Other Services
Sharing Hope is a three-part video series that explores the journey of mental wellness in Black communities through dialogue, storytelling and a guided discussion on the following topics:
- Youth and Mental Wellness: “How Do You Heal?”
- Community Leaders and Mental Wellness: “The Art of Healing”
- Black Families and Mental Wellness: “Smiling On Our Journey”
Buffalo’s African American community was and continues to be deeply affected by the trauma of the mass murder of 10 people on May 14, 2022. This program brings to Black faith organizations a way to discuss mental health and healing. Our Sharing Hope project helps address the many underlying needs that result from inter-generational trauma of racism and violence in our society as well as May’s terrible incident. Sharing Hope conversations are co-led by NAMI and a member of participating faith organizations. We provide the materials and co-leader training, and work with you on your organization’s timetable. To discuss getting started for your congregation, email us at info@namibuffalony.org with Subject: Sharing Hope Info or call 716-226-6264 x 101. We look forward to working together and building unity and understanding with Buffalo’s diverse faith communities.
The Sharing Hope project is funded in part through a grant from Kohl’s Department Stores.
Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Program
NAMI Buffalo participates in a partnership between local law enforcement and Crisis Services to train police officers and other law enforcement under the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Program. This program, a national evidence-based program, trains law enforcement to identify when a person is having a mental health crisis, de-escalate the situation and work with Crisis Services Mobile Outreach team to link the individual to services. When appropriate, the CIT program may help divert a person from the local psychiatric emergency room and jail. For more information on CIT, click here.
FaithNet
FaithNet is an interfaith resource network of NAMI members, friends, clergy and congregations of all faith traditions who wish to encourage faith communities who are welcoming and supportive of persons and families living with mental illness.
NAMI FaithNet strives to encourage welcoming, caring congregations as well as to promote the vital role of spirituality in the recovery journeys of many who live with mental health conditions, those for whom faith is a key component.
Through this website and through efforts nationally and in local communities, NAMI and NAMI Affiliates encourage an exchange of information, tools and other resources which will help educate and inspire faith communities about mental illness and the vital role spirituality plays in recovery for many.
NAMI FaithNet is not a religious network but includes an effort to outreach to all religious organizations. Learn more about awareness events and dates and how to get involved.
NAMI Basics
NAMI Basics is a free 6-session education program for parents, caregivers and other family who provide care for youth (ages 22 and younger) who are experiencing mental health symptoms. This program is free to participants, 99% of whom say they would recommend the program to others. NAMI Basics is available online through NAMI Basics OnDemand. Click here for more information.
Community Outreach and Presentations
NAMI Buffalo strives to educate, increase awareness and fight stigma through community outreach and presentations and by providing speakers.
