Building stronger communities,
one connection at a time.
The Rotary Club of Downers Grove unites community leaders for friendship, service, and impactful giving. We raise funds to support local nonprofits, empower future leaders with scholarships, and contribute to global initiatives. Through fellowship and action, we transform lives in Downers Grove and around the world.
Stories of Service
NAMI DuPage @ DG Rotary
Tuesday, August 16, 2022
Geri Kerger, Executive Director of NAMI DuPage, started her career as a lawyer. When the first mental health court in Illinois was established in DuPage County in 2003, Geri started to work with families who were advocating for treatment versus jail-time for mentally ill defendants. NAMI DuPage was started by families in 1985 and has grown to become the largest NAMI affiliate and one of the most innovative. Their mission is to provide support, advocacy and education in order to improve the quality of life of individuals with mental illnesses and their families. One of NAMI DuPage's innovations, which is now rolled out across the globe, is Ending the Silence - providing mental health and education to middle & high school students, parents & school staff.
Geri shared somber statistics that 1 of 8 ER visits are due to mental health. Since the pandemic, there is a 24% increase in 5 - 11 year-old ER visits for mental health and 30% increase for 11 - 17 year-olds. And, the largest increase in suicides is now with 10 - 14 year-old girls.
The need for support is great. NAMI DuPage is hosting an Octoberfest September 30 - October 2 in conjunction with the DuPage County Fairgrounds. They also need volunteers for their boards and advisory councils.
The people volunteering with the Downers Grove Rotary are some of the best I’ve ever met, and I’ve come to think of them not only as colleagues but as friends and family