Mental Health Advocate Program

Our community is facing a hidden crisis.
And the Church stands at the crossroads.

Mental health issues are surprisingly common. And just like many health conditions, they are physiological in nature and treatable. Despite this, the stigma surrounding them leads many people to struggle in silence. On the path to restoring our community’s mental health and wellness, churches, schools and ministry organizations can play a pivotal role. And it starts when you open your doors, open your hearts and listen.

Healing happens in community.
Hope happens with connection.

Community is a key element in Christian fellowship. And for those who have been affected by mental health issues—either firsthand or as a family—community has the power to heal. For many of these individuals and families, the faith community is the first place they turn for support.

This puts you at the forefront of a nationwide mental health crisis—and makes you uniquely positioned to provide comfort, hope, resources and professional referrals. With that in mind, The Lutheran Foundation has developed the Mental Health Advocate program.

Appoint a Mental Health Advocate to give a voice to those who struggle in silence.

In the face of our community’s hidden mental health epidemic, your church's/school's/ministry organization's Mental Health Advocate will act as a compassionate champion and a valuable resource. Your Mental Health Advocate will work closely with The Lutheran Foundation to create mental health initiatives uniquely suited to your ministry context. They will also communicate regularly about educational opportunities and resources related to mental wellness.

The Mental Health Advocate is an unpaid, volunteer role that could be filled by a staff member or lay person. The Advocate could be someone who has personal experience with mental illness, holds a related professional title, or simply has a heart for people and a passion for mental wellness.

The Advocate’s primary responsibilities include:

• Encourage mental wellness initiatives within the congregation/school/ministry organization.
• Participate in a monthly Mental Health Advocate virtual cohort meeting, facilitated by The Lutheran Foundation, which will provide education and guidance in developing mental health initiatives.
• Participate in a Mental Health Advocate Facebook Group, which will serve as a private platform for ongoing communication and collaboration among Advocates.
• Communicate mental health-related educational opportunities and resources.
• Communicate the congregation’s/school's/ministry organization's expressed mental health needs to The Lutheran Foundation, which will equip and support them in meeting those needs.
• Serve as a Mental Health Advocate for a minimum of one year.

For questions related to the program, contact Deaconess Carole Terkula, Ministry Associate and Mental Health Advocate Facilitator, at Carole@thelutheranfoundation.org