AARP Chapter 632 met June 25 at the James B. Allen Generations Center with president Sue Staton presiding.

Twenty-four members and guests were present.

Following the pledge, Bob Mays led the group in prayer.

The group then sang “Happy Birthday” to Don Rose.

Brenda Harrington, a volunteer with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), presented the program. NAMI works to improve and support the lives of all people affected by mental illness, decrease the stigma surrounding mental illness and provides education regarding the affliction.

NAMI was founded in 1979 by 254 people and now has more than 210,000 members in over 1,200 affiliate groups in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam and Canada.

NAMI Family-to-Family is a free, 12-class education program for family members of adults living with mental illness.

This program includes parents, siblings, spouses, adult sons and daughters, partners and significant others.

The local group meets at 7:30 p.m. the first and third Mondays of each month at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 2410 W. Lexington Ave.

Ages of those in the support group range from 18 years old to over 90.

Harrington said mental illness affects 1 in 4 families.

Twenty percent of adults over 60 have a mental concern.

To contact NAMI, call 800-257-5081.

Sue Staton recognized those who worked at the recent Beer Cheese Festival: Ben Falmlen, Elizabeth Gay, Cindy Goff, Mary Higgins, Lynn May, Betty Pace, Don Rose, Ann Shepherd, and Eric and Sue Staton.

Four new members joined AARP as a result of the volunteers’ efforts.

Sue also noted the Clark County Public Library arranged for AARP to do paper shredding there from 2 to 5 p.m. Monday.

Those volunteering are Betty Ballard, Colista Ledford, Bruce Miller, Dot Moberly, Charlotte Pasley, Joyce Reffett, Ann Shepherd, Sue Staton and Georgetta Tolliver.

They need to be at the library by 1:45 p.m. Walmart has offered to deduct up to $50 on the purchase of a shredder.

Staton said the local AARP chapter received the grant requested earlier to help with projects.

Additionally, she provided this household tip — peanut butter will remove labels from glass jars.

Colista Ledford read the secretary’s report, and Joyce Reffett presented the treasurer’s report.

The next AARP meeting will be at 6 p.m. July 30 at the James B. Allen Generations Center, 32 Meadow St.

AARP invites everyone 50 years of age or older.