What to Expect

NAMIPalooza will be a day dedicated to celebrating the mental health of our youth across the city of Chicago and Cook County. The day is packed with fun activities, including:  

🎬 Film Screening 
🧘 Wellness Rotations 
🎁 Free Giveaways 
🍽️ Complimentary Food 

All students who attend the event will receive a $35 gift card as part of a NAMI self-care kit to support their wellness. 

Event Program

Event Details:

• 9:30-10:15am - Registration  

• 10:15-10:30am - Opening/ Welcome/ Ground Rules   

• 10:30-11:30am - Happy Songs About Unhappy Things film screening + Q&A with Nikki Lynette

• 11:30-12:15pm - Lunch

• 12:15-12:30pm - How Do Rotations Work?/ Q&A  

• 12:40–1:10pm- Rotation 1 

• 1:20–1:50pm - Rotation 2

• 2:00–2:30pm - Rotation 3

• 2:40–3:00pm - Closing Remarks & Feedback 

Wellness Rotations 

During registration, students can choose their top three wellness rotations from the following options: 

✔️ Yoga 
✔️ Create & Sip 
✔️ Canine Therapy 
✔️ Music Meditation 
✔️ Diving into Safe Spaces 

We will do our best to accommodate preferences, though final assignments may vary. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who can attend this event?  

   This event is open to youth ages 14-18. Community-based organizations may send representatives to accompany their youth. Parents and other adults cannot attend. 

2. Is registration required? 

   Yes, all attendees must register in advance. Walk-ins will not be allowed. A signed parental consent form is required for all attendees under 18. You and your parent/guardian can complete the form using DocuSign. You can also download it here and bring the signed form to the event on Saturday. 

3. Is parental consent required? 

   Yes. All attendees under 18 must bring a signed Parental Consent Form - no exceptions. 

   [Download the Parental Consent Form] 

4. How can I get there? 

   BUILD, Inc. is accessible by public transit and car. 

   🚇 By Train & Bus: 

   • Blue Line (Forest Park) – Exit at Cicero Station, take #57 Laramie bus to BUILD 

   • Green Line – Exit at Laramie Station, take #57 Laramie bus to BUILD 

   • Bus Routes – #7 Harrison, #57 Laramie, and #54 Cicero all serve the area 

   🚗 By Car: 

   • From the West (Eastbound on I-290): Exit at Central or Cicero, head south one block to Harrison 

   • From the East (Westbound on I-290): Exit at Laramie, head south one block to Harrison 

   • 🅿️ Parking: Free onsite parking is available in BUILD’s lot behind the facility, as well as free street parking on Harrison, Congress, Leamington, and Laramie. 

5. Will food be provided? 

   Yes. Light refreshments will be available at the start, and lunch will be served. 

6. Is transportation available? 

   NAMI Chicago can provide buses for community-based organizations bringing groups of students. If you'd like to request transportation, please email Paris Jackson parisj@namichicago.org with: 

   • The number of students attending 

   • Your preferred pickup location and time

7. Will food be provided? 

   Yes. Light refreshments will be available at the start, and lunch will be served. 

8. What should you expect upon arrival?

   The main entrance is located on Harrison Street, recessed from the sidewalk. The site is fully accessible, with a grade-level entrance (no stairs) and an elevator in the building. 

9. Will there be security? 

   There will be onsite security, and all participants will be subject to a security check with no exceptions. A light bag check will be conducted, and no weapons or firearms are allowed on the premises. Any prohibited items, such as lighters, will be labeled with the owner's name and returned after the event. 

10. Who can I contact for special accommodations or questions? 

    Mariah Nichelle: mariah@namichicago.org 

    Paris Jackson: parisj@namichicago.org