NAMI Mission and History

NAMI, The National Alliance on Mental Illness, is a grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of persons and their families affected by mental illness through support, education, advocacy, and research.

NAMI CCNS is a grass roots organization and an affiliate of the NAMI National organization. Our affiliate was started in the early 1990’s by a group of family members who were all dealing with the challenges of loved ones with mental illness. They offered a Family-to-Family class and that was the beginning of our affiliate, which now serves over 17 communities in our catchment area.

We now offer free of charge not only Family-to-Family but also a variety of support groups, webinars, and programs. People who have taken our classes and attended our support groups constantly comment about their positive experiences and how NAMI has helped them put their lives back together again.

In 2007 after a successful gala, we were able to open our first office in Northfield and hire an Executive Director and staff. In 2014 we moved our office to the Turning Point building in Skokie, where we serve hundreds of families dealing with mental illness. As an organization, we use a collaborative model, using each other’s strengths to find ways to fulfill our mission every day.

NAMI CCNS as a  local NAMI Chapter we adhere to the Non-Discrimination Policy of NAMI National

Check out this video about our most recent programs

Upcoming | Events, Classes & Support Groups

Calendar

ONLINE

Spring 2026 Peer-to-Peer

Date Mar 31, 2026 Time 11:00 pm - 1:00 am

Spring 2026 Peer-to-Peer

About the Class NAMI Peer-to-Peer is a safe, confidential space. Experience compassion and understanding from…

Read Full Program Arrow

ONLINE

Spring 2026 Family-to-Family

Date Mar 31, 2026 Time 11:00 pm - 1:30 am

Spring 2026 Family-to-Family

The NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program is a FREE 9-week course for families and close friends…

Read Full Program Arrow

in person

Veterans Support Group | In-Person Tuesdays 6:30-7:30PM

Date Mar 31, 2026 Time 12:30 am - 1:30 am

Veterans Support Group | In-Person Tuesdays 6:30-7:30PM

About the Support Group This veteran’s support group is for all service members that have…

Read Full Program Arrow

ONLINE

NAMI Balance for Success | ONLINE (Tuesdays @ 7PM)

Date Mar 31, 2026 Time 1:00 am - 2:30 am

NAMI Balance for Success | ONLINE (Tuesdays @ 7PM)

About the Support Group This support group is designed to balance recovery from a mental…

Read Full Program Arrow

Volunteer

Many ways to stomp out the stigma!

Subscribe to Our Newsletter