Multicultural Outreach

As a grassroots organization, NAMI NJ is devoted to breaking stigma and barriers of all types that our diverse communities face. We are especially sensitive to the concept of mutual caring and responsibility implicit in family relationships and reaching out in that context to families from various cultures that are affected by serious mental illness. NAMI NJ has gained considerable expertise in the area of multicultural outreach, advocacy, and program development. AACT-NOW (African American), CAMHOP (Chinese American), NAMI NJ En Español (Latinx) and SAMHAJ (South Asian) are four NAMI NJ innovative multicultural programs that outreach to African American, Chinese American, Latinx and South Asian families with services in education, support and advocacy. The programs also provide education for mental health providers to help them better understand cultural and treatment issues relevant to these populations.

NAMI NJ Received the 2014 American Psychiatric Foundation Award for Advancing Minority Mental Health

NAMI NJ Multicultural Conversations Webinar Series

NAMI NJ is committed to serving New Jersey’s diverse communities and is hosting a webinar series this year – NAMI NJ Multicultural Conversations. Our four multicultural programs (serving African American, Hispanic/Latinx, South Asian and Chinese American communities) will help facilitate meaningful, culturally-sensitive dialogues on various mental wellness topics. Let’s come together and talk about mental health and culture!

AACT-NOW (African American Mental Health Outreach)

AACT-NOW is a NAMI NJ initiative serving New Jersey’s African American communities which include individuals and families affected by mental illness, the faith community, and mental health professionals. AACT-NOW provides culturally competent support, education and advocacy in the northern, central and southern regions of New Jersey, through free services such as support groups, phone referral, community workshops and other outreach activities.

CAMHOP-NJ (Chinese American Mental Health Outreach Program in New Jersey)

CAMHOP-NJ is a NAMI NJ initiative to help people of Chinese origin (including immigrants from mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and their descendants) in New Jersey gain better understanding about mental illness as a biological based and treatable disease. Our free services include support groups, referral services, advocacy, NAMI Family-to-Family Education Course in Chinese, community workshops, and educational materials in Chinese.

NAMI NJ en Español

NAMI NJ en Español is an awareness & education program developed by NAMI NJ serving the Hispanic/Latino community in New Jersey. It offers local self-help support groups, referral services, NAMI Family-to-Family Education Course in Spanish, community workshops, and other outreach activities.

SAMHAJ (South Asian Mental Health Awareness in Jersey)

SAMHAJ is a NAMI NJ initiative to help South Asians (of Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Nepali, Afghan and Bhutanese origin) in New Jersey understand that mental illness is a biologically based and treatable illness. Our free services include support groups, referral services, advocacy, community workshops, and other outreach activities. This program won the NAMI 2002 Multicultural Award.

NAMI NJ Documentary “Documenting Our Presence: Multicultural Experiences of Mental Illness“

“Documenting Our Presence: Multicultural Experiences of Mental Illness” was produced in 2007 as a NAMI NJ Multicultural Outreach Initiative with the support of NAMI – National Alliance of Mental Illness and NJ Division of Mental Health Services. This documentary is a compassionate, hopeful look at the experiences of people of diverse backgrounds, affected by serious mental illness. It traces their lives through a cultural lens, focusing on the onset of mental illness, the process of coping and acceptance, and finally, their journey to recovery. To order a copy please visit NAMI NJ Store.

Recommended Material:

Health Beliefs Toolkit
Concha, M, Villar, M.E., & Azevedo, L, (2014) Health Attitudes and Beliefs Tool Kit, Technical Assistance Network for Children’s Behavioral Health, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD.

NAMI Identity and Cultural Dimensions:

– Asian American and Pacific Islander & Expectations and Family Pressure
– Black/African American & The Effects of Racial Trauma on Mental Health: Deaths Captured on TV and Media
– Indigenous & Suicide Prevention in Indigenous Communities
– Hispanic/Latinx & Hispanic/Latinx Immigrants and First-Generation Americans & La salud mental en la comunidad latina
– LGBTQI & Trauma and Internalized Shame
– People with Disabilities & Double Discrimination

NAMI Union County April Presentation

April’s Presentation: “Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services” on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, 7:30 p.m.

Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services is a powerhouse provider of services that aids persons with mental illness. Join us to hear Nancy Schneeloch, BSW, MS, Vice President for Supportive Housing, Homeless Outreach, and Justice Involved Services, present an overview of the many Bridgeway services available in Union County. Learn more

Invisible Pain Day

Saturday, January 7, 2023
11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Middlesex County Fire Academy
1001 Fire Academy Drive
Sayreville, NJ 08872

View photos

The unseen pain that goes undiagnosed, dismissed and stigmatized. The pain that has overtaken so many loved ones to the point that they can no longer bear the struggle and sadly causes many to end their lives prematurely. Friends and family support the grieving ones during their time of tragedy. The fresh memory of the departed ones and the support is comforting. Unfortunately this support fades over time. The people around “move on” with their lives and may not fathom why the sadness and pain still exist for the grieving, who continue to relive the tragedy and bear the continuous pain.

Please join us on Saturday, January 7, 2023. The Darren Clark Jr. Memorial and NAMI NJ will observe the annual Invisible Pain Day with a community gathering. It is an official day to honor those who have lost a loved one to mental distress and suicide. We will come together to encourage and support one another, bring awareness to mental illness and remind the world that our loved ones may be gone, but they will never be forgotten. We will spread hope and share vital information to people affected by suicide. Our goal is to ensure that individuals, friends and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help. We share this day with our friends, family, and others who have suffered a loss of a loved one by suicide and as NAMI New Jersey says, “You are not alone.”

Featured Event Highlights:
– Guest Speakers
– Exhibitors/Resource Tables
– Art Therapy
– Loving Message Table
– Mindfulness Activities
– Sensory Room
– Candle Lit Vigil
– Vocalist
– Light Lunch/Refreshments

Event contact: Lisa Powell, NAMI NJ Outreach Director, [email protected]

Download Press Release | Read the Governor’s Proclamation

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About The Darren Clark Jr Memorial
The Darren Clark Jr. Memorial was founded on April 5th, 2018 in memory of Darren Clark Jr., Darren passed away on January 7th, 2018, as a result of suicide due to mental illness. Read more

NAMI Middlesex County & IFSS Fall Speaker Series

NAMI Middlesex County in collaboration with Intensive Family Support Services of Middlesex County (IFSS) Invites you to attend their ‘Fall Speaker Series’ Virtual Presentations via Zoom – Time: 5:00-7:00 pm

November 8, 2021

“Maximizing Appropriate Responses from Acute Psychiatric Crisis Intervention Services”

Speaker: Greg Fitzpatrick, LCSW, Director of Emergency Services, Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care

During this learning session, the presenter will explain NJ screening law and new developments in Acute Psychiatric Services (APS) outreach. The presenter will share information regarding what police departments, psychiatric screening centers, and other agencies are doing to improve outcomes of interactions with psychiatric emergency response personnel. Greg Fitzpatrick, Director of Emergency Services at Rutgers UBHC, including the Middlesex County psychiatric screening center, will present feedback on the education and training provided to officers and the important steps to get a loved one support during an emergency situation. Don’t miss this informative session that will provide an opportunity to have your questions answered!

(After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Please do not hesitate to reach IFSS at 732-235-6184, or NAMI Middlesex at 732-745-0709, if you have questions or need additional assistance.)

Download flyer

CAMHOP NJ Connection Recovery Support Group Meeting

CAMHOP-NJ (Chinese American Mental Health Outreach Program in New Jersey) is a NAMI New Jersey initiative to serve immigrant families of Chinese origin who are affected by mental illnesses, including Chinese immigrants from mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and other countries and regions, through support, education and advocacy. Our free services include family support groups, referral services, advocacy, community workshops, and educational materials in Chinese.

NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group is a 60 minute support group for adults (18+) with a mental health condition. Participants gain the support of peers who understand their experience and gain insight into others’ challenges and successes.