05/28/2026
Last week, the Perry Kiwanis Club welcomed a Stephen Smith from NAMI Central Georgia to speak with our members during Mental Health Awareness Month.
NAMI Central Georgia is affiliated with the National Alliance on Mental Illness and is the only NAMI affiliate in the country with an attached residential program. Their organization works to provide education, mentorship, housing support, and resources for adults experiencing mental health challenges, while also supporting veterans and service members through partnerships with the VA and local veterans organizations.
Members learned about the organization’s residential services, which include medication management, meals, and supportive housing, as well as programs designed to help individuals transition back into the community. NAMI Central Georgia also offers work-study opportunities where participants can learn trades such as landscaping, automotive work, and carpentry, along with a gardening program supported by UGA Master Gardeners.
Stephen, who serves as Director of Peer Services and Facility Engineer, shared the importance of meeting people where they are and helping guide them toward independence and stability. The organization also works to build more Certified Peer Specialists — individuals with lived experience who can support others on their journey.
NAMI Central Georgia continues to expand its efforts through residential housing, mentorship, education, and community resources, with a long-term goal of developing more independent living opportunities for those they serve.
To learn more about NAMI Central Georgia, visit their page or YouTube channel.
