News

We extend hearty congratulations to Sharon Stout, Alexa Felix, and Lauren Ariano, who were all recently recognized for their impact as NAMI New Hampshire volunteers at the 2024 Spirit of NH Awards Event hosted by Volunteer NH. Held annually, this event “recognizes those who go above and beyond the call to serve throughout the Granite […]

October 2024’s Volunteer of the Month is Raya Fratkina! Raya came to NAMI NH a few years ago to provide support to parents/caregivers with children and youth who experience mental health challenges.  She leads a virtual support group twice a month and provides outstanding follow-up to her support group members.  In a recent survey of

“Helping others to understand mental illness, and to find support and hope.” — a NAMI NH volunteer, when asked what is most rewarding about the experience. NAMI New Hampshire touched the lives of more than 50,000 people last year, mostly through the devotion of our volunteers. In fact, it is only through volunteer efforts that

Men face unique challenges relating to their mental health. In the U.S., men account for approximately 75% of all suicide deaths. To address and support men’s mental health needs, we first need to understand it. The problem is: most men don’t talk about their mental health. 40% of men have never spoken about their mental

September 2024’s Volunteers of the Month are the Eastman Family! For the Eastman Family, Chuck, April and their daughter, Kelsey, mental health advocacy is a family affair. They joined as volunteers in 2010 and have been going strong ever since. Over the past fourteen years, Chuck has served on our Board of Directors, April has

August 2024’s Volunteer of the Month is Lauren Ariano! Lauren is an amazing young adult with a promising future who brings hope to individuals and families impacted by mental illness.  Lauren was a founding member of the NAMI On Campus (NOC) program at the University of New Hampshire.  Through her leadership, the UNH NOC club

NAMI NH is pleased to share that Liz Hodgkins, CVA, is the organization’s new Deputy Director. Liz has been on staff at NAMI NH for the past 10 years, serving most recently as Director of Adult Programs.  Certified in Volunteer Administration, Liz has worked to strengthen NAMI NH’s services by developing more robust volunteer programming and cultivating relationships with an essential network of

We are celebrating two volunteers in July 2024 – Maggie Dolfini and Laurie Sanborn! Maggie and Laurie provide education and support as NAMI Basics Education Program Leaders to parents and primary caregivers who are often at a loss for where to turn regarding their child’s/youth’s mental health challenges.  This is a such a vulnerable time

Friday, July 12th was NAMI NH Deputy Director Bernie Seifert’s last work day – though she remains a treasured member of our NAMI NH Family. Bernie has been on staff at NAMI NH for the past 16 years, serving as Director of Adult Programs before becoming Deputy Director.  Reflecting on Bernie’s time with NAMI NH, Executive Director Susan Stearns noted, “NAMI NH has