CPC has invited NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Health, to speak to our church family.  They will be sharing a program called “Ending the Silence” which is an engaging presentation that helps audience members learn about the warning signs of mental health conditions and what steps to take if you or a loved one are showing symptoms of a mental health condition. There will be simultaneous, separate one-hour presentations: one for adults and one for teens (middle school and older). The presentations are geared to each audience.

The adult presentation is appropriate for anyone who has (or will have) teenagers in their life.  This includes parents, grandparents, other relatives, CPC youth program volunteers/teachers and volunteers for other youth programs such as Scouting. This presentation includes information on teen development stages, warning signs, facts and statistics, how to talk with your child and how to work with school staff.  

The separate teen presentation is designed for middle and high school students and includes warning signs, facts and statistics and how to get help for themselves or a friend.  Young adults are also welcome to attend this session. To ensure that teens are free to express concerns, parents are not invited to this presentation.  

Both presentations include two leaders: one who shares an informative presentation and a young adult with a mental health condition who shares their journey of recovery. Audience members can ask questions and gain understanding of an often-misunderstood topic.

These presentations will be in place of Faith Formation classes for teens and adults that Sunday.  Nursery will be open, and younger children will have an activity during the presentations.  Presentations are expected to end before noon.

NAMI is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with mental illness and their families through support, education and advocacy.  They offer a wealth of information and services.   For more information, check out namichescopa.org.