Just Friends & Becoming Friends are programs unique to NAMI Mercer. They were  begun in 1990 by parents concerned about the loneliness experienced by their adult children affected by mental illness. The groups are predicated on the belief that good times, acceptance, camaraderie, and delving into the joy of living are foundational to  better health and an overall better quality of life.

The names of these groups were selected by the participants, who range in age from twenty-somethings to seventy-somethings. The emphasis on friendship is intended to proclaim publicly, “We are just people like everyone else, looking to connect with others and celebrate good times.” Through the generosity of our donors, NAMI Mercer underwrites the costs associated with at least one of these social events for each group per month.