Tuesday, February 21, 2023
NAMI Wilmington Chapter
Public Board Meeting
Present: Doug Engelman, Chuck Eldridge, Janis Eldridge, Julie Morrow, Virginia Goldrick, Bob Taglin, Sue Howell, Hannah Raftery and Marissa Button. Present via Zoom: Alabama Stone, Brian Mingia, Kay Sargent, Sharon Hankins and Debra Kindervatter.
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The Board meeting for the NAMI Wilmington Chapter was called to order by Doug Engelman, President at 7:00 pm. A quorum was established with six board members present.
Old Business:
A motion was made by Julie Morrow and seconded by Virginia Goldrick to approve the minutes from the January 17, 2023 NAMI Wilmington Public Board Meeting. This motion was unanimously approved.
New Business:
Financial Report- Julie Morrow reported on the completion of the 2021 and 2022 Annual Audits. A motion was made by Virginia Goldrick and seconded by Bob Taglin to approve the 2023 Budget. This motion was unanimously approved.
Community Awareness- In Jane Emmart’s absence, Chuck discussed the importance of board members promoting membership among their personal, professional and social circles for increased community awareness. Doug is going to ask NAMI NC about the availability of group memberships.
Communications- Kay Sargent reported on the progress regarding MailChimp. Currently we have 560 subscribers, which is a significant increase over previous years.
Support Programs- Bob Taglin reported on the Brunswick County Seniors Group, which has regularly been consisting of four attendees. The plan is for another Senior Group to be started in New Hanover County in the future. Alabama Stone reported that seven attendees were present for the Youngish Group. The Family Support Group is currently being led by Sara Hobgood and Paul Bobotas with usually 8-10 attendees. The Family to Family Training Class will be led by Laura and Paul Bobotas starting in March 2023.We are still looking for more trained facilitators to lead the Co-Occurring Support Group slated for the near future. Chuck also reported on the New Hanover Behavioral Center Program (Recovery Talk) which is given twice a month. It was suggested that NAMI Membership forms should be available at all support groups.
Community Outreach- Hannah Raftery and Chuck have been researching contacts for program support within these communities. They have already met with the Director of Domestic Violence and have a scheduled meeting this week with Good Shepherd Homeless Center. Hannah has been an enormous asset as our newest NAMI intern and looking forward to her helping with our new future initiatives.
Fundraising- Chuck reported on the February 18th Comedy Night fundraiser. It was a successful, sold out event, producing a net profit of approximately $2400. Tennis for Good Charity Tennis Tournament is scheduled for the weekend of February 25/26 with the proceeds going to NAMI Wilmington Chapter. Doug reported that his book will now be available on the NAMI website as a fundraiser at $14.95 retail. He also mentioned the possibility of selling Wilmington Sharks Baseball tickets and 50/50 raffle at the games as a fundraiser.
Grants- Chuck reported that he is in the writing process for multiple program and admininstrative grants. Chuck also mentioned his appreciation for the help and guidance he has received from Dennis, Virginia and Debra.
Community Engagement- Doug reported that the magazine “Engage” has offered our Wilmington Chapter grant writing support and web development, as well as being promoted in their magazine.
Strategic Planning- Doug also discussed the NAMI National TCC which is a consulting group that will be using our chapter as a subject for a pilot program.
Community Inclusion- Sue Howell and her sisters have participated in the Community Inclusion Training and applied for a $5000 grant for a program called “Connecting Community Initiatives” with Ocean House Mental Health Association.
Misc.- The Wilmington Chapter has nominated Virginia Goldrick to become a member of the NAMI NC Peer Leadership Council.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 pm.
The next NAMI Wilmington Public Board Meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at UNCW Bear Hall Room 101.
Recorded by, Janis Eldridge
