In 2021 NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Sarasota and Manatee Counties had the opportunity to take on a local mental health wellness drop-in program that the community was at risk of losing. This program, now known as YANA (You Are Not Alone), offers adults living with serious mental health conditions a safe, non-clinical, and non-stigmatizing environment of belonging. Funding for the program is through the state and at the time NAMI was not yet a designated provider. Fortunately, CASL (Community Assisted and Supported Living) stepped up and offered to become the fiscal agent for NAMI, passing through program funds so that the program could continue.

This began an incredible partnership between the two organizations. CASL is a leader in developing safe, affordable, and permanent supportive housing for adults with developmental differences and mental health diagnosis. NAMI Sarasota and Manatee Counties offers free peer-led mental health support, education, outreach to individuals, families, and caregivers. Our organizations recognize the importance of stable and affordable housing that in turn supports an individuals’ recovery.

For the last three + years CASL and NAMI have been working together in multiple capacities. In addition to serving as a fiscal agent for NAMI’s YANA wellness drop-in centers, CASL clients routinely attend YANA where members, staff, and volunteers work side-by-side to collaboratively guide the recovery experience and offer a range of program options. Case managers from CASL support their clients attending YANA and work collaboratively with YANA peer specialists to ensure clients receive the needed assistance and linkage to other community needs as requested.

The program also offers life-skills through CASL. CASL’s life-skills manager is at YANA twice a week, providing any member (not just CASL clients) life skills support based on the individual’s need. This could include but not be limited to money management, developing social relationships, cooking, etc.

NAMI and CASL understand how important it is for anyone, including individual’s living with mental health conditions and/or developmental differences to feel accepted and respected. Through our partnership, these individuals can build social networks, develop life-skills, and actively participate in creating their individually tailored recovery and wellness plans. We continue to see positive change with those we serve and look forward to expanding services and offering opportunities for replication in other areas.