NAMI Central Iowa

04/25/2026

Today our two dedicated board members, Jeff & Nick are joining ISU and their Out of the Darkness walk!

04/20/2026

Today is volunteer recognition day. We wanted to take the time today to celebrate all of our volunteers. Our volunteer board and volunteer team members give endless hours of support, time, encouragement and expertise. They do so much behind the scenes work. You are the heartbeat of our community and we truly appreciate you and your gift of time to this organization. 💛

04/17/2026

Our dedicated team members headed up to Hardin County today to attend the Career and College Expo at South Hardin Highschool. Our President & CEO spoke to students about mental health and what it’s like to be a leader and some of the challenges that leaders can face in their careers and how they manage those.
In addition our Program Coordinator got to talk directly to educators and students while sharing resources to support their mental health care.
We thank the South Hardin Highschool for having us.
If you are interested in have us come to your school and present to faculty members or students, you can contact us at 515-292-9400 or email jhall@namicentraliowa.org

04/17/2026

https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/August-2022/Understanding-Bipolar-Disorder

04/17/2026

This week our team made new connections and shared many personal stories and experiences at the IFDA Conference. One of our favorite moments were watching the buttons made by our late Peer, Richard Deyo leave our booth,those walking away with their buttons and taking a little of Richard and his story with them. 💛

04/17/2026

We are so proud of our President and CEO. Breaking down barriers and creating new opportunities and relationships to better serve central Iowans.

📢IFDA Speaker Spotlight📢

Roxanne Petersen is a compassionate advocate dedicated to serving individuals affected by brain health conditions and supporting their families. A lifelong Iowan, Roxanne proudly calls Iowa home and currently resides in Ankeny. Roxanne currently leads NAMI Central Iowa as the President and CEO that is based out of Ames.

She graduated from Buena Vista University and began her career in social work, building decades of experience in social services and substance use support. For nearly 26 years, Roxanne has worked within the mental health and co-occurring/ co-occurring/ dual diagnosis system, providing guidance and care to youth. Young adults, adults and families navigate complex challenges. Her professional background includes delivering Functional Family Therapy to individuals involved in the juvenile justice system and collaborating with the Department of Human Services. Throughout her career, she has taken on many roles, each reflecting her deep commitment to helping others.

After returning to Iowa from Denver, Colorado, Roxanne focused on completing her education, raising her family, and continuing to grow her career. She is a proud mother of four adult children and a grandmother to five cherished grandchildren.

Roxanne is the founder of ATLAS of Central Iowa, a social services ministry through which she has served youth, young adults, adults, and families across the Hardin County community. Her work is driven by a passion for helping others navigate difficult circumstances and bring awareness to the challenges many individuals and families face. She strongly believes in the power of education, particularly when it comes to mental health and supporting youth and families.

At the core of Roxanne’s work is her belief in the importance of human connection. She understands that everyone needs support at times and that meaningful relationships can make a critical difference during life’s most difficult moments. She has found great fulfillment in witnessing individuals overcome obstacles through compassion, support, and perseverance.

Through her work with NAMI Central Iowa, Roxanne is committed to connecting with and supporting those facing mental health challenges. She empowers individuals to share their stories, helping to reduce stigma and inspire others. Roxanne is especially passionate about being a voice for those who feel unheard and working to break down misconceptions surrounding mental illness.
Having faced her own life challenges, Roxanne brings empathy and authenticity to her work. She knows there are people who care and want to help—what’s often needed is a place for that connection to happen. At NAMI Central Iowa, she helps create opportunities for individuals to learn, engage, and support one another.

Roxanne believes that everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued. The individuals and families she serve’s wanting to contribute meaningfully to their communities and live fulfilling lives. She reminds others that while we all face struggles, those moments do not define our worth—in fact, for many, they mark the beginning of a new chapter.

Roxanne Petersen will be presenting Mental Health- Through the eyes of lived experience, at 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM today!

More spotlights to come! Click the link below to register today!🎉
https://iafda.org/2026-convention-registration/

04/14/2026

Reminder of our upcoming FREE haircuts! Third Thursday of each month! 10-2PM. We prefer scheduling an appointment but walk-in’s are welcome! 🤗 515-292-9400
Please like and share.

04/06/2026

We value our community partners. Please see a valuable resource ⬇️ below
Hardin County Families:
FREE Child Car seat Inspections.

04/03/2026

Our Administration office is closed tomorrow, Friday, April,3rd in observance of Good Friday. We wish everyone a safe and happy Easter 🐰.

04/01/2026

We want to give a huge THANK YOU to Ames Spectrum Paint and Ace Hardware for their generous paint donation to help us repaint our Wellness and Recovery Drop-In Center! 🎨

This fresh new look is more than just a coat of paint—it’s about creating a brighter, more welcoming space where healing, connection, and recovery can thrive. A refreshed environment can truly lift spirits, inspire hope, and make everyone who walks through our doors feel supported and at home.

We are so grateful for community partners like you who believe in the importance of wellness and recovery. Your support is helping us build a space that reflects positivity, growth, and new beginnings.

Thank you for helping us brighten not just our walls, but the lives of those we serve! 💙

03/31/2026

Call to action for one of NAMI Central Iowa’s Team members and her family.
Anglea has been a dedicated member of this team for over 5 years and she is in need of support right now. Her daughter has been admitted to the PICU and the family is in need of meal assistance.
We appreciate your support.

This Meal Train has been created by Angela Albers employer, NAMI Central Iowa. Angela and Scott Albers's daughter Lyric has been hospitalized due to Influenza B; this has led to other medical complications that has Lyric in PICU. Lyric is a 12-year-old young lady that has already faced several medic...