Community Spotlight: NAMI of Erie County PA

Written by: Bobbie Fenno

Since its founding in 1984 by David and Joanne Cooper, Don and Carol Shaper, and Jim and Jeanne Hughes, NAMI of Erie County has worked to create a compassionate, nonjudgmental environment for individuals and families affected by mental illness. What began as a grassroots effort to offer empathy and understanding has grown into a full-fledged countywide resource hub dedicated to support, education, and advocacy.

NAMI Erie is distinct in that it is a nonclinical organization, meaning it does not provide therapy or medical treatment. Instead, its strength lies in connecting people with tools, peer networks, and education, all at no cost to the user. Among its core offerings are weekly peer support and family support groups, signature programs such as Peer-to-Peer, Family-to-Family, NAMI Basics, and tailored Mental Health First Aid training coordinated with schools, workplaces, and community partners.

Beyond direct programming, NAMI Erie plays a pivotal role as a connector and referral resource. Through its Erie County Resources listing, the organization lists crisis phone lines as well as local treatment and behavioral health services, such as Safe Harbor Behavioral Health, Stairways Behavioral Health, Sarah Reed Children's Center, and many others. This helps residents see where to go for clinical care, while NAMI remains that bridge to understand and navigate the system.

Throughout the year, NAMI Erie creates visibility for mental health and brings community engagement through events like Mental Health Movie Night, the Guns & Hoses Game, and NAMIWalks Erie County. Their 2025 walk, held in September, marked an exceptional milestone, raising over $70,000, doubling last year's proceeds. Meanwhile, the organization recently celebrated its 40-year anniversary and has teamed up with local partners, such as in the Debra Mattson Memorial Walk, plus a collaboration with Erie Contemporary Ballet Theater Nutcracker for performances on 11/28 and 11/29.

NAMI Erie's inclusive ethos naturally extends to the LGBTQIA+ community. Recognizing that queer identities can face layered stigma around mental health, social isolation, and discrimination, NAMI fosters an environment where all, regardless of gender identity, sexuality, or family structure, can find support without fear.

Looking ahead, NAMI Erie is planning to expand its reach in schools, workplaces, and community settings. Upcoming initiatives include firearm suicide prevention and intervention trainings, and creating additional support groups and free trainings to ensure greater access across Erie County. The organization calls on residents to help by sharing their resources, inviting them into local settings to present or host training sessions, donating or sponsoring events, and volunteering to assist with outreach or fundraising efforts.

To get involved or learn more, check out their website or social media.

• Website: https://namierie.org/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NAMIerie
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nami_erie/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nami-of-erie-county
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NAMIofErieCountyPA

About the Author

Bobbie Fenno Bobbie Fenno (She/Her) joined as a contributing editor in 2025, but has been involved with Erie Gay News as a folding volunteer previously. She graduated from the University of Phoenix with a Bachelor's degree in Business, a certificate in Project Management, and an Associate's in Information Technology. Bobbie is also an active member of the LBT Women of Erie group and was also a board member for the NWPA Pride Alliance for four years (2021-2024).