NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley offers free nationally-developed education programs that teach families to cope, communicate and effectively advocate for a loved one living with a mental health condition.

Two programs are scheduled for Kewanee.

“Our programs are especially important in rural communities that typically lack behavioral health resources,” said NAMI Programs Manager Stephanie Phares. “We work with families to access available resources and build stronger family support to keep their loved one working toward recovery.”

NAMI Family & Friends Seminar is free, open to the public, and scheduled for Hill Church, located at 107 N. Main St., on Thursday, Sept. 19 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Topics include understanding diagnoses, treatment and recovery, effective communication strategies, the importance of self-care, and crisis preparation strategies.

Register at www.namigmv.org/register.

NAMI Family-to-Family education program will be held eight Thursday evenings beginning Oct. 1 at Hill Church. This free course is designed for family members and significant others supporting an adult living with a mental health condition. Course topics include family response to trauma, diagnosis and dealing with critical periods, problem solving, communications skills and self-care for caregivers.

The program is taught by trained family members who have lived experience. Register at www.namigmv.org/register. These programs are made possible by grants from the Henry County Mental Health 708 Board and the Henry County Mental Health Alliance.

To learn more about NAMI programs visit www.namigmv.org.