Family Support Groups

NAMI Fox Valley’s family support groups are for adult family members, friends, and caregivers of individuals living with a mental health condition. The groups, which are offered at no charge to participants, are facilitated by individuals with their own lived experience as a family member of someone living with a mental illness.

Family support group meetings provide participants with a relaxed, trusting, and safe environment to share with and support others who can empathize with their experiences. Participants in our groups share strategies and coping skills, discover community resources, and experience the benefits of mutual compassion.

As well as offering general family support group meetings, NAMI Fox Valley offers certain meetings for particular populations, such as parents/caregivers of school-aged children and spouses/partners. See below for more details. 

For a full calendar of NAMI Fox Valley's support groups, click here.

For questions regarding family support groups, contact Vivian Flanagan, Family Program Coordinator, at vivian@namifoxvalley.org or 920-740-3499.

In-Person Family Support Groups

There is no need to preregister for in-person groups except for our parent and caregiver group. Please feel free to join us at the dates, times and locations listed below.

The following family group meets at NAMI Fox Valley’s office at 211 E. Franklin St., Appleton, WI 54911:

  • Family Support Group (for adult family members of those living with mental health challenges): Meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 6:30-8:00 PM

The following family group meets at First Congregational United Church of Christ, located at 724 E. South River St., Appleton, WI 54915:

  • Faith-Based Family Support Group (for any adult family member or loved one of individuals living with mental health challenges): Meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month from 6:30-8:00 PM.
    • NOTE: This group provides a safe space to share how spirituality gives you strength to support your loved one. The format is the same as all of our other family groups, but concludes with your individual version of the Our Father.

The following family group meets at the Community Early Learning Center, located at 313 S. State St., Appleton, WI 54911:

  • Parent & Caregiver Support Group (for parents and caregivers of school-aged children experiencing mental health challenges): Meets on the 2nd Monday of each month from 6:00-7:30 PM. Childcare is available at this group.
    • NOTE: This group is offered in collaboration with Parent Connection, who provides childcare for those who need it during the group meeting. Unlike our other in-person groups, pre-registration is strongly encouraged for this group. To register, visit  www.familyservicesnew.org/parenting-classes

Online Family Support Groups

Our online groups are held via the Zoom platform. Zoom is a free video conference program that can be used on a desktop or laptop computer, tablet, or smartphone. You do NOT need to create a Zoom account or download an app to join our meetings.

If you are interested in receiving more information on NAMI Fox Valley’s online support groups, please click the button below to fill out the interest form. You will then receive an email with registration instructions and the current schedule for the group(s) in which you are interested.

Our current online support groups offered for family members include:

    • A support group for adult family members of those living with mental health challenges
    • A support group specifically for spouses/partners of individuals living with mental health challenges

What to Expect at NAMI Fox Valley’s Support Groups

Whether you join us for an in-person meeting or one of our virtual meeting options, you can always expect to find a compassionate and understanding environment among people with similar experiences. The groups provide a safe space for open discussion in which you can safely share about your feelings, challenges, and triumphs without fear of judgement.
No, you are not required to share at NAMI Fox Valley's support groups. Participation in discussions is voluntary, and individuals are encouraged to engage at their own comfort level. Some people may find it beneficial to share their experiences, thoughts, and feelings, while others may prefer to simply listen and observe.
The registration process for NAMI Fox Valley's support groups can vary depending on the specific group and its guidelines. In-person support groups do not require preregistration and welcome individuals to attend on a drop-in basis, allowing for flexibility and accessibility. Support group meetings held via Zoom, however, do require preregistration so a Zoom link can be sent to the participant.
The meetings focus on discussing the “here and now” of what participants are going through, while always ending on a positive note. Along with general discussion, the meetings may include a brief educational component, as well as information on resources and coping strategies.
No, you do not have to attend the same support group at NAMI Fox Valley each week. We understand that everyone's needs and schedules vary, and flexibility is important in accessing support. You are welcome to attend different support groups based on your preferences, availability, and formats that best suit your current situation. Whether you attend consistently or explore different groups, our priority is to provide a supportive and understanding environment for your mental health journey.
NAMI Fox Valley's support groups are overseen by trained facilitators with lived experience who are dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment for participants. These facilitators undergo specialized training to ensure they have the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively lead the groups.
NAMI Fox Valley's support groups are held both in-person and virtually via Zoom. While the majority of NAMI Fox Valley's in-person support groups are held at NAMI Fox Valley's Appleton location, there are a few exceptions. A full list of groups with accompanying locations can be found on our peer and family support group pages.
At NAMI Fox Valley, our support groups prioritize confidentiality as a cornerstone of trust and safety. Participants can openly share their experiences, thoughts, and emotions knowing that their privacy is respected and protected. However, in rare situations where there is a clear and imminent risk of harm to oneself or others, our commitment to safety overrides confidentiality. In such cases, appropriate measures may be taken to ensure the well-being of all individuals involved.