NAMI Dubuque, Nat. Alliance on Mental Illness/DBQ

NAMI Dubuque is an affiliate of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization. Our story began in the 1970s when a group of Midwest families united to support loved ones with lived experience in brain health. What started as a small support group has grown into a nationwide movement of over 600 affiliates dedicated to a stigma-free world. NAMI Dubuque received its nonprofit status in 1996, evolving from living room meetings and church basements into the professional, regional anchor for mental health it is today.

From our newly renovated program center in downtown Dubuque, we provide a robust suite of evidence-based programming, including support groups, educational classes, suicide prevention outreach, and the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP). Our model is built entirely on peer support. We believe that lived experience creates a unique lens of empathy and that relationships are the core of where healing begins.

Our work fills a critical gap in the traditional medical model. By being accessible, approachable, and equitable, we help families navigate crises and strengthen their systems for positive long-term outcomes. We aren't just a resource; we are a necessary piece of the continuum of care in our community.

In December 2021, we reached a major turning point by becoming an AmeriCorps VISTA host site. This partnership with Volunteer Iowa allowed us to shift from an all-volunteer organization to a high-capacity team with a growth mindset. Today, we boast a core team of seven staff members and 20+ volunteer facilitators serving the tri-county area.

The last few years have seen an intentional, accelerated expansion:

• February 2023: Launched our 3,700 sq. ft. Dubuque Program Center.

• October 2023: Opened our second location in Delaware County.

• June 2024: Reached our goal of regional coverage with the opening of our third location in Jones County.

Between 2024 & 2026, we diversified our services to meet the specific needs of our neighbors. We have added specialized groups for Veterans, Women, and those navigating Psychosis. Our outreach now extends directly into the community through on-site partnerships with the Dubuque County Jail, MercyOne, and more.

Beyond our walls, we launched the "StigmaFree Workplace Initiative." In partnership with NICC Business Solutions, we now provide NAMI-based brain health certifications for local employers, ensuring that mental health support is integrated into our local economy and workforce.

Our presence is felt most vibrantly during our annual events. In September, we host our Annual Suicide Awareness Walk. What started as a small gathering has grown into a massive community movement; in recent years, we have seen over 650 participants join us to honor lives lost and bring visual representation to our mission. Our fundraising efforts, supported by partners like the DRA, Brain Health Now, and Premier Bank, allow us to keep our doors open and our services free.

In 2022, we served 883 people. Today, we serve an average of over 150 individuals every month at our main campus alone. At NAMI Dubuque, we are creating opportunities for people to invest in themselves. We are creating opportunities for better brain health management, fluid communication, and a defined understanding of crisis planning.

If you create opportunities, people will take them—because everyone deserves the opportunity to feel loved, valued, and accepted. That is the heart of NAMI Dubuque.

Thank you for choosing NAMI Dubuque as part of your Great Give. Your support ensures that no one in Dubuque, Delaware, or Jones County has to face mental illness alone.