Mental Health Forum
October 24 | 11:30 am
Christ Presbyterian
8300 Katy Freeway
Sponsored by
Brought to you by
Mental health issues in our city are a significant concern that deserves increased attention and support. The city's diverse population faces a range of mental health challenges, from anxiety and depression to more severe conditions, often exacerbated by socioeconomic disparities, access to care, and other stressors. Houston has made strides in community-based mental health initiatives, increased awareness, and the expansion of mental health care facilities. However, the demand for services continues to outstrip available resources. Churches play a key role alongside mental health professionals in helping people thrive emotionally and socially as they pursue spiritual maturity. Join us for a conversation among mental health professionals, counselors, and churches who are engaging these issues in their communities.
Dr. Matthew Sanford
Hope and Healing Center & Institute
We are excited to announce that Dr. Matt Stanford of Hope and Healing Center & Institute will be our keynote speaker, drawing on his training and experience in behavioral health and Christian faith in serving our community in the face of the unprecedented challenge of mental health. His passion and support encourage ministries and lay leaders to step into opportunities for providing care within and beyond the church walls.
In his presentation, we will hear that churches remain the "first defense" in this battle, and that over half of those experiencing psychological distress are more likely to approach their minister (or other church leaders) before seeking professional care.
Those relationships present opportunities for us to help people within and outside the church walls, to support them in effectively using the resources available within our faith communities and in partnership with mentalhealth professionals. We are called (2 Timothy 4:2; Philippians 2) to prepare ourselves to "be ready" and "serve well" for those in need, helping others to thrive emotionally and socially as we pursue spiritual maturity. We will have opportunities to ask Dr. Stanford and other community leaders and mental health professionals how we can join in these efforts for the benefit of our congregations and communities.
Keynote Speaker:
Rabbi Seth Stander
Hope and Healing Center & Institute
Courtney Frost-Tadlock
Mosaics of Mercy
Shannon Thomas, MA, LPC
Woodland Church
Rod Cantu
OnPurpose, Inc.
Ascencion Amado
St. Ignatius of Loyola
Dr. Tamika Sieh
Psychologist
Panel Speakers:
Houston Flourish Forums
Houston Responds and National Christian Foundation are hosting a series of conversations bringing church leaders, non-profit leaders, civic leaders, and generous givers together to address the critical areas of brokenness in our city. Each event will highlight a critical area of need and will introduce gifted faith leaders who bring specific knowledge and experiences in these areas to help restore our communities. Contact us about becoming a partner in support of one of these forums.
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The National Christian Foundation Houston’s purpose is to create and cultivate environments to inform, inspire and equip people to step out in generosity. We have a passion to be conduits for a trusted and flourishing community founded on the joy of Biblical generosity.
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Houston Responds unites, empowers, and mobilizes churches to multiply their collective impact on critical needs in their community. We accomplish this by developing local coalitions of churches that collaborate with one another and other community partners and are part of a broader interconnected network of relationships covering all of Greater Houston.
Upcoming events
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Disaster Response Forum
6.11.24 11:30AM-1:00PM (Rescheduled Event)
Churches in Houston have long played a vital role in responding to disasters. When natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, or other crises strike the city and its surrounding areas, local churches serve as first responders, providing immediate relief to those affected. In the aftermath, churches are providing shelter, distributing water, food, and essential supplies - and even helping residents clean up and restore their homes. We must coordinate our efforts in disasters to maximize our collective resources and skillsets. Join us as we hear from disaster response experts and churches who have been at the forefront of leading this service to their communities.
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Housing and Homelessness Forum
8.22.24 11:30AM-1:00PM
Homelessness remains a significant and complex issue in Houston, underscoring the need for collective solutions that address the root causes. The city's size and diverse population result in a wide range of circumstances leading to homelessness, from economic hardships and lack of affordable housing to mental health challenges and substance abuse issues. Houston has been credited with innovative solutions like the "Housing First" initiative, which are collaborative efforts between the public sector, non-profit organization, but the challenge persists and churches should play a role so all residents have access to stable housing and a path towards a brighter future. Join us as we bring in the local experts in this area who are helping address issues of housing and homelessness, and how churches can play a role.
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Mental Health Forum
10.24.24 11:30AM-1:00PM
Mental health issues in our city are a significant concern that deserves increased attention and support. The city's diverse population faces a range of mental health challenges, from anxiety and depression to more severe conditions, often exacerbated by socioeconomic disparities, access to care, and other stressors. Houston has made strides in community-based mental health initiatives, increased awareness, and the expansion of mental health care facilities. However, the demand for services continues to outstrip available resources. Churches play a key role alongside mental health professionals in helping people thrive emotionally and socially as they pursue spiritual maturity. Join us for a conversation among mental health professionals, counselors, and churches who are engaging these issues in their communities.