NAMI Mercer will host its third annual “Harvest of Hope” conference on Saturday, Oct. 1, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville.
This education event, which is open to consumers, their families, and the general public, is funded, in part, by the Bunbury and Princeton Area Community Foundations.
This year’s theme is “Pathways to Wellness.”
“To optimize the body’s ability to repair itself, treatment of brain-based biological disorders should involve a holistic approach,” states Dr. William B. Hayes, Princeton psychiatrist and NAMI Mercer president. “It is imperative that individuals affected by these illnesses practice good nutrition, regular exercise, and effective stress management techniques.”
Carol Kivler, CSP, MS, will deliver the keynote address: “Unwrapping the Gifts of Recovery.”
Ms. Kivler is the president of Kivler Communications, a corporate training and executive coaching firm. Its Courageous Recovery Division reaches out to mental health care professionals, consumers, and family members with a message of hope. Her recent book “Will I Ever Be the Same Again? Transforming the Face of ECT,” has been honored with two book awards this past year.
The conference then will offer attendees a choice of concurrent wellness workshops, with one session in the morning and another during the afternoon. The $10 registration fee includes lunch. Although membership is not required, NAMI Mercer is offering an incentive price of $35 to join now AND attend the conference.
Workshops will provide a variety of interactive and hands-on wellness experiences. Topics include nutrition and weight management, journaling, art therapy, physical fitness and tai chi, a home spa experience, reiki, mindfulness, animal-assisted therapy, a medication update, and spirituality.
The closing activity will be an energizing group drumming experience led by Mauri Tyler, CTRS, CMP. This activity is an evidence-based wellness method of improving the immune system and reducing stress. No musical experience is required. Drums will be provided or you can bring your own.
NAMI Mercer, based in Lawrenceville, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by mental illness through education, mutual support, and advocacy. NAMI Mercer is an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
For more information and to register online, go to www.namimercer.org or call 609-799-8994.
