Update on Transition to Model B: We have been meeting NAMI requirements by providing trainings for peers and family members, sponsoring support groups, providing group activities (such as art classes at C.R.E.A.T.E. and providing tickets for peers for athletic events and concerts). We have also participated at local tabling events, providing educational material and offering support. As a Model B affiliate, we will continue these functions. However, we will act under the auspices of the NAMI-NYS umbrella, and the state organization will provide administrative support, including maintaining our bank account. There are many steps involved in making the transition, and we expect to have completed the steps by the start of the new year. A significant change is that all checks given to our affiliate after November 30th must be made out to “NAMI-NYS” with “for Schenectady” written in the check’s memo line.
Other changes at the State level: NAMI-NYS has many new staff members, and they want to know our priorities. There will be links to surveys in some of the mailings we receive from their office. Please take the time to complete the surveys, because NAMI-NYS will focus their efforts (e.g. Lobbying) based on the responses they receive from our membership. Meanwhile, we continue to look forward to serving our community, and we encourage you to participate.
Opportunity to attend the State Educational Conference: This year’s annual ‘EDCON’ will be held at the Desmond Hotel on November 14th-16th. See all of the information at Annual Education Conference – NAMI New York State. If you want to attend the conference but the registration fee poses a barrier, the Board has allocated funds for a limited number of scholarships. If you can commit to attending the conference (specify one day or the entire conference) and want to apply for a scholarship, please leave a message on our help line (518-986-9114) no later than November 1st, providing the following information: (1) Your first and last names (2) Your e-mail address (3) Any dietary restrictions (meals are provided)
Save the Date: The NAMI Schenectady annual membership meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 6:00 PM. As always, the meeting location is the Emmanuel Friedens Church. We hope you will come to enjoy some pizza, hear some updates and have some fun. Please RSVP by Friday, December 5th so that we can plan refreshments accordingly. Leave a message on our help line (518-986-9114) to reserve your seat at this event.