Who We Are

We are a local grassroots organization offering support, education and resources to families and those who have a loved one with mental illness (such as Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Schizoaffective Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress, etc).

The presence of mental illness in a family brings new challenges to both family members and the individuals experiencing the illness. On behalf of both families and consumers, we also see our mission as advocating for system changes.

We are here for you – you are not alone.

We’re one of four NAMI affiliates in Alameda County and part of the state and national organizations. Located in Albany, we welcome members and participants from Alameda County and West Contra County.

This is an all-volunteer organization, with an office/meeting space but no paid staff. We are funded solely through memberships and donations.

President – Liz Rebensdorf

Secretary – Tommie Mayfield

Treasurer – Trish Hackemack, Bruce Elgin

Office Manager

Sally Pugh

Special Mention
Tom Thomas – newsletter production and speaker notes

Background: Our chapter of the American Schizophrenia Association was founded in 1965 and incorporated as a non-profit, tax-exempt organization in 1967. In 1981, we affiliated with the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, which became the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and broadened our support and advocacy to include all the serious mental illnesses.