The National Alliance on Mental Illness, New River Valley, is gearing up for its next Family-to-Family educational program, beginning Sept. 4, 2025.
NAMI Family-to-Family is a free, eight-session educational program designed for family members, friends, and loved ones of adults living with mental health conditions. Trying to tell the difference between what expected behaviors are and what might be the signs of a mental health condition isn’t always easy, but identifying a problem early can help lead to the best outcome. The program provides valuable information on anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other mental health challenges.
“I was a teen when my older brother was diagnosed with a mental illness,” said Nancy Bodenhorn, co-leader of the Family-to-Family program in the New River Valley. “My family came to a good place after much floundering, and we could have used a class like this.”
The course is designed to enhance participants’ understanding and advocacy skills while promoting self-care. Taught by trained family members who have a loved one with a mental health condition, NAMI Family-to-Family is an evidence-based program that provides practical tools and support for families navigating behavioral and mental health challenges.
“I choose to teach this class as a tribute to my brother and my parents, as a ‘pay it forward’ to others who seek support in managing the changes, challenges, and blessings that come with a mental illness diagnosis in the family,” Bodenhorn said.
The class will meet in person for nine weeks Thursday evenings, 6 – 8:30 p.m. Sept. 4 through Oct. 30 at the New River Valley Community Services office, 401 W. Main St., Radford.
NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI NRV is an affiliate of NAMI Virginia. NAMI NRV and dedicated volunteer members and leaders work tirelessly to raise awareness and provide essential education, advocacy, and support group programs for people in our community with mental health conditions and their loved ones.
NAMI New River Valley invites anyone with a family member or close friend affected by mental illness to participate in the program. To register, contact NAMInrvVA@gmail.com or call 540 585-1627.
NAMI NRV
