NAMI Vermont

01/19/2026

As we honor Martin Luther King Jr., we reflect on his legacy and wisdom. He was a leader who united people, fought for justice and equity, and inspired others to do the same.

At NAMI Vermont, we carry that message forward as we continue to advocate, educate, and support mental health for all.

Today, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

His words remind us that courage is revealed not in comfort, but in moments of challenge—when standing up for justice, dignity, and humanity matters most.

At NAMI, we carry that call forward by advocating for mental health care, equity, and compassion for all. 🕊️

01/16/2026

Thank you to everyone who donated to our Annual Appeal! Your continued support has allowed us to provide even more resources, educational programs, and support groups to Vermonters statewide in 2026. We're grateful to everyone for helping us Grow Unity in Community! NAMI Vermont gratefully accepts donations year-round. Every contribution you make will stay in Vermont. Make a difference today at: www.namivt.org/donate.

Here's what you can look forward to in the coming year:

- Don't miss our new Connection Support Group in Newport, starting on January 20! No registration is required. More details at www.namivt.org/csg.

- Our spring Family-to-Family class is filling up fast! Save your spot by registering today. This virtual class will start on February 12 and run until April 2. Learn more and register at www.namivt.org/f2f.

- Are you part of the Black/African Ancestry community? NAMI Vermont is hosting a virtual Sharing Hope series on February 3, 10, and 17! Register at www.namivt.org/sharing-hope to receive a confirmation email with more information and a Zoom link.

-Join us on March 3 for our Basics virtual class designed for parents and caregivers of youth (22 and younger) living with a mental health condition. Classes will run until April 7. Learn more and register at www.namivt.org/basics.

The best part? All of these opportunities are free and open to the public! Visit www.namivt.org to stay up to date on our programs and events!

01/15/2026

If you’re a parent or caregiver supporting a child experiencing mental health challenges, we invite you to join our FREE Basics program this spring! This six-week educational course is designed to equip families with essential tools, knowledge, and support.

VIRTUAL via Zoom
Teachers: Kathleen K and Margie L
Tuesdays, 6:30–9:00 p.m.
Start Date: March 3
Cost: FREE

To get the most out of this class, we encourage you to attend all the sessions! If these dates and times don’t work for you, please join our waitlist for the next Basics class.

Take a moment to share this valuable opportunity with a friend, loved one, co-worker, or anyone you think would benefit from it.

Visit www.namivt.org/basics to learn more and register for a class.

01/15/2026

Thank you to everyone who spoke out against the devastating cuts. Your advocacy helped restore essential, life-saving funds!

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"In less than 24 hours, NAMI advocates sent 16,000 messages to Congress and made hundreds of phone calls. NAMI state and affiliate leaders worked with their representatives on the Hill to share the devastating impact of these grant terminations. And NAMI worked with the media to ensure reporters were immediately aware of the scope of these cuts."

Read NAMI's full statement: https://www.nami.org/press-releases/nami-applauds-swift-reversal-of-devastating-mental-health-cuts.

01/14/2026

We have some unfortunate news to share.

Hundreds of SAMHSA grants that fund substance use and mental health care have been abruptly terminated. Early estimates suggest that these cuts amount to $2 billion in funding for mental health and substance use services. This funding, approved by Congress, is essential for addressing mental health and substance use needs across the country.

We need your help.

Read NAMI’s full statement and learn how you can take action: www.nami.org/press-releases/nami-reacts-to-abrupt-termination-of-samhsa-grants.

01/13/2026

Looking to talk to someone about mental health? NAMI Connection Recovery Support Groups provide a safe space to talk about your mental health challenges with people who can understand. In our commitment to expand our support groups throughout Vermont, we’re excited to announce the launch of a new Connection Support Group in Newport on January 20!

Here are all the details you need to know:

- Dates: Every Tuesday, starting January 20!
- Time: 3:00-4:30 p.m.
- Location: Front Porch Mental Health Urgent Care, 235 Lakemont Rd, Newport, VT 05855
- Facilitated by Katie B. and Bill C.
- Completely free & always confidential - no registration required!

This group is made possible through our collaboration with Northeast Kingdom Human Services.

Learn more and find a group near you at www.namivt.org/csg!

01/13/2026

NAMI Vermont is proud to be a part of this exciting event! Join hundreds of mental health advocates, along with over 40 co-sponsoring organizations and their networks, who will call on Vermont leaders and legislators to support the mental health of Vermonters.

You can attend the morning program either in person at the Vermont Supreme Courthouse Auditorium or by livestream from 9:00 am-12 pm. The agenda includes a welcome address from state leaders, two keynote presentations, advocacy awards, roundtable legislative discussions, and advocates sharing their lived experience stories of recovery and hope. ASL Interpreters will be available.

In the afternoon, events will continue at the State House, where attendees will meet with legislators, provide testimony to committees, and be recognized by the House of Representatives with a Resolution. Visit www.namivt.org/advocate to register, share your story or testimony, submit your artwork to be presented at the event, and more!

Join NAMI Vermont, Vermont Care Partners, and The Vermont Association for Mental Health and Addiction Recovery as we come together to observe the 11th Mental Health Advocacy Day on January 29.
Register here: https://namivt.org/mental-health-advocacy-day/

01/12/2026

We're happy to announce that our new NAMI Vermont GiftDrive page is live!

As we gear up for our NAMIWalks 2026 event, we are seeking donations for our Silent Auction through GiftDrive, an initiative created by UVM students to connect local Vermont nonprofits with donors.

Donations could include new unopened items, gift cards for basic needs and experiences, and meditative coloring books. Anything you donate is greatly appreciated and will go directly toward supporting people affected by mental health conditions. Thank you for your support!

Donate today: www.giftdrive.org/drive/337.

Get in touch with Kathleen Kilbourne at events@namivt.org with questions about the Silent Auction or our 2026 Walk!

01/09/2026

There's still time to donate to NAMI Vermont's Annual Appeal! We are so close to reaching our goal, and we need your support to bridge the gap before January 15.

Support NAMI Vermont in 2026, and join us in Growing Unity in Community so no one needs to suffer in silence.

Your donation to our Annual Appeal helps us:

- Offer support groups for peers and family members.
- Deliver educational programs to help peers, families, community members, and professionals have the knowledge they need to find help and hope.
- Advocate for mental health policies that create change. Every dollar you contribute stays in Vermont and directly supports our neighbors in need.

Our Bloomerang donation form is now live, so giving to NAMI Vermont is easier than ever. You can choose to make a one-time donation or set up a recurring donation using the same form. Creating an account is optional, but doing so will allow you to cancel your donation at any time and track your impact! Donate today at www.namivt.org/donate.

01/07/2026

Thank you to everyone who participated in our Support Groups in December! We are glad that folks across Vermont continue to join our groups, whether virtually or in person, to access this free, confidential mental health service. If you're seeking support this month, consider joining our groups!

We have exciting news for January: In collaboration with Northeast Kingdom Human Services, a new in-person Connection Recovery Support Group will be available in Newport, starting January 20. Meetings will be held every Tuesday from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM at Front Porch Mental Health Urgent Care. More details can be found on our website.

This month, all our support groups will meet as scheduled. Be sure to check our events calendar at www.namivt.org/events/ , and sign up for reminders to stay up to date on any last-minute schedule changes.

All NAMI Vermont Support Groups are free, confidential, and facilitated by trained volunteers who truly understand what support group participants are going through, because they've been there - whether they're living with a mental health condition themselves or support a loved one. No registration is required for our support groups, and you're welcome to join at any time! Find all the details about our groups at www.namivt.org/support-groups.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we are able to offer these support groups at no cost! If you'd like to support our work and help us expand our services in 2026, please consider donating at www.namivt.org/donate.

Don't see a support group in your area? Share this post with someone who may be interested in facilitating one. Please contact program@namivt.org to learn more.

01/06/2026

There’s still time to register for the January Lunch & Learn Series!

This session will focus on Advance Directives: what they are, why they matter, and how they can empower you to communicate your future health care wishes. Participants will learn how these documents ensure that personal values guide medical decisions and how appointing a trusted health care agent can provide clarity and support if you are ever unable to speak for yourself.

Our speaker will be Lindsey Owen St. Amour, Executive Director of Disability Rights Vermont, a non-profit organization that advocates for and protects the legal rights of Vermonters with disabilities.

Date: January 7, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Location: Online via Zoom

Register today at www.namivt.org/lunch-learn-series. After registering, you will receive an email with the Zoom link.

12/31/2025

As we enter 2026, we are grateful to reflect on all the wonderful connections we've made and support we've been able to offer over the past year. Whether it was walking alongside fellow participants at NAMIWalks Vermont, strengthening partnerships, or meeting individuals through our educational programs and support groups, these moments highlight the importance of our community.

Your support has been instrumental in making all of this possible. Thanks to your generosity, we were able to expand our FREE programs and be there for more Vermonters seeking mental health resources and connection. As we enter the new year, please consider donating to help us continue these essential services. Your contribution makes a huge difference in the lives of those affected by mental health conditions. Donate today: www.namivt.org/donate.

Most importantly, we want to express our gratitude to our NAMI Vermont family for all of your support this year as we have continued our work, Growing Unity in Community. From our staff to you, we wish you a healthy and happy New Year!

Your donation helps us make a difference in the lives of Vermonters with mental health conditions and their loved ones.