Healthy Communities: Faith & Mental Wellness
A Transformative Training for Faith-based Community.
Faith and mental health are deeply interconnected, shaping how individuals find strength, meaning, and healing. Spirituality has long been a powerful force for resilience, offering hope, purpose, and a sense of belonging. Faith can become a source of profound support and transformation when integrated with a compassionate understanding of mental well-being. However, misconceptions and stigma within faith communities have sometimes created barriers to open discussions about mental health. Healthy Communities: Faith & Mental Wellness bridges that gap, fostering an inclusive, informed, and healing approach that honors both spiritual and mental well-being.
The Healthy Communities: Faith & Mental Wellness is a comprehensive resource designed for faith leaders, mental health professionals, educators, and community members. It serves as a vital bridge between spirituality and mental well-being. Rooted in a trauma-informed, interfaith approach, it fosters open dialogue to reduce stigma and equips faith communities with the tools needed to integrate mental health awareness into their spiritual practices.
Acknowledgment
Developing Healthy Communities: Faith & Mental Wellness is an integral part of CoffeeWithJR’s vision and ongoing journey to enhance the well-being of faith practitioners and normalize mental health conversations. By fostering a deeper understanding of the intersection between faith and mental health, this resource aims to empower communities with the knowledge and tools needed to support holistic healing and resilience.
CoffeeWithJR extends heartfelt gratitude to the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health for funding this manual, which made it possible, and to the Faith-Based Advocacy Council for their invaluable guidance and support throughout this process.
Healthy Communities Training Opportunity and Schedule
Healthy Communities is offering six (6) training modules sessions. Each module addresses a specific mental health topic through a faith-based lens. Every session includes a structured agenda, learning objectives, course content, interactive activities, and additional resources, making it a practical and adaptable training for various faith settings.
The Six Training Modules:
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- Role of Faith in the Recovery Process – Explores how spirituality fosters healing, resilience, and emotional well-being.
- Mental Health Stigma Within Faith Traditions – Identifies barriers to open conversations and offers strategies to reduce stigma.
- Faith-Based Approaches to Suicide Prevention – Equips participants with faith-centered tools to support those in crisis.
- Navigating Grief and Loss Through Spiritual Perspectives – Examines how faith provides comfort and meaning during times of mourning.
- Understanding Anger Management Through Sacred Texts – Draws on religious teachings to promote self-awareness and emotional regulation.
- Promoting Mental Well-Being Among Youth and Older Adults – Addresses mental health needs across generations to foster lifelong resilience.
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Each training module is offered individually on separate dates and times. Learners are encouraged to attend all six sessions to gain the full benefits of the training.
Certification
Learners who complete all six (6) training sessions will receive a Certificate of Completion. Additionally, they will have access to ongoing support and coaching on how to use the training manual effectively. Participants will also receive an extra module containing the Train-the-Trainer, equipping them with the skills to facilitate future training within their communities.
Session Dates and Topics
(All sessions will be held from 9 am to 1 pm)
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- Friday, May 2, 2025: Role of Faith in the Recovery Process
- Friday, May 9, 2025: Mental Health Stigma Within Faith Traditions
- Friday, May 16, 2025: Faith-based Approaches to Suicide Prevention
- Friday, May 23, 2025: Navigating Grief and Loss Through Spiritual Perspectives
- Friday, May 30, 2025: Understanding Anger Management Through Sacred Texts
- Friday, June 6, 2025: Promoting Mental Well-Being Among Youth and Older Adults
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Location
(All sessions will be held at the same location)
Iglesia de Las Americas Prebyterian Church
515 Echandia St.
Los Angeles, CA 90033
Parking is available on site.
JR Kuo, MA
Mental Health Advocate and Specialist, National Speaker and Trainer, Writer, Actor, Theater Director, Proud Immigrant, and Lifetime Learner.