NAMI DuPage

What NAMI DuPage does

NAMI DuPage is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit mental health organization founded in 1985 and headquartered at the Linda A. Kurzawa Community Center in Wheaton, Illinois, co-located with the DuPage County Health Department. The organization delivers peer-support-driven mental health services across DuPage County, serving individuals living with mental illness, their families, youth, first responders, and educators. Its core service model relies on Recovery Support Specialists and Family Partnership Professionals with lived mental health experience to deliver one-on-one peer support, crisis de-escalation via the Living Room program (a non-clinical alternative to emergency room care), and structured educational curricula including Family-to-Family, WRAP, Peer-to-Peer, and NAMI Basics.

The organization's programmatic portfolio spans crisis support (Living Room, 988 line integration), more than ten peer support groups (NAMI Connections, Dual Diagnosis, LGBTQ+ Connection, Suicide Loss, Teen Connections, Emerging Young Adult), evidence-based education (Ending the Silence, originally created at NAMI DuPage in 2007 and subsequently adopted nationwide by NAMI National), youth and school-based interventions (Ending the Silence, NAMI on Campus clubs at 10+ DuPage County schools, TraumaInSight), first responder training (NAMI PD C.O.N.N.E.C.T., Mental Health First Aid for Public Safety), and a peer workforce development pipeline placing interns from College of DuPage, Elgin Community College, and Northern Illinois University into 300-hour paid CRSS internships. Rise & Shine social enterprises (Print Shop and Cafe) provide job training for individuals with mental illness.

NAMI DuPage generates revenue primarily through donations, grants ($700,000+ secured in 2024 for workforce development and at-risk support), membership dues ($5–$60), signature fundraising events (NAMI Walks, Shine A Light Gala, Crafting for a Cause), modest fees for peer support sessions and community presentations, social enterprise sales, and planned giving via the Mindful Giving Legacy Society. The majority of programs are offered free of charge. Distribution is regional and direct: in-person at the Wheaton community center and satellite locations (Naperville, Oak Brook, Darien), via Zoom for virtual support groups and classes, on-site at schools, hospitals, and law enforcement agencies, and through digital channels including the Healing Minds podcast and the NAMI DuPage online store.

Name

NAMI DuPage

Legal name

NAMI of DuPage County, Illinois

Website

https://namidupage.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1985

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

NAMI DuPage is a 40-year-old 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing peer-support-driven mental health services — crisis stabilization, support groups, education, workforce development, and youth programs — to individuals, families, youth, and first responders across DuPage County, Illinois.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Mental Health Support Services

NAICS

Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Abuse Centers (621420), Offices of Mental Health Practitioners (except Physicians) (621330)

SIC

Services-Specialty Outpatient Facilities, Nec (8093)

akta.pro primary industry

Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) Management (HLAEAHAB)

akta.pro secondary industry

Crisis Stabilization Units & Psychiatric Emergency Services (HLAFACAH)

Keywords

• Peer support services
• Mental health education
• Crisis intervention programs
• Family caregiver support
• Community mental health

Headquarters

HQ city

Wheaton

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: NAMI DuPage relies heavily on financial donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations. The organization states it does not receive direct financial support from national or state NAMI organizations and operates as a financially independent 501(c)(3). Donations fund core programs including training, education classes, crisis support, youth programs, and workforce development.
2. Annual Membership Dues: NAMI DuPage collects annual membership dues (Household $60, Individual $40, Open Door $5). Membership provides advocacy voice at local, state, and national levels, and helps fund free programs. Membership dues are split among national, state, and local NAMI affiliates.
3. Grants and Foundation Funding: The organization receives grants from corporate and foundation sources. In 2024, NAMI DuPage received over $700,000 in grants specifically for workforce development and at-risk support programs.
4. Social Enterprises (Rise & Shine Print Shop and Cafe): The Rise & Shine Print Shop and Rise & Shine Cafe generate revenue while providing job training for individuals with mental illness. The print shop offers commercial printing services (brochures, flyers, greeting cards, postcards, posters). The cafe serves coffee and snacks Monday–Friday 10am–1pm. Proceeds fund vital NAMI DuPage programs.
5. Fundraising Events: Signature events including NAMI Walks/Run for the Mind, Shine A Light Gala, Crafting for a Cause, Cookies for a Cause (DuPage County Fair), and third-party fundraisers generate revenue and community engagement.
6. Planned Giving and Estate Gifts: The Mindful Giving Legacy Society recognizes donors who include NAMI DuPage in estate plans through bequests, life insurance beneficiary designations, or retirement plan designations. Minimum joining amount is not specified.
7. Community Training and Presentation Fees: Mental Health Essentials presentations are priced at $125–$225 depending on duration and speaker count, with non-profit and business rate structures. NAMI Provider program (15-hour/5-session or 4-hour seminar) is offered to healthcare providers. Revenue supports program delivery costs.
8. Peer Support Services Fees: Individual peer support sessions are charged at $40 initial and $20 follow-up, with a sliding scale fee available for qualifying individuals. Family Peer Support is provided at no charge. This represents a minimal cost-recovery stream.
9. NAMI DuPage Store (Apparel and Merchandise): Online store sells NAMI DuPage branded apparel and merchandise. The organization also sells an 18-month art calendar (July 2025–December 2026) featuring participant artwork at $8–$15, plus shipping. Proceeds support programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels10 records

Marketing channels14 records

Core offering

NAMI DuPage is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) mental health organization that delivers peer-led support groups, educational courses, crisis alternatives, family services, and workforce development programs for individuals living with mental illness and their families in DuPage County, Illinois. Its flagship service is the Living Room, a peer-staffed, non-clinical alternative to emergency rooms for mental health crisis de-escalation, complemented by structured curricula (Family-to-Family, Peer-to-Peer, WRAP) and certified peer workforce training.

Product overview

NAMI DuPage is a nonprofit mental health organization providing a comprehensive portfolio of peer-led support, education, and advocacy services for individuals with mental illness and their families in DuPage County, Illinois. The organization operates the Living Room Program as a non-clinical alternative to emergency rooms for crisis stabilization, alongside multiple support groups (NAMI Connections, Family Support, Teen Connections, Emerging Young Adult, Dual Diagnosis, LGBTQ+, Suicide Loss), educational courses (WRAP, Peer-to-Peer, Family-to-Family, NAMI Basics, NAMI Homefront), and youth programs (Ending the Silence, NAMI on Campus, TraumaInSight). Additional services include Mental Health First Aid training, community presentations (Mental Health Essentials, NAMI PD C.O.N.N.E.C.T., NAMI Provider), the Peer Workforce Development Program with Level Up work readiness classes, recreation and social programs, the Healing Minds podcast, and Rise & Shine social enterprises (Print Shop and Cafe). The organization also coordinates crisis resources via the 988 line and hosts annual fundraising events including NAMI Walks/Run for the Mind, the Shine A Light Gala, and Crafting for a Cause.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Living Room Program A peer-led, non-clinical alternative to emergency rooms for adults 18+ experiencing a mental health crisis, providing a safe and calm atmosphere for de-escalation, symptom management planning, and resource connection. Operates Monday-Friday, 2pm-8pm at the Linda A. Kurzawa Community Center in Wheaton, IL.
• Peer Support Services One-on-one peer support sessions with Recovery Support Specialists who have lived experience with mental health conditions, plus Family Partnership Professionals supporting family members. Sessions priced at $40 initial and $20 follow-up with sliding scale available.
• NAMI Connections Support Group A free, peer-led support group for adults living with a mental health condition, facilitated by NAMI-trained facilitators. Meets both in-person and online via Zoom on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
• WRAP Classes (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) An 8-week course for individuals living with mental health conditions to build knowledge and confidence in recovery by developing personalized crisis plans and wellness toolboxes.
• Peer-to-Peer Classes A free, online 8-week course for adults with mental health conditions covering diagnosis understanding, treatment options, goal-setting, and story-sharing. Suitable for those new to their diagnosis.
• Dual Diagnosis Support Group A support group for individuals living with both a mental health condition and a substance use disorder. Meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month, available in-person and online via Zoom.
• LGBTQ+ Connection Support Group An in-person connection and recovery support group specifically for LGBTQ+ adults (18+) with a mental health condition. Meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month.
• Suicide Loss Support Group A support group for those who have lost a loved one to suicide, providing a safe space to share feelings and experiences with hope, understanding, and respect.
• Teen Connections Support Group A free peer support group for 8th-12th grade teens with mental health issues, co-led by a NAMI peer leader and a clinician. Held in person at NAMI DuPage on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month.
• Emerging Young Adult Support Group A support group for emerging young adults ages 18-25 living with a mental health condition, meeting in-person at NAMI DuPage.
• Family-to-Family Educational Course A free 8-week educational course for adult family members and caregivers of loved ones living with mental illness. Taught by NAMI-trained family members, covering problem-solving, communication, self-care, and local resources.
• NAMI Homefront A free 6-session educational class for families, caregivers, and friends of military service members and veterans living with mental health challenges. Offered jointly by NAMI and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
• NAMI Basics OnDemand A free, 6-session online education program for parents, caregivers, and family members providing care for youth (aged 22 and under) living with mental health symptoms.
• Family Walk-In Support A free, no-appointment-needed walk-in service providing one-on-one support from trained family peer specialists for family members and caregivers of adults (18+) with mental health conditions. Available Mondays and Wednesdays.
• Parent Roundtable A support group for parents and caregivers wanting to support their youth's emotional and social well-being. Led by a parent-youth team with engaging discussions on topics like IEP/504 plans, school refusal, and friendships.
• Ending the Silence Programs Evidence-based mental health education presentations for students (Ending the Silence for high school, Ending the Silence 101 for 7th-8th grade), school staff, and families. Includes warning signs, statistics, and how to seek help.
• NAMI TraumaInSight Training A free, self-paced comprehensive training to enhance trauma awareness for professionals working with youth, covering trauma-informed care for children and adolescents.
• Mental Health First Aid A 6-8 hour training program teaching participants how to help someone developing a mental health condition or experiencing a crisis. Available in Adult, Youth, Public Safety, and Fire/EMS versions.
• NAMI PD C.O.N.N.E.C.T. A program for first responders and security staff in DuPage County providing an overview of mental illness and training on how to approach someone exhibiting symptoms during a call. Teaches de-escalation and connection strategies.
• NAMI Provider A 15-hour evidence-based staff development program for healthcare providers, administrative and operational staff, and students working directly with people affected by mental illness. Covers empathetic, compassionate care.
• Mental Health Essentials Community training presentation offering basic information about mental illness including signs, symptoms, prevalence, stigma reduction, and resources. Presentations range from 30 minutes to 1 hour, priced at $125-$225.
• NAMI on Campus Student-led mental health clubs on high school and college campuses that raise awareness through fairs, walks, and vigils; educate through presentations and panels; advocate for improved services; and support peers with NAMI programs.
• Peer Workforce Development Program Prepares individuals living with mental health conditions for employment in the behavioral healthcare field as Recovery Support Specialists (RSS) or Certified Recovery Support Specialists (CRSS). Includes internship placements and Level Up work readiness classes.
• Level Up Classes Work readiness classes in three levels: Level 1 for unemployed individuals (resume-building, interviewing tips), Level 2 for newly employed (0-90 days), and Level 3 for those with 90+ days on job (career development).
• Recreation & Social Programs Weekly programs including Yoga & Meditation (Mondays), Drop-In Center & Craft-tastic (Wednesdays), Bingo & Art Class (Thursdays), and Fab FRiday Paper Crafting (1st Friday monthly) to reduce isolation and promote well-being.
• Rise & Shine Social Enterprises Social enterprises including the Rise & Shine Print Shop (offering printing services and job training) and the Rise & Shine Cafe (providing coffee service and hospitality training). Open Monday-Friday 10am-1pm.
• Healing Minds Podcast A podcast featuring stories of resiliency and recovery, exploring the profound impact of mental illness and substance use disorders on everyday life. Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
• Brain Gunk Teen Mental Health Zine A teen-created mental health zine providing a safe space to share thoughts, art, and stories about mental health to break stigma and encourage open conversations among teens.
• NAMI Say It Out Loud A free online card game created for young people to foster connections through conversation prompts about life, relationships, and mental health.
• Growing Hope Series (Sharing Hope, Chai & Chat, Compartiendo Esperanza) Community conversation series including Sharing Hope for Black communities, Chai & Chat for South Asian communities, and Compartiendo Esperanza for Latino/Hispanic communities. Addresses cultural barriers to mental health support.

Quantifiable outcome

• 2,803 people served and 1,725 sessions of education and support offered in the 2025 program year
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core, supporting and minor.

• DuPage County Health DepartmentcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015NAMI DuPage is co-located at the Linda A. Kurzawa Community Center, developed in partnership with the DuPage County Health Department. This facility provides space for both organizations to deliver mental health services to DuPage County residents. The DuPage County Health Department also provides a clinician from its Crisis Services team for consultation at the Living Room program, and answers 988 crisis line calls for the 630 area code. The partnership enables NAMI DuPage to operate from its primary headquarters while integrating clinical and peer support services.
• College of DuPagecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollege of DuPage (COD) offers the educational curriculum for students seeking to become Certified Recovery Support Specialists (C-RSS). Students completing the COD program are eligible for placement at NAMI DuPage to fulfill their required 300-hour internship. NAMI DuPage serves as an official placement site for COD CRSS students. The partnership creates a workforce pipeline for the peer support profession in DuPage County.
• Elgin Community CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerElgin Community College offers the CRSS educational program that prepares students for the Certified Recovery Support Specialist certification. NAMI DuPage is a placement site for ECC CRSS internship students, providing the supervised field experience required for certification.
• Northern Illinois University (NIU)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNIU's College of Health and Human Sciences offers the RSS (Recovery Support Specialist) program. NAMI DuPage serves as a placement site for NIU students completing their RSS internship hours, providing hands-on peer support training in a real-world setting.
• NAMI National (National Alliance on Mental Illness)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNAMI DuPage is an official affiliate of NAMI National. While financially independent, the affiliation provides brand recognition, access to NAMI's evidence-based program curricula (Family-to-Family, Peer-to-Peer, WRAP, Ending the Silence, etc.), national advocacy infrastructure, training resources, and networking with over 600 other NAMI affiliates. In 2013, NAMI DuPage gifted its Ending the Silence program to NAMI National for nationwide adoption.
• NAMI IllinoiscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNAMI DuPage is an affiliate of NAMI Illinois, operating within the state-level NAMI structure. Membership dues are split among national, state, and local affiliates. NAMI Illinois provides training for support group facilitators and coordinates state-level advocacy efforts.
• DuPage County Schools (multiple districts)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNAMI DuPage delivers Ending the Silence mental health education presentations to students, staff, and families in DuPage County middle and high schools. Partnerships with local school districts enable the organization to reach youth at scale, delivering warning signs education, facts, and help-seeking information to thousands of students annually.
• DuPage County Area Hospitals (six hospitals)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNAMI DuPage's Recovery Connections Hospital Program places speakers and peer support resources in six area hospitals to provide mental health education and support to behavioral health patients during and after hospitalization. This partnership extends NAMI DuPage's reach into the clinical treatment continuum.
• DuPage County Law Enforcement AgenciescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThrough the NAMI PD C.O.N.N.E.C.T. program, NAMI DuPage provides mental health training to police officers at partnered departments throughout DuPage County. Training covers how to interact with individuals exhibiting mental health symptoms during calls, de-escalation techniques, and community resource referral. Formal police referral pathways connect individuals to NAMI DuPage services.
• Lemon Press PrintingsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerNAMI DuPage partnered with Lemon Press Printing to equip its Rise & Shine Print Shop with commercial-grade printing hardware and software. Lemon Press Printing provides the technical expertise and equipment that enables NAMI DuPage to offer professional printing services while simultaneously training individuals with mental illness in market-specific printing skills.
• Prairie YogasupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPrairie Yoga instructors lead weekly yoga and meditation sessions at the Linda A. Kurzawa Community Center. Yoga sessions are held Monday mornings and evenings, with meditation following the evening session. This partnership provides structured wellness activities as part of NAMI DuPage's Recreation & Social Programs.
• DuPage County FairgroundsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCookies for a Cause, an annual NAMI DuPage fundraising event, is held at the DuPage County Fairgrounds in July. The partnership enables NAMI DuPage to reach the large fair attendance audience for fundraising and mental health awareness, with cookie baking, sales, and sampling activities.
• West Suburban Foundation for Disabled VeteransminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNAMI DuPage volunteers participate in Rockin' For Our Vets, an event presented by the West Suburban Foundation for Disabled Veterans at Cantigny Park in Wheaton. The event features Gary Sinise & The Lt. Dan Band. NAMI DuPage provides volunteer support in exchange for visibility and community connection.
• Knox Presbyterian Church (Naperville)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKnox Presbyterian Church in Naperville provides meeting space for NAMI DuPage's Family Support Group, which meets on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month. The church donates space, enabling NAMI DuPage to serve families in the Naperville area.
• Christ Church of Oak BrookminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorChrist Church of Oak Brook provides meeting space for a faith-based version of the Family Support Group, meeting at Room 264. The church partnership enables NAMI DuPage to reach faith communities and families in the Oak Brook area.
• University of Chicago Booth School of BusinesssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerNAMI DuPage developed its 2021 New Strategic Plan in partnership with the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. This collaboration brought strategic planning expertise to the organization, resulting in the formation of an Advisory Council and Associate Board in 2021.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP): National organization focused on suicide prevention and loss support. Operates local chapters and community walks that directly parallel NAMI DuPage's Suicide Loss Support Group and NAMI Walks / Run for the Mind event model.
• Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA): National peer-led support organization focused on mood disorders. Operates a comparable chapter-based model delivering free support groups, peer support, and education for individuals living with mental health conditions and their families.
• NAMI Chicago: A sister NAMI affiliate serving the Chicago metropolitan area. Provides directly comparable peer-led support groups, family education, advocacy, and community education programming within the same state affiliate structure.
• NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): The national parent organization and network of 600+ affiliates including NAMI DuPage. Both deliver evidence-based mental health education, peer-led support groups, and advocacy programming under a shared brand, curriculum library, and operational framework.
• NAMI Illinois: State-level NAMI affiliate that coordinates training, advocacy, and chapter support across Illinois. Operates the same affiliate model, shares program curricula, and splits membership dues with NAMI DuPage.
• NAMI Cook County North Suburban: Another Illinois-based NAMI affiliate providing the same family-to-family, peer-to-peer, and Ending the Silence programs within adjacent suburban counties. Closest geographic and programmatic peer to NAMI DuPage.

Broad incumbents

• Mental Health America: The nation's oldest community-based mental health nonprofit, with affiliates nationwide. Provides screening tools, policy advocacy, and public education that parallel NAMI DuPage's work but at a broader national scale and with a wider portfolio.

Emerging players

• Bring Change to Mind: Mental health nonprofit focused on stigma reduction and youth-led school programming. Operates high school clubs (similar to NAMI on Campus) and runs peer-led storytelling initiatives that overlap with NAMI DuPage's Ending the Silence program.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/DupageNami
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCLsqUM2sTvUNr30SJ_g3Qhg
• Facebookfacebook.com/namidupagecounty
• Instagraminstagram.com/namidupage
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/nami-dupage

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about NAMI DuPage