Celebrating!!

I have been leading support groups off and on for the past 18 years. I really like the model that the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) uses for their support groups! The Connections Support Groups are for individuals diagnosed or dealing with a mental health condition. The Family Support Groups are for the loved ones to get support.

I have facilitated both groups over the years. I enjoy the fact that I can get the support I need anywhere a group is being held, because they all follow the same model and structure.

I was recently chosen to become a State Trainer for NAMI Connections! It took lots of hours online to finish that part of the training before we met online with our trainers for the past 2 days.

I am excited to announce that I am now a NAMI Connections State Trainer! I joined 13 other amazing people from across the country as newly trained Trainers! Doing things in a virtual manner, especially since 2020, has opened doors for people to receive more assistance.

Another NAMI initiative I am blessed to be a part of is Sharing Hope! This is a conversation held in 3 parts that opens the conversation on mental health and wellness in the Black/African Ancestry Community. I was recently hired as a NAMI Sharing Hope Consultant and Trainer! I am so blessed to be a part of the relaunch as I was around when we rolled it out 16 years ago.

I think it’s important to have safe spaces where we are able to talk and connect. There are conversations that are available in other Indigenous Communities.

At a local level, I am excited to be involved in NAMIWALKS for Mental Health For All!

I am fundraising for the NAMIWALKS which is happening on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at Sawyer Point, Cincinnati, OH. All proceeds from the Walk help support the work NAMI offers free of charge to the community. You can use this secured link to make your tax deductible donation:

https://www.namiwalks.org/participant/Yolonda-Kelsor

You can send money orders or checks made payable to NAMI SWOH to Yolonda Kelsor, 5702 Sierra Park, Suite 1, Cincinnati, OH 45227

Happy 7th Birthday Zeke and Daisy! My life is so full because of you!! Dogs truly are a person’s best friends! Always have been! They uplift my spirit when I am sad! They are non-judgmental and listen with unconditional love!

I am taking time to celebrate my journey of Recovery. It has not been easy by any means. But I have learned you can’t give up hope! You have to forgive yourself for past mistakes. You have to stop “shoulding” on yourself! Look at this as learning opportunities!

You cannot let others steal your joy or rob your peace! Time Helps! But Therapy Heals! When we know better, we do better.

Special thanks to my tribe who love and support me!! I truly feel your love especially during the past several days! Please know You Are Not Alone! Never Give Up Hope!!

(c) (2024) Yolonda Kelsor. All rights reserved.

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