Most churches would consider themselves a haven for the afflicted. But the affliction of mental illness often carries with it social stigma and a lack of understanding which makes embracing fellow community members challenging. Williston Federated Church will host a presentation by the National Alliance on Mental Illness in Vermont to help its community create a more welcoming atmosphere for peers and family members coping with mental illness.
“Our objectives are to offer a presentation geared to helpful responses to those with mental illness, especially how to relate as family, friends and members of this congregation,” says Pastor Joan O’Gorman. “We also want to discuss self-care.”
“The good news is that mental illness is like any other illness,” says NAMI Vermont Program Director Laurie Emerson. “We are looking forward to meeting with the members of the Williston Federated Church to share information on mental illness and the impact it has on the lives of so many families. We hope that our message opens the door to more dialogue and creates a better understanding about the resources that are available to individuals and families that have been affected by mental illness.”
NAMI Vermont will present “Bridges of Hope” to the Williston Federated Church to provide education about mental illness that will help the church create a stronger safety net and welcoming community of faith for people living with serious mental illness. Two NAMI Vermont members will share their stories about how mental illness has affected their family. The presentation will cover the following topics and end with a Q&A panel discussion:
- What is mental illness? How does it impact individuals, families, and communities?
- What is the role of the faith community in helping people and families touched by serious mental illness?
- Who is NAMI Vermont and what does it offer to individuals, families and faith communities?
Dates: Oct. 28 – 6:30-7:30 pm and Nov. 3 – 11:30-12:30 p.m.
Location: Williston Federated Church, 44 North Williston Road, Fellowship Hall
Presenters:
- Laurie Emerson, Program Director, NAMI Vermont
- Jim Johnson, NAMI Vermont Member and Family Support Group Facilitator of Burlington, VT
- Carol Furr, NAMI Vermont Board Member and Connection Support Group Facilitator of Burlington, VT
