NAMI Minnesota (National Alliance on Mental Illness) sponsors free support groups for families and friends of individuals living with a mental illness. Led by trained facilitators who also have a family member with mental illness, the support groups help families develop better coping skills and find strength through sharing their experiences.  A family support group meets in Austin on the last Wednesday of each month, from 7-8 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 1910 3rd Ave. NW. Call Shari at 507-433-2301 for more.