Support Groups Ages 18-40

No Stigma Network (NSN) offers support groups that are geared to the issues faced by young adults, 18 – 30 years of age.  The developmental needs of this group are addressed in discussions with peers, led by trained, caring facilitators who are not professionals. Among the issues specific to the young adult population, we discuss:

  • Transitioning from adolescence to adulthood
  • Facing the demands of college or professional training
  • Job-seeking and career choice and development
  • Grappling with gender identity and sexuality
  • Seeking healthy intimate relationships
  • Striving for increased independence from family
  • Achieving an appropriate, comfortable level of independent living

Support Groups Ages 40 and Up

In addition, we have support groups for adults over the age of 30. Although our focus is on the needs of younger adults, NSN provides continuing support and social opportunities for all adults who have mental health challenges. 

Young Adults Advisory Committee

Our Young Adults Advisory Committee (YAAC) offers our members the opportunity to have substantial input into the running of the support groups and the social events we offer.  The YAAC provides feedback to the NSN Board about the young adult experience in NSN. The members generate ideas for NSN functions. They keep NSN fresh and up-to-date with their awareness of issues faced by young adults in the “real world”, as well as their perspective on current technological and cultural trends.

NSN creates and funds social and educational activities for our members and their guests to promote social and emotional growth.  NSN has hosted many holiday parties, summer picnics, trips, and special events.  We have done a walking tour of Manhattan, visiting the NYC library, Rockefeller Plaza, Times Square, and other sights. We have taken trips to Liberty Science Museum, Adventure Aquarium (Camden), the Bronx Zoo, NY State Renaissance Faire, Monmouth County Fair, Grounds for Sculpture (Ewing), as well as many trips to local places of interest.

Outreach Events

NSN members are welcome to participate in outreach events.  Since NSN’s mission is to work to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness, we often take part in community events where we can talk to the public about mental health and about NSN programs. Among the outreach events we have participated in:  Millstone Twp Memorial Day Parade, Noontime Optimists Awareness Event, Mental Health Awareness Celebration in Ocean County, Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day at Allaire Community Farm, Toms River Pridefest, and Blue Claws Pride Night.

Fundraising

NSN conducts fundraisers in which members are significant participants.  As a small but growing nonprofit organization, NSN has relied on the talents and resourcefulness of its Board, the YAAC, and the support group members to find ways to raise funds to support our programs.  We have successfully hosted several bowling party fundraisers with the support of a local bowling alley. We have partnered with a local restaurant to raise funds and let the community know who we are.  In 2021 our survivors, board members, friends and families participated in a “Virtual Walk Fundraiser,” with an online “kick-off” and closing ceremonies.