THANKFUL TUESDAYS with Deacon Laverne S. Williams, CSW

During this time of crisis and uncertainty many rely on faith for support and stability. The community is invited to join Laverne S. Williams, CSW, a Deacon at the Union Baptist Church in Montclair, for a free Zoom.us session, entitled "Thankful Tuesdays." During these sessions, Deacon Williams and her special guests explore important topics centered around faith and spirituality. The program is offered at 2 p.m. every Tuesday: individuals may participate online through the Zoom link.

Please join Deacon Williams on Tuesday, March 15th @2pm as she welcomes special guest, Phillip T. McCabe, CSW, CAS, CDVC. Mr. McCabe is a Health Educator for Rutgers School of Public Health and an adjunct instructor at the Rutgers School of Nursing. He directs the LGBTQIA+ Violence Prevention and Community Engagement Initiative. He presents programs such as: Cultural Competency to enhance LGBTQIA+ safety, wellness, health, and recovery: A public health model to prevent violence and create a safer, healthier New Jersey.
The Center for Public Health Workforce Development at the Rutgers School of Public Health provides training to improve the safety and wellness of LGBTQIA+ people. Suicide is the leading cause of death for LGBTQIA+ people ages 10-24.

Additionally, those that identify as LGBTQIA+:
• Are nearly four times more likely than non-LGBT people to experience violent victimization

• Are twice as likely to experience mental health issues in their life,
• Have more than double the rate of depression than the heterosexual population, and

• Are more likely to use alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs than the general population.
To contact Phil McCabe: mccabept@rutgers.edu

Laverne Williams, CSW is the Director of the PEWS (Promoting Emotional Wellness and Spirituality) Program for the Mental Health Association in New Jersey. Ms. Williams is a New Jersey Certified Social Worker, WRAP (Wellness & Recovery Action Plan) Facilitator, Mental Health First Aid Instructor, and Certified Grief Recovery Specialist. With over 35+ years of experience in mental health service, Ms. Williams is a highly sought-after conference keynote and workshop facilitator. Her workshops have been presented to numerous statewide and local agencies, consumer organizations and family member groups. As an advocate on behalf of persons with mental illness, and a Deacon at her church, Ms. Williams diligently develops partnerships between faith-based communities and behavioral health institutions by bridging the gap between theology and mental health.
Ms. Williams was quoted in the best selling book, Option B – Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy, by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Gant.

To contact Deacon Williams please email: lwilliams@mhanj.org