Faith communities are a vital presence in the neighborhoods we serve. They bring people together for worship, teaching and spiritual enrichment. They serve as a gathering place for study and prayer. And they care for people’s physical, emotional and spiritual needs in myriad ways.
Wellstar Center for Health Equity partners with local faith communities to support their health and wellness programs. This year the center made grants to five congregations that demonstrate a passion for mental wellness and a proven track record of community outreach. The grants of up to $4,000 will help fund new and existing programs that expand access to behavioral health resources. Recipients include:
- Greater Young Zion Baptist Church in Augusta—The church will offer online and in-person workshops and a mental health awareness community event.
- Impact Church in East Point—Impact Church plans to expand its current behavioral health offerings to include individual counseling and mental health workshops for volunteers and staff.
- Renovation Church Atlanta—This church will offer pastoral and secular support groups and an online mental health training seminar.
- Seekers of His Face International Prayer Center in Augusta—This congregation plans to host community outreach and initiatives, including an online panel promoting suicide prevention awareness.
- The Gathering in Griffin—This congregation will host quarterly mental health workshops, pastoral counseling and education sessions.
Our commitment to Soul Support
The grants build on the Soul Support program, which provides congregations with behavioral health education and resources including the Question, Persuade, Refer suicide prevention workshop. This workshop trains faith leaders and members to recognize signs of suicide and navigate mental health emergencies. Soul Support has trained more than 500 individuals to respond to mental health concerns.
“We are excited to partner with faith communities that have a heart for people who are in a mental health crisis,” said Julie Wallace, community impact specialist at Wellstar Center for Health Equity. “Research shows that many people struggling with their mental health reach out to their faith leaders for guidance and support. The grants will improve access to mental healthcare and help these churches serve the community more effectively and confidently. They’ll also support programs that raise awareness about mental illness. This will, in turn, reduce the stigma that may prevent people from seeking help.”
Soul Support is part of the Wellstar Congregational Health Network, which assists faith organizations that want to develop a volunteer health program. Such programs focus on lifestyle changes, personal habits, attitudes, faith and well-being.
Learn more about the Center for Health Equity and Congregational Health Network and how we’re engaging and supporting our communities.