Materials from the Conference:

Keynotes (Rev. Dr. Sarah Griffith Lund):

Opening Keynote – Telling Her Story

The Myths and Truths We Tell


How To Become A WISE Community For Mental Health

Plenary (Katie Perzel):
Mental Health 101

Workshop (Tracy Hilke):
Trauma Informed Mental Health Care In The Congregational Setting

Here are a variety of resources to assist you in Mental Health Ministry:

Caring Clergy Project – a part of INMI, has a series of YouTube videos for clergy on such topics as “Making A Referral,”, and a series on suicide.

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
– Information on depression and bipolar and listings of consumer support groups across the United States.

Interfaith Network on Mental Illness (INMI)
– Resources for clergy, staff, lay leaders and members of faith communities to help effectively develop and nurture supportive environments for persons dealing with mental illnesses and their families and friends.

Mental Health Connect – The mission of Mental Health Connect is to provide community-based resources, support and education to improve access to mental health services and to connect individuals and families with the services they need.

Mental Health First Aid – National in-person training program that teaches you how to help people developing a mental illness or in a crisis.

Mental Health Ministries – An interfaith web-based ministry to provide educational resources to help erase the stigma of mental health illness in our faith communities.  MHM helps faith communities be caring congregations for people living with a mental illness and those who love and care for them, based on the Caring Congregations five-step model of education, commitment, welcome, support, and advocacy.

Mental Health Recovery: Wellness Recovery Action Plan – Focuses on prevention and recovery based on personal responsibility, self-help techniques, and community support.

Mental Illness Education Project

MN Trauma Project – MN Trauma Project aims to put an end to this needless suffering in our state. We are dedicated to increasing awareness of the effects of trauma, creating training opportunities for human services professionals to become trauma-informed, and facilitating collaboration across providers and systems regarding trauma-informed modalities.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)  FaithNet – NAMI FaithNet is a network of NAMI members and friends dedicated to promoting caring faith communities and promoting the role of faith in recovery for individuals and families affected by mental illness.

NAMI Minnesota – NAMI Minnesota offers education, support and advocacy. NAMI Minnesota vigorously promotes the development of community mental health programs and services, improved access to services, increased opportunities for recovery, reduced stigma and discrimination, and increased public understanding of mental illness.

They sponsor free support groups for persons with anxiety disorders. The groups help individuals develop better coping skills and find strength through sharing their experiences. An Open Door Anxiety and Panic support group meets in Minneapolis at 6:30 p.m., on the second and fourth Mondays of each month, at St. Mark’s Cathedral, 519 Oak Grove St., in the Library. Check in at the office. For information, call Scott at 612-998-6160 or NAMI at 651-645-2948.

Two Open Door Anxiety and Panic support group meet in Edina. The first meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays from 7:00-8:30 p.m., at Cross View Lutheran, 6645 McCauley Trail West; for information contact Shawn at 651-239-8381. The second group meets from 1:00-2:30, on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month, at Our Lady of Grace church, 5071 Eden Avenue, in Edina. For information contact Mark at 651-485-1882.

National Institute of Mental Health

National Suicide Prevent LifeLine – 1-800-273-TALK (8255) is a 24-hour, toll-free, confidential suicide prevention hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.

Pathways to Promise – Includes booklets: An Introduction to Mental health Ministry, The Way of Companionship, Organizing a Congregational Mental Health Team,  and A Toolkit for Mental Health Ministry.

RECLAIM – RECLAIM works to increase access to mental health support so that queer and trans youth may reclaim their lives from oppression in all its forms.  We offer therapy for youth and families, training for practitioners, and community partnerships for social change at theintersection of gender and racial justice.

Resource-MN – Find treatment, clinical services, and case management support for recovery from chemical addiction or substance abuse, mental illness, or co-occurring disorders. RESOURCE provides culturally-responsive and trauma-informed care.

The Alex Project: If you need help, text LISTEN to 741741.  The Crisis Text Line will respond 24/7/365.  They will help get you through it.  (Message and data rates may apply.)

The Bridge for Youth – Founded in 1970, our mission is helping youth in crisis.  We help young people reconnect with family, school, and community, and overcome significant challenges to lead successful, independent lives.

The Circle of Peace Movement – The Circle of Peace Movement models and encourages inclusive and restorative conversations.

The GLBT National Help Center Hotline:  1-888-THE-GLNH (888-843-4564)  Youth Talkline:  1-800-246-PRIDE (800-246-7743)

The Trevor Project: a 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention lifeline for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning young people ages 13-24.1-866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386).  Trevor “TEXT” also available on Thursdays/Fridays between 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. EST  (1 p.m. – 5 p.m. PST).  Standard text rates apply.  Text “Trevor” to 1-202-304-1200.

United Church of Christ Mental Health Network – Includes toolkits on mental health, liturgical resources for Mental Health Sunday, along with “A Checklist for a Congregation,” “The Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive and Engaged (WISE) Congregation for Mental Health Covenant,” and Developing a Spiritual Support Group for Mental Health and Wellness.”

VONA Center for Mental Health – Outpatient Services offers diverse, culturally competent, quality mental health services to children, adolescents, transition age youth and their families.

Wilder Foundation Community Mental Health Services – A nationally recognized outpatient mental health clinic, Wilder’s Child Guidance Clinic is open to anyone who is in need of mental health assessment, diagnosis, or treatment. Wilder accepts insurance coverage, private pay and offers sliding scale for those who are uninsured or underinsured. We serve children who may be experiencing social or personal challenges. Wilder also serves children who have experienced significant trauma and may have very complex mental health needs.