Mental Health Connect member faith communities are working hard at reducing the stigma of mental illness through education and information in their respective settings. This presentation is designed to provide ideas, resources, and lessons learned from three MHC members that you might consider adopting for your own faith community.

• Appreciate the role empathy plays in fueling understanding, healing, support and faith-based accompaniment.

• Learn how one faith community established a focus on youth in its programming and activities.

• Become familiar with an interactive series of restorative practices which promote well-being.

• Hear about a Music Heals project and its positive impact on one faith community.

• Take home ideas for launching a Special Needs Worship Service of your own.

Presenters:

• DENNIS DEGENEFFE, Chair, Lumen Christi Catholic Community’s Mental Health and Well-Being Ministry, St. Paul and Acting Chair, Catholic Mental Health and Well-Being Coalition

• GAIL BERGSVEN, Mental Health and Wellness Team Member, Nativity Lutheran, St. Anthony

• RICK GRAFT, Chair, Mental Wellness Ministry and Substance Use Ministry, Wayzata Community Church, Wayzata