Become an Affiliate

To become an affiliate please print this agreement and send to our office. If you have any questions, please contact Tom Kelly.

Download the Chapter Affiliation Agreement

The International Bipolar Foundation support group was formed by four mother caregivers who have family members suffering or recovering from mental illness. We realized that through the power of sharing our common challenges and experiences, we can help ourselves, our loved ones, and others who are still trying to cope alone with the tremendous difficulties in caring for persons with bipolar disorder or mental illness.

By having a common voice, we can advocate for societal changes so that persons with bipolar disorder/ mental illness can live fulfilling lives. Collectively, we can organize programs such Caregiver Training, updates on the latest medical advances, hotlines, fund raising, bulk discounts, talks on insurance, trust funds, job placements and support groups. In short, we are an Association for Caregivers by Caregivers.

IBPF is staffed by volunteer caregivers just like you.

The objectives of IBPF Support Groups are:

  • To promote and look into the well-being and needs of caregivers and individuals with bipolar disorder/mental illness.
  • To facilitate training, seminars, public education, and innovative programs to reach out and educate other caregivers.
  • To reduce public stigma and discrimination against mental illness.
  • To raise funds to support the work of IBPF support groups.
  • To carry out supportive services which are beneficial to the interests of the caregivers.

 

New Support Groups starting in August 2010 enroll now!

Support Group for Parents with Bipolar Disorder
Facilitated by Michiko Lindsey, Chair of IBPF's Consumer Advisory Board. Meets on the third Sunday of each month (rain or shine) from 12-2 p.m. at the children's park located just east of the Kensington-Normal Heights Branch Library at 4121 Adams Ave (at Marlborough Dr.), San Diego, CA 92116. Michiko's cell phone # is 619-218-2040. Please RSVP using the form or call Michiko for more information. You can also RSVP by contacting Thomas Kelly at tkelly@internationalbipolarfoundation.org. Feel free to bring a lunch or snacks.

Support Group for Professionals with Bipolar Disorder
Facilitated by Michiko Lindsey, Chair of IBPF's Consumer Advisory Board. This group is for professionals, currently working or not, who have a bipolar diagnosis. Meets in the Youth Hall of Kensington Community Church, 4773 Marlborough Drive (at Alder St., one block north of Adams), San Diego, California 92116. The entrance to the Youth Hall is on Alder St., just around the corner from the church sanctuary. Look for IBPF signs directing you to the Youth Hall. Michiko's cell phone # is 619-218-2040. Please RSVP using the form or call Michiko for more information. Feel free to bring a lunch or snacks. You can also RSVP by contacting Thomas Kelly at tkelly@internationalbipolarfoundation.org.  Coffee and tea will be provided.

 

RSVPs are important because dates & location may change.

Rancho Santa Fe, California Affiliate
Rancho Santa fe Support Groups meets every Third Wednesday of the month 10am-12pm Please RSVP to Tom Kelly at tkelly@internationalbipolarfoundation.org                                                         

Del Mar, California Affiliate
Isabelle Carey
The Del Mar evening group will meet the first Tuesday of the month from 6:00pm - 8:00pm R.S.V.P. to Tom Kelly.

Poway, California Affiliate
Karen Sheffres
Poway group will meet the fourth Thursday of the month from 10:00am - 12:00am  R.S.V.P. to Tom Kelly.

South Orange County California Affiliate
Paula DeFault
South Orange County Support Group will meet the Third Tuesday of the month from 7:00pm – 9:00pm R.S.V.P. to Paula Dufault at pduf4@cox.net

San Diego County (South Bay Affiliate)
Andrea Amayo
Chula Vista Library (a conference room), 365 F Street, Chula Vista 91910