NAMI Colorado Springs creates and cultivates a welcoming community of peers who educate, support and advocate for people and families living with mental health conditions. Core values driving the pursuit of our mission include the following: • Programming should be free. Mental illness does not discriminate. People young and old; black, brown and white; and of varying education, geography and socioeconomic status develop conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and depression. We offer our programs and services at no cost, both virtually and (when possible) in person, and aim to assist whomever might be in need or in crisis. • “Lived experience” is to be celebrated and shared. Mental illness often isolates patients from their families, and this isolation can be profound and devastating. NAMI programs and support groups connect individuals and families navigating mental illness with others who have faced similar challenges. • Early intervention must be a priority. Research shows that addressing mental health issues early — especially first-episode psychosis — can lead to better outcomes.