Who We Are
Mental Health Connect (MHC) is a collaborative of nearly 50 faith communities in and around the Twin Cities Metro. We work together to help destigmatize mental illness and make sure all are able to find the help they need. Through education and navigation assistance, we eliminate barriers to accessing care. We believe mental health care is integral to overall health and everyone deserves treatment, no exceptions. Our services are free, customized, and confidential.
We help faith communities develop and enhance their mental health ministries, offering education events and individualized coaching to expand and deepen the conversations around mental wellness. We have a free navigation line for assistance in accessing mental health resources. We are funded through grants and donations. Bethlehem Lutheran Church-Twin Cities (a non-profit corporation in the State of Minnesota (317a)) is the fiscal sponsor of Mental Health Connect.
Our Vision, Mission & Values…
Vision
Faith communities with no mental health stigma.
Mission
As a collaborative of faith communities, Mental Health Connect builds capacity by providing support and education to reduce stigma and improve access to mental health services.
Values
We believe mental health is health and everyone deserves health care—no exceptions. Each person is worthy of dignity, respect and love. Working at the intersection of faith and mental health we value:
Inclusion - Embracing a diversity of backgrounds, faiths and spiritual beliefs.
Collaboration - Working together to de-stigmatize mental illness.
Hope - Seeing, hearing, supporting and understanding.
Support - Accompanying individuals navigating mental health services and resources.
“You have begun to change a gaping wound. So many others are not so lucky. I am so blessed to be getting your help. You are doing a service no one offers anywhere. It is life-saving!”
What People Are Saying
— Former Mental Health Connect ClientThe History of MHC
Written by Diane Waarvik, board member and creator of MHC
In 2014, I was approached by a member of the Epiphany Legacy Fund group asking what Bethlehem Lutheran could do for families living with mental illness. I took this question very seriously because of the growing need in this area.
Together, nurse practitioner Gretchen Porterand and I soon formed a task force to look at mental health needs and care in our communities. The task force was made up of individuals living with mental illness, family members, and mental health practitioners. Mental Health Connect (MHC) was created from the work of this task force.
In 2017, we had six faith communities in the Collaborative. In three years, we grew to more than 30 faith communities. As of the fall of 2026, we have nearly 50. Today, we’ve grown deeper in many ways, and we employ an Executive Director, a Director of Operations, a Lead Navigator, multiple volunteer navigators, as well as part-time coordinators of outreach and communications. We look forward to a bright future for Mental Health Connect as we expand both our program offerings and our Collaborative community!
Why Choose Mental Health Connect?
Navigating the ins and outs of the mental health system is overwhelming when mental symptoms are present. We support people in their desire to feel better and embrace their strengths by providing resources, support, and education needed in their journey to mental health and wellness.
The Mental Health Collaborative provides mental health educational programming in faith communities, bringing people together to raise awareness and reduce stigma. Learn more about the Mental Health Collaborative.
Mental Health Navigators help people in the Twin Cities Metro area and surrounding communities gain access to mental health services and support with resource navigation. Learn more about Mental Health Navigators.