Who We Are
NAMI (National Alliance on mental Illness) is an organization made up of people with the lived experience of a mental health condition, their families, friends, and community members. NAMI has over 600 affiliate chapters operating over all 50 states.
The organization was founded over forty years ago by two mothers in Wisconsin that were tired of facing the stigma and blame associated with the mental illness experienced by their adult children. Through the years the organization has dedicated itself to educating the public to: understanding mental illnesses as biologically based medical issues, scientific research, clinical and social support, peer support and education, legislative advocacy and public awareness.
NAMI In Nashville, TN
NAMI Davidson Co. serves as the capitiol city affiliate providing direct services to the Greater Nashville Area. While the agency reaches out to all of Davidson County, 30% of the people it serves come to it from all over Middle Tennessee and beyond. The agency is served by a full-time Executive Director and part-time support staff. Fifteen lead program volunteers take on the extroadinary task of running monthly support groups, twice annual 8-session family caregiver trainings, monthly stigma-busting presentations, community outreach, and policy advocacy. With the combined support of staff and lead volunteers the agency made direct connections with over 10,029 people last year.
 Bill & Mary Jean Murphy Support Group – Faith-based – Leaders |
 Brian Grant and Jerry Grant Share mental health faith outreach |
 E. Yeargin, K. Holderbaum, A. Tesi-Anthony Cascianni Youth Spirit Award |
 Marva Southall, 2019 HON Strobel Awards Finalist |
 Rosalyn Manning Family to Family Education Lead |
 Lori Branigan In Our Own Voice Presentation Lead |
 Ex. Dir. Robin Nobling and Policy, Family & Events Volunteer Lynn Fritz |
 Karen German, NAMI Davidson Co. Admin/Bookkeeper |
Program Volunteers Not Shown: Heather Farina, Toni Kelly, Rosemary Dewilde, Flo Lewis, Cindy Grant, Brian Grant also provides In Our Own Voice Presentations, Jerry Grant is a Lead Caregiver Educator
Left to Right: Board Director Patrick Starnes, Board President Evelyn Yeargin, Executive Director Robin Nobling, Board Secretary Matt Loftus.
Board members Not Shown: Vice President Mary Pawlikowski, Treasurer, Vivian Horton, Directors: Mark Fisher, Andrew Turk, David Shrader, Beverly Taylor
MISSION
Dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with mental illness and their families through support, education, and advocacy.
OUR GOALS
Advocate at the county, state and national levels for non-discriminatory access to quality healthcare, housing , education and employment for people with mental illness.
- Educate the public about mental illness.
- Work to eliminate the stigma of mental illness.
- Advocate for increased funding for research into the causes and treatment of mental illness.
OUR VISION
In our envisioned future mental illness will no longer thwart a person’s fulfillment of his or her potential. With early pinpoint diagnoses, interventions and targeted medications and services there is no pervasive disability. Ultimately, we envision a day when prevention or a cure is found.