NAMI finds a new home

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Hancock County has found a new home. NAMI has moved into part of the Camp Fire Northwest Ohio building at 305 W. Hardin St., said NAMI executive director Eric McKee. The agency — whose mission is promoting mental health in Hancock County to build better lives through education, support and advocacy — made the move in July. NAMI is marking its 25th anniversary in Hancock County this year. McKee said the agency was most recently located at 306 N. Blanchard St. Prior to that, NAMI was among the agencies housed in The Family Center. "We had moved out of The Family Center because we needed more room. So we were there on North Blanchard Street, but the problem with the one on North Blanchard Street was it wasn't ADA compliant," he said. That site also had just one classroom, which was located upstairs. Parking was also a problem, and the agency needed an office that could accommodate evening programs and meetings. "So we needed more office space. We needed more classroom space," he said. During a conversation with Jeff North, executive director, CEO and camp director, McKee learned that Camp Fire had three offices that weren't being used. North asked if NAMI would be interested in taking those over. "And we're like, 'Absolutely!' So we worked out a pretty good deal," McKee said. NAMI has a staff of four that includes McKee, two licensed social workers and a part-time administrative/community engagement person. In addition to the office, NAMI shares a large common area with Camp Fire. "When they have activities there, we shut our area off for them. And when we have our activities, then we're using the space. So it's been wonderful," McKee said. The entrance for NAMI is located at the front of the building, while Camp Fire's entrance is at the back by the parking lot. McKee noted that NAMI recently began offering new support groups and classes for youths and teens. "We hold our board meetings here. We hold all of our educational programs and support groups here," he said. NAMI Hancock County started as a committee of the Hancock County Board of Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services in 1996. The group initially met at the ADAMHS board office and held classes at area churches. McKee said all of its programs are evidence-based and available to clients free of charge. Funding is provided by donations, grants and support from the ADAMHS board. The new phone number for NAMI is 567-301-2101. Wolf: 419-427-8419