Hello NAMI Vermont Friend:

Thank you for your interest in attending our NAMI Connection Recovery Support Grouptraining. The training is scheduled for April 9th and 10th.

If you are interested in attending, please complete and return the attachedapplication and agreementto:

Carla Vecchione, Program Director

NAMI Vermont

600 Blair Park Road, Suite 301

Williston, VT 05495

(802) 876-7949, Ext. 102 or (800) 639-6480

Steps to the application process:

  1. Review the attached Overview, Requirements, and Key Training Information;
  2. Submit completed application and agreement to NAMIVermont;
  3. We will review the application and if you’re selected for an interview;
  4. A member of the support group application review team will contact you; and
  5. You will be notified of your applicationstatus.

We are looking forward to receiving your application. If you have any questions, please contact me at 800-639-6480 x102 or email: .

Kind Regards,

Carla

Carla Vecchione, Program Director

NAMI Vermont

Overview, Requirements, and Key Training Information

What is the Role of a NAMI Connection Facilitator?

A NAMI Connection facilitator is a trained NAMI leader who leads a NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group. They play an important role in ensuring that all participants feel welcomed and supported. NAMI facilitators are uniquely qualified to lead support groups because they are going through their own recovery process. They can empathize with and encourage those who are just beginning the journey to a renewed life. A NAMI facilitator ensures that the group shares responsibility for maintaining guidelines, sustains clear participant boundaries, clarifies goals, and reinforces communication skills that encourage group participation.

What are the Requirements?

  • Complete the Connection facilitator training and receive certification
  • Commitment to facilitate a 90-minute weekly support group for a minimum of one year
  • Adhere to the fidelity to the NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group model
  • Maintain confidentiality of participants
  • Maintain NAMI membership during commitment
  • An ability to read or to compensate for reading challenges with accommodations
  • Have personal experience with mental health challenges and have reached a comfortable place in recovery
  • Work with the Program Director on outreach, recruitment and recordkeeping
  • A positive regard for the sharing of personal experiences with mutual support
  • Attend refresher trainings as needed

Facilitator Training Key Information

Trainers:Maria Grindle and Jude Demers

Location:Central Vermont Medical Center, Conference Room #1

Dates:April 9th and 10th

Schedule:Saturday & Sunday Training: 9:00-5:00 pm
Breakfast and lunch included for everyone; Dinner included for those staying overnight

Cost:Training and shared rooms are free, single rooms are $30/night

Please indicate if you would like to reserve a single room.

PLEASE KEEP FOR YOUR RECORDS

Facilitator Training Application

Applicant Information
Date: / Name:
Mailing Address:
City/State/Zip:
Primary Phone: / Alternate: / Best Time to Call:
Email:
References(Please note: your reference should be someone who knows you well enough to recommend that you be trained to become a facilitator.)
Who can recommend you for this training?
Reference email and/or phone number:
What is his/her involvement with NAMI? (Teacher, Support Group Facilitator, NAMI Board Member, volunteer)

Facilitator Agreement

I agree to be at each session of the training on time. Please understand that if you are excessively late to sessions you may jeopardize your participation in the training and a teacher certificate may not be issued to you.

I understand that participation in this training does not guarantee that I will be certified as a NAMI facilitator. Trainees must demonstrate the qualifications needed to become a good NAMI facilitator by the end of the training. The first day of training provides an opportunity for trainees to assess their basic qualifications for being a facilitator. Any concerns should be brought to the trainers’ attention.

I agree to notify NAMI Vermont if I’m not able to attend this training.

There is a waiting list and prompt notification of a cancellation enables us to invite another participant.

I agree to serve as a Connection Support Group facilitator once a week for a minimum of one year.

It is understood that unexpected situations may occur in which flexibility in this policy will be needed.Our goal is to train four facilitators who can rotate schedules in order to have two facilitators available for each meeting.

I agree to facilitate a Connection Support Group according to the established NAMI operating policies.

Adhering to fidelity to the NAMI Support Group model is key to a successful and healthy support group.

Please answer the questions below for training as a NAMI Volunteer Connection facilitator:

  1. I am an individual who has personal experience with mental health challenges. YES NO
    It is important that our facilitators have lived experience with mental health issues. If you have answered “NO”, please contact the Program Director for other NAMI training programs or volunteer opportunities that might meet your needs.)
  2. Why do you want to be a volunteer NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group Facilitator (If not enough room please use separate sheet of paper):
  3. Have you attended a Connection Support Group? YES NO If no, please attend a meeting prior to the training to better understand the model and requirements of a facilitator.
  1. Anything else you would like to share that would help us in evaluating your ability to become a facilitator?

______

______

  1. Are you a member of NAMI? YES NO
  2. Have you volunteered for NAMI Vermont in the past? YES NO If YES, in what volunteer role(s)?

______

  1. Have you ever been convicted of a felony? YES NO If YES please explain:______

______

  1. I will be able to attend the entire training 9:00 am Saturday to 5:00 pm Sunday? YES NO

Upon successful completion of the training, how soon would you be able to facilitate a support group?

______

  1. Do you have your own transportation? YES NO

If NO, Can you access public transportation? YES NO

  1. What is the furthest (miles) you are willing to drive to facilitate a support group?
    0-10 10-20 20-30 30-40

Information needed should you be selected to attend training:

Do you need special accommodations? YES NO If YES, please describe? ______

Do you need a room for the weekend of the training? YES NO

If yes, what days? Friday evening Saturday evening

I am willing to share a room
I would like to request a single room. There is an additional charge of $30.00 per night.

______

Signature of ApplicantDate

(your typed name serves as the signature)

Please complete the teacher emergency form on the next page.

For office use only:

I recommend this person to be trained as a Connection Support Group facilitator for NAMI Vermont. YES NO

If NO, Why:

______

Signature of Interviewer Date

Teacher Emergency Form

Name: ______

Emergency Contacts – Two contacts please:

  1. Name: ______Relationship to you: ______Phone: ______
  2. Name: ______Relationship to you: ______Phone: ______
  • Do you have a cell phone number we can reach you at during the training weekend? YES NO
    If YES, the number is: ______
  • Dietary requirements (Please check all that apply) Vegetarian Vegan Gluten Intolerant
    Lactose Intolerant Diabetic Allergies:______
  • Other medical conditions, disability needs, religious considerations, etc. to be considered during the training:___
  • Any other emergency information we should have: ______

Please mail, fax, or email all completed information to:

Carla Vecchione, Program Director

600 Blair Park Road, Suite 301Williston, VT 05495

Office: (802) 876-7949, Ext. 102 or Toll-Free (800) 639-6480

Email:

NAMI Vermont • 600 Blair Park Road, Suite 301, Williston, VT 05495 • Phone: 802-876-7949 – 800-639-6480 •