multiculturales , Nami de Colorado al teléfono 303-403-0515 o 303-321-3104 .

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Caminantes de Colorado on the Way to Recovery

NAMI Colorado continues to lead our families impacted by mental illness on the road to recovery through advocacy, education, and support. In keeping with this goal, and leaving no families behind, we are offering a newly developed educational program specially designed to meet the cultural and linguistic needs of our Latino families in Colorado.

Caminantes de Colorado is similar in content to other educational programs already being offered by NAMI Colorado, such as Family-to-Family and Colorado Visions. However, this educational program is unique in its content and delivery. Caminantes de Colorado is in Spanish with great attention being placed on the influence of cultural values and special needs of the Latino families residing in Colorado.

The content of this educational program has been condensed into 5 weeks to meet the time restrictions of these families. Families completing this program leave with solid knowledge of mental disorders, treatment, and services offered in the state of Colorado.

NAMI Colorado's former Director of Multicultural Services, Luisa Ines Lumbano, directed a team of mental health professionals and cultural informants in the development of this very special program. The first developmental phase of this project was funded by the Nord Foundation. Funds for the completion, implementation and expansion of Caminantes de Colorado are being provided by the Caring for Colorado Foundation and AstraZeneca.  NAMI Colorado's current Director of MultiCultural Services is Catherine Benavidez Clayton.

For more information about this program, class schedules, and locations, you can contact Catherine Benavidez Clayton by email at cclayrn@msn.com, or call 303-403-0515 or 303-321-3104.

 Register Your Interest in Upcoming Caminantes Classes


Caminantes De Colorado

Education Classes

 

NAMI Colorado is offering a  5 week course which is designed to help members of the Latino community recognize mental health issues and learn why, when and where to get treatment. It is important to be a well informed consumer. Classes will be conducted in English/Spanish.

Place

Our Lady Mother of the Church

6690 E. 72nd Ave

Commerce City, Co 80022

7 – 9 pm

Salon Chico/small classroom.

Topics Covered

  • Let’s talk about mental health issues, and identify some of the major conditions.
  • What is depression and types? Que es el depresio n y que son los                                 tipos de depresio n?
  • Facts about Anxiety – Trastornos de ansiedad.
  • What is Schizophrenia? Que es la esquizofrenia? How is it treated?                                 Co mo se trata?
  • How do you discuss your condition with your therapists or counselor. What resources are available to help someone deal with mental health issues?

          Tome la oportunidad de estar presente en estas clases y aprender de los servicios y  

           tratamientos que esixten para ayudar a los suyos.

                

Cost:  No fee/ gratis

For information please call: Catherine Benavidez Clayton MS,RN,NP

                                Multicultural Programs – Servicios Multiculturales

                                                    303-321-3184

                                                    303-810-5069

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Support Group Facilitator Training

Support Group Training for support group leaders is now offered in Colorado. NAMI Colorado plans to offer this training at different locations throughout the state. Cheri Bishop, our Director of Education Programs arranges for these trainings on an as needed basis. You can contact her by email at cbishopnami@aol.com or by calling 303-518-1289 or 303-321-3104.

 Register Interest in Support Group Training

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Join NAMI - $35 for membership in national, state & local levels


NAMI CONNECTION RECOVERY

SUPPORT GROUPS

NAMI Connection is a recovery support group program for adults living with mental illness that is expanding in communities throughout the country. These groups provide a place that offers respect, understanding, encouragement, and hope. NAMI Connection groups offer a casual and relaxed approach to sharing the challenges and successes of coping with mental illness. All groups are confidential - participants can share as much or as little personal information as they wish.

Click here to learn more about NAMI Connections

Click here to view NAMI Connection meeting locations


VIEW COLORADO'S MENTAL HEALTH STATISTICS!

Colorado Mental Health Statistics


“Research at The University of Colorado Denver Needs Pregnant Women Volunteers”

Study looking at the effects of Choline  on fetal brain development in pregnant women with a mental illness”

Click here for details


NIMH Study Needs Volunteers!

Schizophrenia: Can Cognitive Function be Enhanced? 

Volunteers are needed to participate in a trial study conducted by the National Insitute of Mental Health (NIMH).

NIMH is conducting inpatient research trials using FDA- approved medications known to influence the cognitive functions of the brain for disorders other than schizophrenia. Click here for details


NAMI Store

Please take time to visit our NAMI Colorado Store.  We are offering several NAMI Colorado branded items at reasonable prices.  Members are eligible for a 10% discount.


   View Our Photo Gallery


 

This handsome 12 x 12" wall-hang calendar which provides inspired artwork and messages of hope and recovery was designed by Drew Anneberg for The Carson J Spencer Foundation. The calendar features photography and art works by such well known Colorado artists as John Fielder, Jon Sheppard, Tona Ortega and others. 

  

For an order form (each calendar is just $12 plus shipping) click here.

To order online (using a credit card) click here.


A New Research Study on Sleep Habits of Children Needs Your Help!

A research team at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston in the Division of Pediatric Neurology, led by Dr. Richard Frye, is conducting a new research study on the sleep habits of children, with or without mental illness.

The study is in online survey format for maximum convenience and anonymity, and measures have been taken to ensure theprivacy and security of survey takers. In it, we ask questions about the child's sleep habits and previous medical history.

Click here to take our survey

View letter to parents

View sleep Survey Protocol


The new "Ticket to Work" regulations have been published and will go into effect on July 21, 2008. 

Click here for more information 


 

Help Change a Life!!

"Colorado Bands Together for Hope" CD

A compilation of Colorado Artists who have offered their talents in a combined effort to help transform the lives of the forgotten, the mentally and physically ill, the lonely, the unloved, and the people in pain. NAMI Colorado is a beneficiary organization for a portion of the proceeds from the CD sales !!!  100% of the proceeds go to charity  

Click here for more details or to buy ($15) 

Sponsored by Home Health Care Professionals


 



 

Copyright 2004 NAMI Colorado