Family-to-Family

What is Family-to-Family?

Family-to-Family is a free 12-week educational course designed specifically for parents, siblings, spouses, teen-age and adult children and significant others of persons dealing with mental illnesses . . . taught by trained family members with the lived experience. Over 300,000 family members have graduated from this national program.

The 2-1/2 hour class meets for 12 consecutive weeks, and each week’s topic builds on the previous topics covered. Therefore, it is important that participants try to attend each class.

(If family members are in crisis and feel the need for support, we would encourage them to attend one of our Family Support Groups before taking the Family-to-Family educational course.)

 

What does the Family-to-Family course include?

 

1. Current information about schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder (manic depression), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder, PTSD, and co-occurring brain disorders and addictive disorders
2. Up-to-date information about medications, side effects, and strategies for medication adherence
3. Current research related to the biology of brain disorders and the evidence-based, most effective treatments to promote recovery
4. Gaining empathy by understanding the subjective, lived experience of a person with mental illness
5. Learning in special workshops for problem solving, listening, and communication techniques
6. Acquiring strategies for handling crises and relapse
7. Focusing on care for the caregiver: coping with worry, stress, and emotional overload
8. Guidance on locating appropriate supports and services within the community
9. Information on advocacy initiatives designed to improve and expand services

 

What people are saying about Family-to-Family!

Class Schedule (2012-2013) and locations:

 

NEW LOCATION!

Naperville/Lisle: Spring - Starting March 5 on Tuesdays; 7:00-9:30 p.m.

Location:    The Compass Church
1551 E. Hobson Rd.
Naperville, Illinois

Google Maps Location of Church

To Register for this class click on the link (Registration)

 

Wheaton: Winter - Starting February 13th 2013 on Wednesdays; 7:00-9:30 p.m.

Location: NAMI Office
2100 Manchester Road 
Building B, Suite 925
Wheaton, IL  60187
Mapquest directions to NAMI DuPage

To Register for this class click on the link (Registration)

 

Hinsdale: Spring - Starting April 4th 2013 on Thursdays; 7:00 - 9:30

Location:Hinsdale Hospital -- Lincoln Room (Level B-1)
120 N. Oak St. 
Hinsdale, IL 60521


Sponsored by Hinsdale Hospital

Mapquest Link to Hinsdale Hospital.
To Register for this class click on the link (Registration)

Naperville: Spring - Starting March 28th 2013 on Thursdays; 7:00-9:30pm

Location: Knox Presbyterian Church

1105 Catalpa Lane
Naperville, IL 60540
MapQuest directions to Knox Presbyterian Church

To Register for this class click on the link (Registration)

Downers Grove: TBD

Location:    Good Samaritan Hospital
North Pavilion, Cancer Care Conference Room
3815 Highland Avenue
Downers Grove, Illinois 60515
MapQuest directions to Good Samaritan Hospital

To Register for this class click on the link (Registration)

Class space is limited!  These classes fill quickly.  Call the NAMI DuPage office at (630) 752-0066, ext. 210 to register or you can register online-click on the link (Registration)

NAMI DuPage Family to Family flyer

More information on the Family to Family Education Program

 

 

 

What people are saying about the Family-to-Family course

“[The course] was a revelation. It was the most beneficial time I believe I have ever spent. . . . I began to understand what might be going on inside our son, not just what I was feeling. My anger finally gave way to compassion. I discovered ways to deal with stigma. . . . Take the Family-to-Family Course. It will change your lives.

- Frank Ryan

“The course was wonderful. As the daughter of a parent with mental illness, and as a psychiatrist, the Family-to-Family course is much more valuable than I could have ever imagined.”

- Margaret (Peg) Miller, M.D.

“Before Family-to-Family, we were afraid, overwhelmed, and ill-equipped to manage this crisis unfolding in our home, in spite of the fact that my husband is a physician and I am an RN.

[This course] has provided our family with information and strategies to cope with our son in our home and truly understand mental illness and all the facets encompassing living with, emotionally supporting, and advocating for our son.”

- DuPage County Mother and Father