Family-to-Family Mental Health Education Program
The National Alliance on Mental Illness, New River Valley, is excited to announce the launch of its renowned Family-to-Family program, starting on September 4, 2025. This is our second offering of the program this year..
“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.”
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.
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 on Thursday evenings from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm from September 4 through October 30 at the New River Valley Community Services “401” Center in Radford. The address is 401 W. Main Street.
NAMI New River Valley invites anyone with a family member or close friend affected by mental illness to participate in this program. To register, contact NAMInrvVA@gmail.com or call 540 585-1627.
About NAMI:
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.
For more information, contact NAMInrvVA@gmail.com or 540 585-1627.
