NAMI Black Hawk County

02/11/2026

Panic attacks can be scary.

They come on fast.
Your heart races.
Your chest tightens.
Your thoughts get loud.

And even when you know what’s happening, it can still feel overwhelming.

But here’s the truth:
They pass.
You are not in danger.
Your body is reacting, not failing.

Cold water or ice.
Slow, steady breathing.
Grounding your senses.
Finding a safe space.

If you’ve ever had one, you’re not weak, you’re human and you’re stronger than the moment.

01/25/2026

12/22/2025

Welcome to our January-February 2025 Newsletter

**Note - our office will close at noon on Tuesday, January 23 and will re-open on Monday, January 5, 2026. If you are in mental health crisis, please call 988**

12/16/2025

Thank you to Midwest One Bank For the generous donation to NAMI Black Hawk County from their Dollars for Denim Days!

12/11/2025

Thank you to everyone who was able to join us for our Holiday Party! And a big shout out to Chef Jami Petersen Dare from Wartburg College - the food we were able to share was absolutely amazing!

We enjoyed being able to celebrate the season and to hear how much NAMI Black Hawk County has grown our reach in 2025 - we were able to help 30% more people this year! Every person has their own battle to fight, and NAMI Black Hawk County is proud to be able to offer assistance in times of need.

Please reach out to us or check us out at www.namibh.org for more information on what we do.

And theres still time for that year end gift! You can send us a check to:

NAMI Black Hawk County
1825 Logan Avenue
Waterloo, IA 50703

Or our venmo is

Thank you for helping us to help more people in our community.

12/02/2025

TODAY IS GIVING TUESDAY! — a day to come together and support the non-profits that serve our community. Our current printer/copier is in need of replacement, and the cost will be around $1,000. This essential equipment helps us carry out our daily work, and your support would make a meaningful difference.

Donations can be made via our website at namibh.org, Venmo , or by mailing a check to:
1825 Logan Avenue, Waterloo, IA 50703.

If you’d like more information, please contact Chad at 319-235-5263 or namibh@qwestoffice.net
Thank you for helping us continue our mission!

11/25/2025

December 2nd is Giving Tuesday — a day to come together and support the non-profits that serve our community. Our current printer/copier is in need of replacement, and the cost will be around $1,000. This essential equipment helps us carry out our daily work, and your support would make a meaningful difference.

Donations can be made via our website at namibh.org, Venmo , or by mailing a check to:
1825 Logan Avenue, Waterloo, IA 50703.

If you’d like more information, please contact Chad at 319-235-5263 or namibh@qwestoffice.net
Thank you for helping us continue our mission!

11/05/2025

Please join us for our upcoming educational opportunity!

Tuesday, November 11th
First Congregational Church, 608 W 4th Street, Waterloo, 7-8:00 pm

Building a Recipe for Mental Health

As we enter Thanksgiving season, we are busy gathering our recipes and supplies to make Thanksgiving special. There are key "ingredients" we need in varying proportions, and we will follow our recipe to get the best Thanksgiving outcome. Good outcomes for our wellness and mental health also rely on key ingredients in varying proportions.

Learn more about building your individualized recipe for a good outcome with your mental health.

Jennifer Schneiderman, LISW, is the Team Lead for the Allen Employee Assistance Program and provides therapy services for the Allen Counseling Center. Jennifer has been a therapist for 29 years and has served in various leadership roles at the Waverly Health Center, the University of Northern Iowa, and Unity Point.

Please mark your calendars and join us!

10/30/2025

Hot off the press is our November/December 2025 Newsletter!

10/22/2025

Upcoming Event! Join us on Tuesday, October 28

Alicia Jefferson is a local author and licensed mental health counselor at her practice, In Touch Behavioral Services, holding a master’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa in Nonprofit Development as well as a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health from Walden University. Ms. Jefferson has been in the helping field for ten years. Ms. Jefferson is empowered to serve not only through academic and professional skills, but also her personal experience. As a former child of incarcerated parents and a survivor of addiction and domestic abuse, she has a heart to help and encourage folk from all walks of life which is reflected in her self-published books and her person-centered approach to counseling.

09/10/2025

Today is World Su***de Prevention Day! It's OK to not be OK - we are here to help!