About NAMI Montgomery County
NAMI Montgomery County is a grass-roots education, support and
advocacy organization founded in 1979. Our mission is to improve the
quality of life for those affected by mental illness through support,
education and advocacy.
Together with our national organization
NAMI and our state
affiliate NAMI
Pennsylvania, we offer educational programs, support groups and
phone support. We also advocate for better services, legislative
changes, and increased research on mental illnesses.
For more information call the NAMI office 215-886-0350 or follow this
link to
contact us.
Our History
NAMI Montgomery County originated in Families Unite for Mental Health
Rights (FUMHR), founded by Ed and Kate LeBlanc in May 1977, who
organized meetings at their home. By September 1979, membership had
grown to 400 families. FUMHR became affiliated with NAMI after the
founding of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill in 1979.
In December 1981, the group opened an office in Oreland, called the
State Office. NAMI Pennsylvania subsequently established itself with an
office in Harrisburg. In 1986, FUMHR changed its name to The Alliance
for the Mentally Ill, and AMI of Eastern Pennsylvania later separated
into affiliates for each of the five counties of southeastern
Pennsylvania.
AMI of Montgomery County continued to grow with advocacy activities,
support groups, and family education courses. In 1996, it moved into its
own office and meeting place in Glenside to bring together the various
support groups, courses, and library.
The current NAMI name aligns with our national organization. Our
mission remains the same: to improve the lives of all those affected by
mental illness through support, education, and advocacy.
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