Tuesday, March 21, 2023
NAMI Wilmington Chapter
Public Board Meeting
Present: Alabama Stone, Chuck Eldridge, Janis Eldridge, Julie Morrow, Bob Taglin, and Marissa Button.
Present via Zoom: Brian Mingia, Kay Sargent, Sue Howell, Ed and Kim Palmer.
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The Board meeting for the NAMI Wilmington Chapter was called to order by Alabama Stone, Vice President at 7:10 pm. A quorum was established with five board members present.
Old Business:
A motion was made by Julie Morrow and seconded by Bob Taglin to approve the minutes from the February 21, 2023 NAMI Wilmington Public Board Meeting. This motion was unanimously approved.
New Business:
Financial Report- Julie Morrow reported that total revenue for the January- February time period was $7,561.84, which included $3,534 from the February 19th Comedy Show fundraiser.
Membership- Janis Eldridge reported the current membership is 77. Monthly renewal reminders will continue. Discussion regarding offering free “Open Door” Memberships to clients as they exit the Novant Health New Hanover Behavioral Center will be discussed further at the April Board meeting.
Community Awareness- In Jane Emmart’s absence, Chuck reported he is working on a grant involving training for community providers with emphasis on mental illness awareness and support referrals.
Support Programs- Bob Taglin reported on the Brunswick County Seniors Group, which has a core group of 4 consistent attendees. Alabama Stone reported that five attendees and 2 facilitators(1 facilitator mentee) were present at the Youngish Support Group. Alabama will connect with the NAMI on Campus group for possible interest in meeting bi-weekly. Sara Hobgood has volunteered to lead the Family Support Group meetings with Kim Palmer assisting. The Family to Family training session, led by Laura and Paul Bobotas has started with 18 people in attendance. Kay Balderson is hosting the class on zoom as well.
Ending the Silence- Chuck reported on the progress that has begun for the Wilmington area program for middle school, high school and college age attendees. Dennis Doll has volunteered to lead the program, along with six other volunteers currently in training.
Community Outreach- Hannah Raftery and Chuck have another meeting set with both the Director of Domestic Violence and Good Shepherd Homeless Center this week. Chuck emphasized the need for more qualified volunteers to train as facilitators to enable this program’s success.
Fundraising- In the absence of Doug Engelman, Alabama Stone discussed the proposal from Wilmington Sharks to sell 50 Wilmington Sharks Baseball tickets at $10 each, making a $5 each profit and 50/50 raffle at the games as a fundraiser.
Grants- Chuck reported that he has already submitted 3 program and administrative grants, and is working on more for the future. The UNCW Engagement group is also slated to help using their services.
Interns- Hannah Raferty has been working with the Community Outreach Program. She is also busy revising the online version of our “Resource Guide”.
Engagement – Alabama reported on the UNCW Engagement group services that they will be providing our chapter. The services included will be the following- grant writing assistance, social media and web development and an article in their magazine “Engage”.
TCC – NAMI Wilmington has been selected for a pilot program in which help will be provided to develop strategic planning for the future. Chuck has agreed to solicit volunteers needed for a one hour meeting to answer questions.
Community Inclusion- Sue Howell reported that they have made their first distribution at PAMH (formerly Ocean House) to 19 participants. Approval was received to get donations through our NAMI Wilmington chapter.
Special Thanks- Two local Hoggard High School students, Chris and Helen,along with Evelyn Foster recently sponsored the “Tennis For Good” Charitable Doubles Tournament Fundraiser at Empie Park with proceeds benefiting NAMI Wilmington. The donation proceeds are earmarked for funding the “Ending the silence” program.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 pm.
The next NAMI Wilmington Public Board Meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at 7:00pm at UNCW Bear Hall Room 101.
Recorded by,
Janis Eldridge
