NAMI Grand Rapids Area

08/07/2026

Mark your calendars! 💚🏃🏼‍♀️

Join us for a FREE webinar exploring the connection and benefits of exercise and our mental health. Presented by Dr. Beth Prewet, a local clinician, as well as Zoe Malmquist. Zoe started this research through her Girl Scout Gold Award project ⭐️

Join in to learn more!

🗓️ Wednesday, August 19th
⏰ 12:00-1:00pm

Use the link below to register:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_IukeVQa5SPyThuiAJkLFcw #/registration

08/07/2026

We're proud to support NAMI Grand Rapids Area (nonprofit affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness) and their mission to provide free resources, support groups, and mental health education that help individuals, families, and our community.

Thank you to NAMI for the incredible work you do to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and support those affected by mental illness. We're honored to be your partner in making a difference. 💙

Pictured is Marian Barcus (NAMI President) and Ann Saxhaug (NAMI Walks Coordinator) with PBC employees Chuck Hildebrandt, Abbey Fox and Kelsey Thompson

07/05/2026

We recently welcomed NAMI Grand Rapids Area to the Chamber family with a ribbon cutting! From NAMI: "We intend to support businesses with awareness of mental health in the workplace. Best practice in mental health retains employees, saves resources, and increases productivity. The ribbon-cutting comes at a perfect time during May's Mental Health Awareness Month.

NAMI - Grand Rapids Area is a totally volunteer nonprofit and an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness of MN. Our mission is to provide support, education, and advocacy for adults and children with mental illnesses and their families.

Progress on our mission happens because of generous contributions from individuals and businesses in our community."

Contact NAMI Grand Rapids Area at: 218-999-7658 or [email protected].

Visit our website for resource information: www.namigrandrapidsmn.org

Pictured from left to right: Chamber Ambassador, LeAnn Hardy-City Limits Storage, Dan Seward, NAMI Grand Rapids Area Board Member, Marian Barcus, President NAMI Grand Rapids Area, and Chamber President, April Arnason.

05/09/2026

Be sure to tune in!

Thank you to Patty Holycross, and Marian Barcus, of NAMI, the National Alliance of Mental Illness, for coming in today. They spoke with David Moody, in an interview that will air this coming Monday, at 8:35, on KOZY 93.1 FM/AM 1320.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and there is a two-part webinar series coming up this Month, the first, titled "Is this more than a bad day?" is on the 13th. The second, titled "How do I actually feel?" is the 20th. Noon to 1:00 each day, via webinar at www.namigrandrapidsmn.org.

(PS Marian, I'm sorry I didn't realize your eyes were closed when I took this picture 😂)

05/09/2026

✂️🎀

We have a very exciting week coming up celebrating four Chamber Members with Ribbon Cuttings!

Celebrating a transition in ownership to long-time Chamber member:
Dale's Auto Body
🗓️ Wednesday, May 13 at 12:15 pm
📍Dale's Auto Body, 35030 US-2, Grand Rapids, MN 55744

Welcoming to our Chamber family:
Waterways Restoration
🗓️ Monday, May 11 at 1:15 pm
📍Timberlake Lodge Hotel

Denton HR Company
🗓️ Tuesday, May 12 at 12:15 pm
📍Chamber of Commerce, 1 NW 3rd St, Grand Rapids

NAMI Grand Rapids Area
🗓️ Wednesday, May 13 at 1:30 pm
📍Chamber of Commerce, 1 NW 3rd St, Grand Rapids

05/06/2026

Last night’s family support group ended on a creative note 🎨

Crafts like these remind us that support can take many forms. Sometimes it’s conversation, and sometimes it’s creating side by side in a space that feels safe and welcoming. We’re so grateful to have gathered at MacRostie Art Center for this event! ✨

Thank you to everyone who joined us! 💚
A special thank you to a familiar face on our board, who through her art platform Pressed in Green, helped bring this activity to life.

04/24/2026

We are deeply saddened by the unexpected passing of our board member, colleague, and friend, Megan Gerak, who joined the NAMI Grand Rapids Area Board in 2025.

Megan was a dedicated mental health advocate and licensed clinical social worker who brought compassion, authenticity, and a sincere commitment to supporting others. She will be remembered not only for her advocacy, but for her warmth, her energy, and the deep love she had for her family, friends, and community. She had a way of showing up fully for others, whether through her work, her friendships, or in life’s everyday moments.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to her daughter, family, and all who knew and loved her. Megan’s impact will not be forgotten.

In her memory, we encourage everyone to do some of Megan’s favorite things: enjoy a donut with a cup of black coffee, try a new art class, make a new recipe, and stop to smell the tulips.

We invite those who wish to honor her to support causes that were meaningful to her, including NAMI Grand Rapids Area.

We will miss her greatly 🤍

Megan Gerak, age 51, of Grand Rapids, MN, passed away in her home Tuesday April 21, 2026, from a sudden medical emergency. She leaves behind so many of us that love and miss her. She is preceded in her death by her father Tim Chuck Gerak. She is survived by

04/23/2026

Join us for a two-part webinar series during May (Mental Health Awareness Month 💚) designed to help clarify when it might be time to seek mental health support and how to get connected to help.

Live and online, the cost to attend is FREE and open to everyone. No obligation to attend both sessions if your schedule does not allow.

✴️PART 1: Wednesday, May 13th from 12pm-1pm
✴️PART 2: Wednesday, May 20th from 12pm-1pm

‼️ Scan the QR code below or click the link to register:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_i8oUxNlMT9OwMX9ZAPzd-A #/registration

Share with a friend or loved one today! 🫶🏻

04/23/2026

Mark your calendars for our Family Support Group special event! ✨

🗓️ Tuesday, May 5th
⏰ 4:30pm-7:30pm
📍 MacRostie Art Center

Join us for a Cinco de Mayo themed meal, a preview of the independent film “Sammo” (depicting the life story of Sam Miltich), and a create-and-carry art project.

‼️ There is no cost to register but attendance is capped at 15 participants. Get registered today by sending an email to: [email protected]

We hope to see you there! 😊

03/28/2026

Be sure to stop in and see us today at the Women’s Expo, happening now until 3:00pm at RJEMS middle school! 💛

Sign up for a NAMI membership and get an entry into our gift basket drawing, full of all sorts of self-care goodies!