Faith Leader Mental Health Integration Project 

You are a mental health lifeline for many in your faith community and beyond.

Equip yourself to lead people to wellness in mind and spirit.

Mental illness is among the most pressing putlic health concerns in our region. As a professional or volunteer faith leader, you regularly encounter people with mental health struggles. Your vocation call you to act with love, compassion and mercy. Would you like to do so with skill and confidence?

In this six-session series, held the second Thursday of each month (skipping December 2016), you'll delve into mental health topics relevant to ministry and deepen your understanding of regional resources to which you can refer those in need of healing.

Mental Illness 201 - Thurs., Sept. 8, 2016, 9-11 a.m.

What is mental illness? What is mental health? This presentation provides an overview of mental illness; treatment and recovery; the adverse effects of stigma; and the importance of advocacy. 

Crisis Management & De-Escalation Strategies - Thurs., Oct. 13, 2016, 9-11 a.m.

Learn best practices and techniques in nonviolent crisis de-escalation to support someone in a crisis related to mental illness or suicide. Brain physiology, grounding approaches, and the opportunity to problem-solve to apply techniques through case scenarios will be reviewed.

Understanding Substance Abuse and Dual Diagnosis - Thurs., Nov. 10, 2016 - 9-11 a.m.

This presentation will assist faith leaders in recognizing the signs of substance abuse and how to connect faith community members experiencing substance abuse to community resources. Learn abou tthe complex relationship bewteen mental illness and co-occurring substance abuse and understand the importance of integrated treatment with this population.

Living Well in Recovery - Thurs., Jan. 12, 2017, 9-11 a.m.

This program is presented by individuals affected by mental illness who share their personal stories. Their presentations are a practical tool to educate and increase awareness about the true nature of mental illness, while also breaking down stigma. Learn abou teh history, definition and values of peer support in the world of mental health and substance use/recovery.

Navigating Community Mental Health Resources - Thurs., Feb. 9, 2017, 9-11 a.m.

Explore mental health community resources that support roles of faith leaders as they promote wellness for faith community members. Mental health resources, county services, nonprofit organizations and health systems will be reviewed. Faith leaders will be informed how to connect faith community members who experience mental health issues to these resources.

Powerful Partnerships: Faith Communities & Clinicians - Thurs., March 9, 2017, 9-11 a.m.

Learn how faith communities and people engaged in mental health recovery can work together to educate their communities about mental illness, break stigma and develop supportive, caring responses. The training will offer faith leaders information related to mental illness and resources to create caring faith communities that facilitate mental health recovery.

Supported in part by a grant from the Cathryn Probst Fund within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region.

 

Register for the series as a faith community or as an individual.

Register Now!