Mental illness support group celebrates growth of 25 years in Northen Kane Co.

Submitted by NAMI-Kane County North

National Alliance on Mental Illness-Kane County North is celebrating more than 25 years of support, education and advocacy, serving people with mental illness and their families in the Northern Kane County communities.

The affiliate was founded in 1987 by four mothers who were concerned about the welfare of people with mental illness. First meetings were held in the basement of Sherman Hospital in Elgin, primarily to support each other and to better understand mental illness.

As membership grew, and 501(c)(3) status was attained, the group moved meeting locations to the Dundee Township Public Library, and then to Elgin Community College. In 1994, the group relocated to Ecker Mental Health Center, third floor, for business/support meetings, and the affiliate name was changed from AMI of Fox Valley to NAMI Kane County.

That same year, a monthly Family Support Group was established in St. Charles, which continues today. In 2010, an Elgin Family Support group was established, and meets monthly at Presence St. Joseph Hospital in Elgin. In 2011, the affiliate name was changed and registered with the Internal Revenue Service as NAMI Kane County North, and was duly recognized.

For more information about the affiliate, visit namikanecounty.net or call (847) 695-7957.