WITH THE 20
A Network of Mental Health Professionals &
Mental Health Friendly Churches supporting
the 20%+ experiencing mental illness
About
OUR PURPOSE
Simply, our purpose is the 20% - the one in five adults who are experiencing mental illness. Their pain and struggle are often overlooked and invalidated. They may be fearful of their illness being known for fear of judgment, criticism, or isolation. They may be given "positive" remedies and feel ashamed when these remedies don't work. They may fear their suffering is not worthy of anyone's attention, because mental illness may be rarely if ever mentioned within their church community.OUR VISION
Our vision is to create a network of mental health friendly churches who work together for the benefit of those experiencing mental illness.We believe churches and mental health professionals can work together, each serving their unique role, toward the greater good of the community as a whole.OUR MISSION
Our mission is for not one individual to be denied a safe, authentic, and healthy church community, because they experience mental illness.The research is clear. Social support is the second most important factor in the ability of these individuals to manage, reduce, or recover from their mental illness. Church communities are in a unique position to be a significant place of healing as they listen, affirm, validate, and support individuals experiencing mental illness. Unfortunately, church communities can also be devastating to individuals experiencing mental illness when we try to fix, shame, invalidate, or disconnect.ACHIEVING OUR MISSION
Achieving our mission is two-fold. First, to EDUCATE AND EQUIP individuals within faith communities to better understand mental illness, how to support individuals with mental illness, and how to connect these individuals into community life. Second, to help churches CREATE HEALTHY SUPPORT groups and mental health services; and BRING AWARENESS to the availability of those groups to those who would benefit.
SIGN UP TO STAY INFORMED ON EVENTS, TRAININGS, AND OTHER NEWS
Support Groups
| Topic | Location | Main Contact | Contact Info | Date/Time | Walk-in or Sign up? | Faith Based? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DivorceCare | Greenwood Christian Church | Dennis & Pat Frazier | 317-502-6377 | Mondays 6:30pm | Contact to Sign up | Yes |
| GriefShare | Mt. Olive Lutheran Church | JoAnn Heasley | 317-679-5430 Email | Wednesdays 6:30pm | Walk in | Yes |
| GriefShare | Southport Presbyterian Church | Aleen Philhower | 317-529-2900 Email | Thursdays 2:00pm | Walk in | Yes |
| GriefShare | Southport Presbyterian Church | Aleen Philhower | 317-529-2900 Email | Thursdays 6:00pm | Walk in | Yes |
| Hannah's Wish (Miscarriage / Stillbirth / Infant Loss) | Mount Pleasant Christian Church | Jenna Wright | Every 4th Thursday 6:30pm | Walk in | Yes | |
| Mental Health Support Group | Community Church of Greenwood | Lynetta Freudenstein | 317.772.1753 Email | Tuesdays 6:00pm | Walk in | Yes |
| NAMI Mental Health Support | Community Church of Greenwood | Lynetta Freudenstein | 317.772.1753 Email | Thursdays 5:30pm | Walk in | No |
| Navigating Depression for Teens | Southport Presbyterian Church | Lizzie Frost | 317.721.7249 Email | Saturdays 10:00am | Contact to Sign up | Yes |
Upcoming Events
Events Upcoming. Stay tuned.
Partner Churches
| Church | Pastor | Phone # | Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community Church of Greenwood | Jason Gallman | 317.888.6024 | 1477 W. Main St. Greenwood |
| Mt. Olive Lutheran Church | Jeff Alexander | 317.422.9991 | 5171 W. Smokey Row Rd. Greenwood |
| Southport Presbyterian Church | Rob Hock | 317.534.2900 | 7525 McFarland Blvd. Indianapolis |
| Villa Baptist Church | RT Stringer | 317.787.9378 | 2650 Villa Ave. Indianapolis |
Partner Mental Health Practices
| Practice | Website | Phone # | Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indy Therapy and Counseling | www.indytc.com | 317.992.1919 | 7550 S. Meridian St. Suite A, Indianapolis 9957 Crosspoint Blvd. Suite 150, Indianapolis |
Contact Us
Five Characteristics of a
Mental Health Friendly Church
1. A church with leaders utilizing their influence and platform to highlight and discuss mental health issues through a supportive and normalized lens at least quarterly.2. A church consistently investing in professional mental health training for staff, small group leaders, and lay counselors.3. A church recognizing and communicating mental illness is not a direct reflection of an individual’s faith and spiritual well-being.4. A church placing and keeping individuals experiencing mental illness in meaningful roles.5. A church connected to and promoting mental health resources.