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 22nd @2pm as she welcomes special guest, Diane Hawkins who will present, "A Tale of the Ravages and Triumphs of Domestic Abuse." Ms. Hawkins is a life member of the NAACP and she also serves as the 1st Vice-President of the New Brunswick, Area Branch. She is also the Housing chair and travels the state addressing Affordable and Fair Share Housing issues. Ms. Hawkins also Chairs the Environmental Climate Justice Subcommittee and is a member of the Franklin Township Interfaith Council. She has two daughters and has been a member of the First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens in Somerset, NJ for the past 40 years.

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