A county-wide mental health organization now has a new location.
NAMI Manitowoc County held a ribbon-cutting on Thursday for its new office at 936 S. 10th Street in Manitowoc.
Organization Co-President Donna Firman says their need for a new building started five years ago.
But they’ve been raising money and expanding their services before finding their new location.
The new space allows NAMI to expand its volunteer base and mental health peer-led services.
“Mainly for our support group meetings,” she noted. “Of course, we’ll have some administrative functions here like our board meetings and things like that. Other groups have already contacted us about using the space when they need it, which we’re very happy to share, especially for those in the mental health community.”
Firman says all services through the county-wide National Alliance on Mental Health are free, and anyone who wants help can show up.
Along with expanding their general monthly support group, NAMI Manitowoc County also wants to help underserved communities, like LGBTQ+, Hispanic, and Hmong.
There could also be specialized group meetings too.
“An all-men’s group, for example, or an all-women’s group,” she described. “So, we’re kind of waiting to hear what our members really want from us and then we’ll deliver those services.”
Firman adds that having NAMI in Manitowoc County is vital since it can take up to six months for someone to get professional mental health services.
The organization is also excited to have a storefront since it can increase visibility in the community.
More information about NAMI Manitowoc County can be found at namimanitowoccounty.org.
