National Alliance on Mental Illness Wood County is a self-help organization offering free events, educational classes, support groups, and other programs that address mental health for the Wood County community. NAMI Wood County has a variety of programming throughout the year.
NAMI Wood County is launching its fall season with multiple community-building events that serve as the official kickoff to AfterBurn, the organization’s annual fall fundraiser honoring Mental Illness Awareness Week.
The summer beef raffle directly supports NAMI Wood County’s free programs and support groups. NAMI Wood County is raffling off one beef bundle and one $50 gift certificate this summer. Professionally processed by Belleville Brothers Meat and ready for the table. Tickets are $5 each or $20 for 7 tickets. The drawing will take place on Friday, Sept. 4, at noon, on Facebook live. Proceeds will help fuel the activities portion featured during AfterBurn. Visit https://namiwoodcounty.org/afterburn/ to purchase your tickets.
Following the raffle, “Cookies & Crafts: Celebrating Recovery” will be hosted on Tuesday, Sept. 15, from 4 – 6 p.m. Attendees will participate in a guided painting using relaxation techniques, hear a personal recovery story, and enjoy delicious treats and light refreshements. Participants may choose to showcase their artwork at AfterBurn. There is no cost to attend, and donations are appreciated to support ongoing community programming. Visit https://namiwoodcounty.org/cookies-and-canvas/ to register.
Later that week, in partnership with NAMI affiliates across the region, the Northwest Ohio NAMI Regional Wellness Symposium will be Friday, Sept. 18, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. This event will focus on building skills, compassion, and cultural awareness for anyone working in mental health or community support. Continuing Education Units will be provided for counselors, social workers, and marriage and family therapists. The cost to attend is $25 per person with lunch included. To register, visit https://namiwoodcounty.org/mhcs/.
If anyone is interested in helping to prepare for the AfterBurn event, they are encouraged to sign-up for NAMI Wood County’s Chip-In Day on Tuesday, Sept. 29, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the NAMI Wood County office. Volunteers will assist in event preparation including but not limited to: stuffing participant resource bags, preparing activity materials, inventorying items, and more. To register for Chip-In Day or to learn more about volunteering with NAMI Wood County, visit https://namiwoodcounty.org/volunteer-with-nami-wood-county/.
Finally, AfterBurn will be on Friday, Oct. 2, from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Wood County Fairgrounds in Bowling Green. As the organization’s largest annual event, AfterBurn is a family-friendly event that includes trunk-or-treat, kids activities, and a chili cook-off. As a new addition, AfterBurn will also include homemade crafts and goods, created and donated by community members who believe in hope and healing. The event will conclude with a Celebration of Recovery, including stories of recovery and inspirational messages by NAMI staff and volunteers. AfterBurn is free to attend, and the first 50 registered will receive a free raffle ticket. Visit https://namiwoodcounty.org/afterburn/ to register.
For questions, please e-mail info@namiwoodcounty.org or call 419-352-0626.
