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Volunteer opportunities are available for set up, take down, and check out. If you would like to volunteer, please call the NAMI Fairbanks office.
907-456-4704.
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From the Executive Director
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Nenette Rogers
Hello Friends!
I am excited to see our students returning to school and watching as the season is changing once again! This is our first newsletter of 2023 and I am overwhelmed at all that is happening at NAMI Fairbanks.
The team is preparing a wonderful evening at our Annual Silent Auction Fundraiser on September 22nd. There is no admission cost and we hope you will make plans to attend. It will be a special evening!
This summer our Board of Directors worked tirelessly to update the NAMI Fairbanks 3-year Strategic Plan. A lot of thought and discussion went into the whole process. Something new that we included is the Youth and Young Adult Engagement Initiative. It includes engaging mental health awareness activities and resources to Middle & High School aged students, and to students at UAF. Be sure to read the article on NAMI Ending the Silence in this newsletter.
UAF and NAMI Fairbanks are co-launching a mental health awareness campaign called “Seize the Awkward”. More information will be available soon. Meanwhile, NAMI Fairbanks can be seen on campus at the Woods Center this Fall.
These life-changing mental health events could not happen without amazing and dedicated volunteers. Just this year so far, our incredible team has given over 1,600 hours of their time offering support for individuals and family members living with mental illness, helping to raise awareness, and receiving training to be able to share their stories and give presentations! They are number one heroes in my book!
How about you? Will you consider joining the cause for Mental Health in Fairbanks by becoming a volunteer? Learn about the opportunities available by clicking the button below.
Sincerely,
Nenette Rogers
Executive Director, NAMI Fairbanks
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Thanks For Making This Possible!
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NAMI Fairbanks has been the grateful recipient of a 3-year grant from Kinross/Fort Knox, Usibelli Coal Mine, and Pogo Mine that made it possible for us to hire an executive director in 2021. Their generous donations are testament to their unwavering commitment to supporting education, advocacy, and resources for people living with mental illness, and their families! This is an incredible investment in the future and health of the Fairbanks community. Thank you to all of the workers who have made this partnership possible!
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Kinross/Fort Knox
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Usibelli Coal Mine
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Pogo Mine
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Call for Volunteers for Youth Suicide Prevention
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NAMI Ending the Silence for Middle and High School Youth
NAMI Fairbanks is answering the call to address teen suicide among our youth. We plan to provide NAMI Ending the Silence presentations in our schools that will help destigmatize and bring awareness to mental health for middle and high school students, parents, and staff.
Alaska ranks #2 in the nation for suicides per capita. In ages 10-24, suicide is the second leading cause of death, according to the CDC. In 2021, 8,000 Alaskans aged 12-17 had depression. Of those, 63% did not receive any care.
Thanks to donations from the Fairbanks Wellness Coalition and the Fairbanks Golden Heart Rotary Club, NAMI Fairbanks will be able to train teams consisting of a parent and a young adult living with a mental health condition to deliver the presentations.
Your help is needed!
If you are interested in receiving training as a team presenter for NAMI Ending the Silence, please sign up to volunteer below.
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Show Your Support
While supplies last, purchase your hoodie online at the NAMI Fairbanks Store! Let’s End the Silence on youth mental health and suicide. Wear your hoodie to show that it’s okay to talk about it.
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Peer Support Group
In-person meetings are on the 3rd Thursdays, 6:00pm – 7:30pm at NAMI Fairbanks, 3504 Industrial Ave, Suite 102, Fairbanks, AK 99701.
NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group is a peer-led, mutual support group for any adult who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition.
All meetings are confidential.
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Family Support Group
In-person meetings are on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays, 6:00pm – 7:30pm at NAMI Fairbanks, 3504 Industrial Ave, Suite 102, Fairbanks, AK 99701.
NAMI Family Support group is ongoing support for families, friends, and caretakers of individuals living with mental illness. Participants share their experience and offer mutual encouragement in a confidential setting.
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Training is available. If you are interested in becoming a facilitator for either group, contact NAMI Fairbanks. 907-456-4704
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Can’t make it in person? Visit NAMIalaska.org/calendar to find online meetings. Join from your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
You will need to preregister using the buttons below, to begin receiving meeting notifications with the Zoom links to be able to join online. |
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NAMI Volunteers are the best!
Left: Legislative advocacy zoom meeting with Senator Scott Kawasaki. (Feb)
Right: The NAMI booth at the Women’s Affair (April)
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Celebrating 40 Years!
Left: NAMI Alaska presented a beautiful plaque to NAMI Fairbanks to commemorate 40 years of service to the Fairbanks community. (March)
17 Years of CIT Academy
Right: The graduating class of the Crisis Intervention Team Academy (April)
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NAMICON 2023
Left: NAMI Alaska delegation. Eight are from Fairbanks.
Right: Group photo with NAMI CEO Dan Gillison (May)
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Alaska Adventure LEOs North Pole
We are so grateful! The North Pole LEOs youth organization coordinated their first 5K fundraiser for mental health awareness, and donated the funds to NAMI Fairbanks. Some of our NAMI folks participated as well. (May)
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Fairbanks Golden Heart Rotary Club Golf Tournament
We are honored to receive this grant that will support our Youth Mental Health focus. This will help us be able to bring the NAMI Ending the Silence presentations to our local Middle and High Schools!
Not Pictured: We want to also thank the Fairbanks Wellness Coalition and Alyeska Pipeline for their generous donations supporting youth mental health. (August)
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When you join NAMI, you become part of the grassroots movement providing invaluable information and support to individuals affected by mental health conditions. You join thousands of volunteers and advocates across the country championing for quality, affordable, and accessible mental health care and recovery supports.
Annual Membership is a great way to support your local affiliate in Fairbanks. Your membership also supports NAMI Alaska, and the national NAMI organization.
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Create Your Free Account
- Subscribe to content of interest to you, such as NAMINow!
- Connect with others in our discussion groups.
- Manage your profile, preferences and subscriptions.
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Become a Member
- All the benefits of a free account, plus:
- Receive the NAMI Advocate magazine.
- Attend the National Convention at a discount rate.
- Online access to member-only content.
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Books and audio can be checked out from the NAMI Fairbanks Lending Library. Browse the books that are available at this link>> https://www.librarycat.org/lib/NAMI_Fairbanks
You can also search by topic or diagnosis. Books may be checked out and returned at the NAMI Fairbanks office at 3504 Industrial Ave, Suite 102 Fairbanks, AK 99701, Mon-Wed-Fri 11am-4pm.
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Save the Date!
You are invited to the Fourth Friday Silent Auction Fundraiser
September 22nd
5-8pm at the Civic Center in Pioneer Park!
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We wish to thank the following 2023 corporate donors who stand with NAMI Fairbanks to help build better lives for all who are living with mental illness in Fairbanks and the Interior:
Angel Donor: Foundation Health Partners
Educator Donor: Mt. McKinley Bank
Educator Donor: Quota International of Fairbanks
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Utility Services of Alaska
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Julia Scott Retirement Plans
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NAMI Fairbanks relies on financial support from our community to continue providing programs and training at no cost to participants. Will you consider making a donation today?
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