Local affiliate regularly features guest speakers
Gil and Jean Malmstrom discovered NAMI Waukesha while trying to help a family member affected by mental illness. Inspired by the powerful community of support and caring they experienced through NAMI Waukesha, the Malmstroms were moved to start a support group to help those affected by mental illness in Walworth County. As a result of their efforts, NAMI Walworth was chartered in 1998.
NAMI Walworth began meeting in a local church. It continues to thrive and be a source of support for so many, though it’s currently putting forth efforts to rebuild.
The local affiliate has sponsored many events throughout the years to create “awareness and abolish the stigma so often attached to being mentally ill,” according to board member Maria Ruby.
The group is also available to present a program titled, “In Our Own Voice: Living with Mental Illness,” a collection of personal stories created by the main NAMI organization. It’s available to be presented to consumers and those who have a mental illness as well as churches and other organizations.
The Walworth County NAMI continues to be a grass-root, self-help support and advocacy organization of consumers with mental illness and their families, including the following: schizophrenia, schizo affective disorder, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic and other severe anxiety disorders, autism and pervasive developmental disorder, ADD, ADHD and other severe and persistent mental illnesses that affect the brain.
NAMI Walworth meets in the Community Room at Matheson Memorial Library, 101 Wisconsin St., Elkhorn. A support group meets from 6 to 7 p.m., the first Wednesday of the month and 7 to 8 p.m., the third Wednesday. A guest speaker talks to the group from 6 to 7 p.m., the third Wednesday, when possible.
For more information about NAMI Walworth, to find out the schedule on, or be a guest speaker, or to request a presentation of “In Our Voice,” call Susan Singleton at (262) 325-8663.
