Good day!



I received an e-mail today which reminded me that Christmas is only 39 days away! Time has been flying by during the last few months. Our NAMI Family-to-Family course is already wrapping up next week. It has been a good run and I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience as a teacher and have taken so much out of the course personally.


What amazed me the most was the strength and love present at each and every class. Even though many of these families and their loved ones have been routinely disappointed by the mental health system, there was a unified understanding of support and acceptance with each other. They realized for the first time that they were not alone and could relate to the feeling of loss, pain, fear and the constant worry of supporting their loved one. Over the course of the last few months, many stories were shared, many tears were shed, but at the end of the day we all became aware that our strength and love conquers all. Every evening ended with smiles, laughter, warm embraces, but most importantly, they ended with hope. I believe many of our students will move forward with what they have taken from the course and the friendships that have developed during this time will continue to prosper.


I would personally like to thank everyone who made this course possible, students and teachers alike, it was a memorable experience that would not have occurred without you all. So, thank for your presence, your spirit and your strength, it truly was an honour to go through it will you all.


I would also like to remind everyone about a few special dates coming up over the next couple of months.


Tuesday December 7th, 2010 Art Therapy for Families 5:30-7:00 p.m.


Please join us for a relaxing night of Christmas card making. The class will be facilitated by Nipissing University Fine Art students who will guide us through fun and easy card making just in time for Christmas. Please reserve your seat by calling the office.


Monday December 13th, 2010 Dinner and a Documentary 5:00-7:00 p.m.


Please join us for a festive evening of information and food! We will be showing David Suzuki’s A Brain That Changes Itself from the series, The Nature of Things. The film is based on the best-selling book by Toronto psychiatrist and researcher Dr. Norman Doidge, who presents a strong case for reconsidering how we view the human mind.


**Please reserve your seat by Dec. 10th***


In other news, we will be continuing Art Therapy, Yoga and Tai Chi in the new year. Thank you to everyone who came to the AGM. It was great to see so many of you!! We appreciate your continued support.


~ April