Independent Living Associates

Founded in 1979, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, also known as NAMI, focuses on the eradication of mental illnesses and the improvement of the quality of life for persons of all ages who are affected by mental illnesses. It has affiliates in every state and in more than 1,100 local communities throughout the United States. The organization s activities include public information, peer education and support, raising awareness and fighting stigma, and state and federal advocacy. It also operates the Child & Adolescent Action Center, the Law and Criminal Justice Action Center, the Multicultural Action Center, and the Consumer Support and Technical Assistance Resource Center. The National Alliance on Mental Illness maintains a location in Staten Island, N.Y.