Nami Sarasota and Manatee Counties

Family and peer education and support: support groups facilitated by trained individuals and classes of eight (8) sessions taught with Nami standardized curriculum. Groups and classes are taught/facilitated by peers who also live with mental health conditions and/or are loved ones of those who experience mental illness and have attended groups/classes themselves.

Family peer navigation: navigators partner with families who have youth/young adults experiencing mental health challenges and offers support, advocacy, and empowerment to meet the individual family needs.the parent partner through the fatherhood initiative serves as a liaison for fathers involved in the parents for parents (p4p) and family navigation programs, to offer support, education, and advocacy to fathers involved within the system of care, including child welfare, mental health, substance use, juvenile justice, etc. This individual uses their lived experience to promote engagement, offer support, skill building, mentoring, and education to families, with a special focus on fathers involved in services or seeking resources to enhance their roles and participation in their family's wellbeing.

Drop-in centers: beginning in summer 2021, Nami Sarasota and Manatee Counties opened their wellness drop-in centers, yana Sarasota, in both north and south Sarasota county.yana, an acronym for "you are not alone," aligns with the mission and values of Nami Sarasota and Manatee Counties. It's a safe space for adults 18 and over who are facing mental health challenges. Individuals can become members of a nurturing, non-judgmental environment where they can find a sense of community. Yana Sarasota fosters an atmosphere where everyone is acknowledged and valued, opening opportunities for friendships, life skills, education, advocacy, and steps toward mental health recovery and well-being. Members are not only given a say in program activities but are also encouraged to contribute to yana Sarasota's vision and actively partake in their personal wellness journey, all with the assistance of certified recovery peer support specialists.being peer-led and member driven, yana Sarasota emphasizes collaboration among members and peer-staff, working together to tailor program activities that resonates with each participant's unique path to mental wellness and recovery. Integral to this approach is our member advisory council (mac), a member-led board dedicated to facilitating a conversation about the wants and needs of yana members. The mac serves as a vital conduit for member voices, ensuring that the programs and services offered not only meet but also reflect the collective aspirations of the community.at yana Sarasota, we believe in multiple pathways to recovery. That's why we are thrilled to offer a nourishing morning snack and lunch every day to our members. Members, volunteers, and staff prepare meals, ensuring that everyone can start their day on the right foot. But that's just part of what we do. All programs at yana are entirely free of charge, allowing participants from all walks of life to engage, learn, and grow without financial barriers. From educational workshops to social events, there's something for everyone at yana.

Info & referral: resource line/email dedicated to responding to approximately 1,200 inquiries annually regarding individuals and/or families experiencing mental health challenges or with loved ones - many in crisis. Though not a crisis line, the resource line is often the first line of response.