NAMI OREGON

Thank you to Gov. Tina Kotek and First Lady Amy Kotek Wilson for hosting a wonderful reception at Mahonia Hall, bringing together leaders in behavioral health. Our Executive Director, Chris Bouneff, had the opportunity to speak with them in depth about mental health in Oregon. P.S. The Governor suggested this pose for the photo, and we love it! 

We couldn’t fit this in the original post, but check out our Executive Director, Chris Bouneff, taking the first swings to kick off our renovation project! (Disclaimer: Don’t worry—NAMI Oregon staff won’t be handling the renovations. We have a professional construction team for that… we promise! 😉)

The moment is here—renovations at the NAMI Oregon headquarters have officially begun! 🚧💥 Last week, our Executive Director, Chris Bouneff, took the first swing—literally—to kick off construction. We’re expanding our office to grow our Resource Helpline, and programming spaces, and create a new Resource Café (a café-style mental health resource library) designed to make navigating mental health resources easier and more accessible for our community. We can’t wait to share our progress with you—stay tuned for updates!

Valentine’s Day is often centered around romantic relationships, but at its core, it’s a celebration of love—including love for yourself. Whether you’re single, in a relationship, or somewhere in between, this is a great time to focus on self-care and emotional well-being. If you’re feeling lonely or left out, try reframing the day as an opportunity to practice self-love. Treat yourself to something you enjoy, whether it’s a favorite meal, a solo movie night, or a relaxing walk. Connecting with friends, family, or a support group can also help remind you that love exists in many forms—not just romantic. For those in relationships, Valentine’s Day can sometimes bring pressure or unrealistic expectations. Instead of striving for a picture-perfect moment, focus on genuine connection and open communication. A simple, thoughtful gesture can be just as meaningful as an elaborate plan. Most importantly, remember that your value isn’t defined by your relationship status. Your mental health and well-being deserve care every day—Valentine’s included. 💙 Lastly, Happy Valentine's Day from your NAMI Oregon Team! (And stay safe from this snow!)

There's a lot happening in the world right now, and it’s okay if you’re feeling overwhelmed. We want you to know that you’re not alone—NAMI Oregon is here for you. Whether you’re looking for a support group, need help navigating mental health resources, or want guidance in supporting a loved one, we can help. Call our Resource Helpline at (503) 230-8009 or email namioregon@namior.org for support. To learn more, please go to our website: www.namior.org

Today, our Executive Director, Chris Bouneff, joined our NAMI Washington County affiliate at a special Peer Support Specialist Appreciation event at OMSI. Chris was there to recognize the incredible work of peer support specialists and introduce Rep. Andrea Salinas, to celebrate her dedication to mental health advocacy—both as a state legislator and now in Congress. It was a meaningful event honoring the vital role of peer support in mental health recovery. A huge thank you to NAMI Washington County for organizing such a fantastic gathering!

This week, the Executive Directors from NAMI Oregon, NAMI Clackamas, and NAMI Washington County are on Capitol Hill, meeting with legislators to advocate for improved mental health care. Their efforts are bolstered by the incredible work of champions like Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, whose leadership continues to drive meaningful progress in making mental health care more accessible and equitable. Together, we’re making strides toward a brighter future for individuals and families affected by mental health challenges.

On this Thanksgiving Day, we extend our deepest gratitude to you for standing with us. Your support makes a tremendous impact on our mission to improve the lives of individuals living with mental illness and their families through education, support, and advocacy. We are grateful to have you as part of our community. Thank you for helping make mental health resources more accessible to Oregonians. From all of us at NAMI Oregon, we wish you and your loved ones a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Huge congratulations to Judy Thompson, a long-time NAMI Oregon volunteer and the heart of our NAMI Columbia County affiliate, on receiving the Association of Fundraising Professionals' Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser award! For over a decade, Judy has been a cornerstone of NAMI Columbia County, leading the annual NAMIWalks Columbia County pop-up and raising over $48,000 to support essential mental health programs. Her dedication extends far beyond NAMI, touching lives through her involvement with the Rotary Club of Columbia County, the Jordan Center, the Elks Veterans Bunker and more. Judy’s unwavering kindness, exceptional leadership, and passion for building stronger, healthier communities inspire us all. We are thrilled to see her incredible contributions recognized with this well-deserved honor!

In NAMI's second book, You Are Not Alone for Parents and Caregivers, Dr. Christine Crawford, reminds us of the unique journey each caregiver faces. Every child is different, and every path requires patience, learning, and love. ❤️ Order your copy today: https://lnkd.in/giaHCJWM