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Our programs
and services are

provided free of
HELPING FAMILIES charge to ensure
FIND that children, adults,

and family members
affected by serious

mental illnesses
are supported in
HELP AND HOPE developing resilience

and assisted in
working toward their
recovery.

by Pamela Baker, EdD
CEO, NAMI of Collier County
N AMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness) of Collier Best in Show honors at the Old Naples Arts and

Entertainment event, judged by a committee led by the
County has never wavered from its mission: to improve
the quality of life for individuals and their families affected
principals of the Harmon-Meek Gallery. Anthony has
by serious mental illnesses, through education, support and advocacy. inspired other Center participants, many who now also
Today, our network of supporters has expanded to include mental enjoy expressing their feelings through art.
health professionals and advocates from both the private and public On Friday, December 8,
sector. Working together to raise awareness that help is available and 2017, we will be welcoming
to provide adequate resources and support locally. another artist, legendary
Our programs and services are provided free of charge to ensure musician and mental health
that children, adults, and family members affected by serious advocate, Judy Collins, as
mental illnesses are supported in developing resilience and assisted the Special Guest Speaker
in working toward their recovery. Ultimately, resulting in their at our annual Hope Shines
leading productive and meaningful lives within our community. In Luncheon. Few artists have
addition to on-going support groups, highlights of just a few of the had the 40-year staying
innovative programming we offer includes: power of this music icon,
who has reached the
• HUGS (Health Under Guided Systems), a community based highest pinnacles of creative
children’s behavioral health program that addresses the early success, with her top ten hits, Grammy nominations,
intervention of social, emotional, and behavioral challenges for and best-selling books. But even as one of the most
children ages three months to 18 years; gifted artists of our time, she has faced adversity. Please
join us as she shares the personal story of her own
• THE FLORIDA SELF-DIRECTED CARE PROGRAM, promotes battles with alcoholism, depression and her son’s suicide
self-determination, recovery, and full community inclusion for – and finding her path to hope and clarity by breaking
people who have a mental illness and who depend on government down the barriers of helplessness and secrecy that too
subsidized services; and often surround issues of mental illness. Please contact
us at events@NAMICollier.org for more information
• OUR PEER-OPERATED SARAH ANN DROP-IN CENTER, a about this event being held at the Grey Oaks Country
welcoming, supportive, and recovery-oriented refuge for men and Club.
women 18 and over.
Oscar Anthony Asmitia, known simply as Anthony to his many
friends at the Sarah Ann Center, is a perfect example of someone For information on the full roster of supportive resources
whose confidence and personality has thrived surrounded by this provided by NAMI of Collier County, visit our website at
supportive community of caring peers. This talented artist brings www.NAMICollier.org or call our office at 239.260.7300
both empathy and humor into his works, and in April 2017 won to arrange a tour.

86 Life in Naples | November 2017