The new building allows the nonprofit to grow its free programs for the community.
The community came together with the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce on May 2 to celebrate the new building of NAMI Collier County.
At the celebration, Collier County Sheriff Kevin Rambosk spoke about the long-term partnership with NAMI Collier and its Crisis Intervention Team training program, which since 2008 has trained law enforcement to deal with people with mental health issues and other disabilities to reduce injuries and death.
Board Chairman and interim CEO Liz Stikeman was recognized for her outstanding leadership prior to Beth Hatch joining as CEO in July 2022. Collier County Sheriff Lt. Leslie Weidenhammer will become the board chairperson in July 2023.
Before the move to the new building, NAMI Collier’s programs were held in several rented spaces, with the administration offices in a building on the other side of town. The move brought all programs under one roof, providing the ability to expand programs and seamlessly expose members to the services and programs available.
The two-story space has a kitchen to be used for meal-prep training and occupation skill development; pantry and storage for clothing, shoes and hygiene items for those in need; offices; board room and multipurpose room for trainings, support group meetings, guided mediation and trauma-informed yoga.
NAMI Collier County programs include a statewide WarmLine for peer support; Sarah Ann Life Skills & Support Center, where members may visit five days a week to engage in fitness, art therapy and support groups while learning life and jobs skills; Self-Directed Care; Peer Support programs, supportive housing, outreach, education and support groups. The HUGS (Health Under Guided Systems) program has System Navigators who provide community-based mental health screenings and early identification of Collier County children who have current, or potential for, developing behavioral health problems to connect them to resources.
Those interested in seeing the new building may email info@NAMICollier.org to request a tour.
