NAMI Northeast Region PA

06/19/2026

Today we recognize Juneteenth—a time to celebrate liberation, reflect on our shared history, and recommit to the ongoing journey toward true equity. At NAMI, our work is deeply rooted in the belief that strong, resilient communities rely on justice and opportunity for all. Join us today in honoring the legacy of emancipation by supporting Black-led initiatives and continuing the work toward a more equitable future.

Juneteenth, short for “June Nineteenth,” marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. The troops’ arrival came a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.

Juneteenth honors the end to slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday.

Learn more about African American history at this link:
https://nmaahc.si.edu/

06/18/2026

💙 Gratitude. Connection. Hope. 💙

As we prepare for the Evening of Hope: Minds that Matter, Hearts that Connect next week, we are filled with gratitude for the incredible support we have received from our community.

Thank you to our sponsors, donors, basket contributors, volunteers, board members, and supporters who have helped make this event possible. Your generosity and belief in our mission remind us that hope truly grows in good company.

We are looking forward to gathering with so many friends, families, advocates, and community partners to celebrate the power of connection and the impact we can make together.

There is still time to support the event! If you would like to contribute, we are gratefully accepting:
✨ Monetary donations
🧺 Gift baskets and auction items

Every contribution helps NAMI Northeast Region continue providing free mental health education, support, and advocacy programs throughout our community.

Together, we are creating a future where every mind matters and every heart connects.

06/16/2026

Would you like to learn more about the work NAMI is doing in our community while helping to support local NAMI Northeast Region PA programs and services in the coming year?

Then join us next week for our annual Evening of Hope on June 25.

This year’s theme is: In Good Company: Minds that Matter, Hearts that Connect. It reflects NAMI’s commitment to inspiring hope through the storytelling of shared experiences. Our goal is that anyone facing mental health challenges knows they are not alone. Through connection, compassion, and shared stories, we celebrate the strength and resilience of our community.

Guest speakers include Kyle Popish, who recently joined our Board of Directors, and NAMI volunteer Marybeth Koniarski.

This year’s featured entertainment is local musician John Bower.

Throughout the evening, we will share pop-up stories from individuals whose lives have been impacted by mental illness, honoring their courage and celebrating their strength. Gala attendees will also have an opportunity to share what mental health means to them at our Story Station.

This year’s menu features an abundant dinner buffet, along with a hosted bar offering wine and beer. Tickets are $115 per person and may be purchased at:
https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/MYGADC7RVNV6A

If you would like to sponsor this event, use this link:
https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/7LEHMGBMYYQNU

06/15/2026

06/15/2026

Connection in the community matters.

We're excited to be collaborating with in philanthropy of Scranton Area Community Foundation on an important event that addresses real experiences with mental illness.

Participants will hear directly from individuals with lived experience of mental health conditions and those who love someone with a mental illness. Presenters will share personal insight into what it truly means to navigate these experiences — both personally and within families and communities.

Participants will come away with practical tools and a deeper understanding of how to:
-Create safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for individuals and families
-Build communities grounded in mutual respect and awareness
-Understand the impact of words and stigma on mental wellbeing
-Recognize warning signs and reduce stigma
-Foster connection and support mental wellness in themselves, loved ones, and community members

The event begins at 5:30PM at the Scranton Area Community Foundation on Jefferson Avenue in Scranton.

06/12/2026

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is credited with saying, “Music is the universal language of mankind.”

So let's talk on June 25th at our annual Evening of Hope.

Our entertainer for the evening will be Scranton-based John Bower Music.

John is a singer, songwriter, and acoustic country musician. Known for his down-to-earth persona, John can often be found performing locally at restaurants, festivals and other gatherings in the community. You can also listen to his original tracks such as "Down by the Creek," on Apple Music or stream his catalog on Spotify.

If you would like to join us for the evening that would be music to our ears.
Purchase your ticket from this link:
https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/MYGADC7RVNV6A

If you would like to help spread hope by sponsoring this event, click on this link:
https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/7LEHMGBMYYQNU

Photo credit: John Bower Music FB Page

06/12/2026

Although the full range of LGBTQ+ identities are not commonly included in large-scale studies of mental health, there is strong evidence from recent research that members of this community are at a higher risk for experiencing mental health conditions — especially depression and anxiety disorders.

LGBTQ+ adults are more than twice as likely as heteros*xual adults to experience a mental health condition. Transgender individuals are nearly four times as likely as cisgender individuals (people whose gender identity corresponds with their birth s*x) individuals to experience a mental health condition.

Finding the mental health professional that's right for you is important. Check out the steps and tips below that NAMI suggests.

Visit https://www.nepapridecoalition.org/ to learn about the local organization

For a list of national resources and more information pertinent to LGBTQ+ click the link below:
https://www.nami.org/community-and-culture/lgbtq/

06/11/2026

When compassionate people come together—friends, families, advocates, professionals, and community members—we create spaces where every mind matters and every heart belongs.

NAMI volunteer Marybeth is one of those compassionate people who found others like her when she took NAMI's Family-to-Family course. Now she helps others who have family members living with a mental illness.

Join us on June 25 at our annual Evening of Hope to hear more from Marybeth.

Purchase your tickets to EoH here:
https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/MYGADC7RVNV6A

Sponsor this event using this link:
https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/7LEHMGBMYYQNU

Reach out to [email protected] if you would like to donate a basket.

We look forward to gathering as a community of compassionate people.

06/11/2026

For National Men’s Health Month, NAMI National and the Community Health Equity Alliance (CHEA) are convening a conversation on what it means to support the health of Black men from the inside out. This webinar on June 24 will bring together perspectives on mental wellness, physical health, outdoor connection, and community-based support to explore how healing, restoration, and long-term wellbeing are strengthened when Black men have access to spaces, tools, and relationships that allow them to show up fully for themselves and one another.

Grounded in the work of Boyz N The Wood, HBCUs Outside, and the African American Male Wellness Agency, the conversation will highlight how nature, brotherhood, health education, and culturally rooted support can help Black men reconnect to themselves, their communities, and a broader vision of thriving. It will also invite participants to think beyond crisis response and toward a more holistic, preventative, and affirming approach to Black men’s health.

Reserve your spot for this webinar today using this link:
https://nami-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_JAPeT3MUQVyR7OAS4IOaBQ #/registration

06/10/2026

June is Men's Health Month. Given that mental health IS health, let's talk about it!

It doesn't have to be a big conversation, just share how you're feeling. If you don't have a friend or family member you feel comfortable talking to about your mental health, know that you can always seek help from the NAMI Helpline.

You are not alone! If you or someone you know are struggling with mental health, the NAMI HelpLine is here for you. Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), text “HelpLine” to 62640 or email us at [email protected].