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 us on May 10th at 2:00 PM EST when my special guests will be Kim Reynolds-Divine, Community Outreach and Training Specialist and Support for Families of Color, Mesha Allen, AmeriCorps member and group facilitator and La Verne Saunders, Peer Support Specialist and Emotional Support for Families of Color as they share about three of the initiatives in the Families of Color Program at the Mental Health Association in New Jersey.

ENGAGE- Open conversations to bridge the gap in racial inequality, The Women of Color Discussion Group, and the LGBTQ Womyn of color Group. ENGAGE offers a platform to learn how to support people of color in accessing mental health services and, ways to partner with others to build a tribe in service to the community. All groups address challenges that people of color navigate. They provide safe spaces to share, process and grow.

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 April 2017 #1 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.