We are an affiliate of NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and of NAMI New Jersey.
“We don’t do therapy. We do understanding.” -- Linda McGrath
"Before taking the Family-to-Family course, it seemed that no one understood the relentless burden of mental illness, but in Family-to-Family, everyone knew exactly what we were experiencing."
-- Tom Pyle
"A long, tough journey is easier when others who have traveled the path before share the trip with you."
-- Chomy Garces
“Family-to-Family teaches a new way of being. Blame and shame are taken away. We teach people to rely on each other by building a sense of community.” -- Michelle Zechner
Family–to-Family is a free 12-week course for family caregivers of adults with severe mental illnesses.
The class was developed about 20 years ago by NAMI National and has been taught to thousands of people across the US.
Kimme Carlos, one of our volunteer instructors, speaking of her experience and why she participates in NAMI's programs:
The course provides an overview of the clinical treatment of these illnesses and teaches the knowledge and skills that family members need to cope more effectively. Classes are taught by trained family members who have experienced mental illness in their own families and are able to provide empathic leadership.
Gain insight into how mental illness affects your relative.
Take an eye-opening look inside some of today’s current brain research related to mental illness.
Learn how you can become an advocate for better treatment for your relative.
Learn about medication issues and the latest treatment options.
Learn to cope with worry and stress and to take care of yourself.
NAMI Mercer offers Family-to-Family in the spring and the fall at the NAMI Mercer Center and at other locations in the county.
New classes will be offered in September.
The course is free, but registration is required. Call us at 609-799-8994 for more information.
Our Education Programs
NAMI Mercer offers several free education programs for consumers, family members, and the general public. Peer education classes draw on the actual experience of mental health consumers and family members who have learned to live well with their illnesses and have been extensively trained to help others. NAMI Mercer also hosts presentations by mental health professionals and other experts.
We are committed to providing persons with mental illness and their families vital information and excellent educational experiences to improve their quality of life and promote wellness. Classes also provide excellent opportunities for networking.
The course provides an overview of the clinical treatment of these illnesses and teaches the knowledge and skills that family members need to cope more effectively. Classes are taught by trained family members who have experienced mental illness in their own families and are able to provide empathic leadership.