PEP: Parents Empowering Parents

NAMI PEP is an open, FREE, monthly support group and educational coaching meeting for parents, caregivers and loved ones of children, youth, and transitional-aged youth (TAY) from age 18 up to 25 years of age. This peer-led meeting is based on standard support group guidelines and principles. One-hour of sharing is followed by an educational presentation by a parent with Lived Experience.

Find resources, learning tools, share, give feedback and develop support systems.

Every 3rd Wednesday of the month from 6-8 PM. At this time, participation is limited to 18 years of age and older.

Upcoming Topics:

December 19 - San Diego Youth Services I CARE Program presents on the dangers and what parents can be on the lookout for when it comes to Sex Trafficking. Learn tools to help protect vunerable youth in this valuable presentation.

January 16 - JFS Patient Advocacy Program teaches parents how they can reach out for assistance when their own advocacy meter feels low.

February 20 - OCD Awareness presented by a mom who has navigated the ropes of her child's mental health challenges surrounding OCD, and how both she and her child have moved into advocacy surrounding this debilitating mental health condition.

For more information or questions please contact a Children, Youth & Family Liaison team member by phone at (858) 987-2980 or email at cyfliaison@namisd.org

Past Topics:

• Caroline Ridout Stewart, LCSW, on Co-occuring disorders and addiction in youth
• Dr. Steve Tullius, D.C. from Center for Health and Human Potential on the brain/gut connection
• Maria Nagy, Elementary school Special Education teacher and Advocate, and a parent of a youth with ASD and PANDAS, Maria currently runs a parent support group and represents families who are navigating the IEP process.
• Michelle Downey, RN, MAC, LMFT will speak on mood disorders, substance use disorder (SUD), and tools to help parents navigate co-occurring disorders.
• Seth Senecal, MA, founder of The Curiosity Corps, will speak on how parents and caregivers can develop effective problem solving and critical thinking skills.