Support, Education, Advocacy, and Awareness for Mental Health and Illness in Bonner and Boundary Counties, Idaho Upcoming EventsPrograms
october events
October 2023
Social Hour & Support Group
Social Hour & Support Group
Join the NAMI Far North Social Hour & Support Group this month to connect with the local community a...
What is NAMI?
NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.
MISSION
- To Provide Support, Education And Advocacy For People With Mental Illness, Family Members And Friends.
- To Provide A Network Of Support For Consumers, Family Members, And Friends In Times Of Crisis And On An On-Going Basis.
- To Elevate The Level Of Sensitivity And Knowledge Of Mental Illness Among Health Care Professionals, Law Enforcement Agencies And The Public.
- To Promote Better Quality Of Care For Consumers, To Promote The Rights And Interests Of Consumers; And To Advocate Policies At The Local, State, And National Levels To Accomplish These Objectives.
NAMI Far North is organized to serve those impacted by mental illness in Bonner and Boundary Counties of Idaho. Through advocacy, research, support and education, NAMI Far North is dedicated to improving the quality of life for persons living with serious mental illness and for their families and friends.
NAMI National started as a small group of families gathered around a kitchen table in 1979 and has blossomed into the nation’s leading voice on mental health. Today, we are an alliance of more than 600 local Affiliates and 48 State Organizations who work in your community to raise awareness and provide support and education that was not previously available to those in need.
NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health advocacy organization.
Your generous donation to NAMI Far North is tax-deductible and will go directly towards supporting local mental health programs, education, and advocacy efforts. With your help, we can offer free support groups and activities to those in need in our community and work towards breaking down the barriers of stigma surrounding mental illness. Thank you for your support!
To donate by check to NAMI Idaho, please mail donation to: NAMI Far North Idaho, P.O. Box 2415, Sandpoint, ID 83864
Helpful Links
Did You Know?
About Us
NAMI Far North was organized to serve those impacted by mental illness in Bonner and Boundary Counties of Idaho – the northernmost counties in the state. We are dedicated to improving the quality of life for persons living with mental illness and their families and friends.
A Brief History
NAMI Far North was organized in Sandpoint, Idaho in February 2007 by five individuals who believed a local affiliate was needed in this community. Our board members, all of whom are individuals whose lives have been affected by mental illness, are committed to maintaining a viable and active NAMI affiliate. We were asked by NAMI Idaho to serve both Bonner and Boundary counties.
We are an officially chartered NAMI affiliate that was incorporated as an Idaho Non-Profit Corporation on May 29, 2007 and received our charter at the NAMI National Convention in Seattle, June of 2012. Our Bylaws were approved by our members on August 15, 2007. We were granted our formal tax exempt status by the IRS under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code on December 19, 2007. And we re-affiliated in 2019.
NAMI Far North programs are an important means of providing support and education locally for persons living with mental interests and their families.
Strategic Plan
Read our strategic plan here:
NAMI FN Strategic Plan 2021.docx
Whether you are a current or prospective supporter, a community member, or a person affected by mental health conditions, reading the strategic plan can help you become more informed and engaged in NAMI Far North’s efforts to improve mental health awareness.
NAMI Far North Board of Directors:
- Dr. Dawn Mehra, President
- Victor Vosen, Secretary
- Catherine Perusse PHD, Treasurer
- Kim Kempton
- Jessica Rachels
- Patrick Rachels
- Dr. Nancy Schmidt
- Cindy Hall
- Steve Klatt
Board member highlight
Jessica Rachels, a devoted Christian, wife, and mother, is a passionate advocate for disability awareness. Residing in Sandpoint since 2003, she moved from Arkansas to the Northwest at 14 due to her parents’ divorce. Her love story began when she met her husband in Sun Valley, shortly after graduating from high school.
Married for 22 years, Jessica and her husband Patrick are parents to four children aged 20, 17, 16, and 12, along with a diverse range of pets including dogs, fish, a bearded dragon, chickens, and their beloved indoor/outdoor duck, Miss Daffy. These animals, they humorously jest, replace vacations, offering unwavering love and companionship.
With an impressive collection of 150 board games, Jessica revels in the joy of playing them in her spare time. She is a staunch advocate for mental health and disabilities, having a daughter with severe disabilities, and conquering her own mental health battles, specifically Bipolar disorder, which was misdiagnosed for years. Jessica’s fortitude led her to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), where she discovered an empathetic community that supported her journey to recovery.
For five years, Jessica has actively participated in NAMI FN, eventually joining its board. NAMI is her extended family, offering non-judgmental understanding and camaraderie among those affected by mental illness. Their motto, “We Will Never Give Up Hope,” encapsulates their unyielding spirit. Jessica cherishes the group’s monthly meetings, where great speakers, delightful snacks, and supportive sessions are provided at the VFW. Grateful for NAMI FN’s love and guidance, Jessica remains an unwavering advocate, demonstrating her commitment to mental health awareness and community support.
NAMI MEDIA
How Can I Help?
donate
There's a lot of uncertainty in the world right now, but one thing remains clear: people need access to mental health care and support. NAMI is here to ensure that no one is alone on their mental health journey.
Our mission is to educate and advocate for people with mental illness. And we would like your help. Here is our donation button if you would like to give so that we can continue our mission. It will take you to PayPal, and it's safe and secure. And they can process your credit or debit.
Or you can mail your check to:
NAMI Far North Idaho
P.O. Box 2415
Sandpoint, ID 83864
Join
Membership in NAMI Far North entitles you to membership in NAMI and NAMI Idaho. You will receive the NAMI "Advocate" and the NAMI Idaho Quarterly News.
Please provide your information below, then click submit to proceed to pay your annual dues:
- $5 for Open Door Membership
- $40 for Individual Membership
- $60 for Family Membership
Volunteer
By volunteering with NAMI Far North, you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness. Volunteers are needed in the following roles:
- NAMI Walks and Movie Night Events
- Support Group Greeter/Host
- Peer Family and Connection Support Leaders (stipends and paid training)
- Marketing/Social Media
If you are in crisis, call the Idaho Region 1 Crisis Line: 208-769-1406
