STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — In a small room at the Joan and Alan Bernikow JCC in Sea View, a family in crisis gathers on a recent Wednesday morning, sharing, caring and crying.

The members aren’t technically a family; they don’t share genetics or surnames.

But they share a deep connection — the pain and helplessness only someone who loves a person with mental illness can truly understand.

So between the frustrations, disappointments and anger revealed at each 11 a.m. meeting, there are hugs, advice and reassurances that nobody is in this alone.

That’s what makes the members of the National Alliance on Mental Illness Staten Island Family Support Group a special kind of family, participants, who asked for anonymity, explained.

“You’re talking to people who are walking the walk,’' said Lyn F

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