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. https://zoom.us/j/424719863?pw... or by visiting Zoom.us, Meeting ID number 424 719 863, Password 469922 or by calling 646-558-8656. The program may also be viewed on Facebook Live @MentalHealthAssociationinNewJerseyInc

Please join Deacon Williams on Tuesday, June 7th, 2022 at 2pm as she welcomes to her show a very special guest; Carolyn Beauchamp, ACSW the President and CEO of The Mental Health Association in New Jersey. Ms. Beauchamp and Ms. Williams will have a stimulating and informative discussion on the topic "Advocacy and Mental Health." The discussion will provide tips and guide us as we learn to become advocates as well.

Under Ms. Beauchamp's direction, the MHANJ Government Affairs Team spearheaded the development and passage of the Patients' Bill of Rights as well as the New Jersey Advance Directives for Mental Health Care Act, D(PADs) both of which are designed to protect patients' rights while in hospital settings. The MHANJ's GA team also worked closely in partnership on new parity legislation to pass and to provide transparency related to the implementation of the law.

As part of its leadership in developing a peer workforce, the MHANJ launched the first statewide employment training program for those who suffered a serious mental illness – teaching them to work as peers in the health care system. This peer-focused program grew out of our belief that people can recover, rejoin their communities, and be involved in meaningful work. Today, the Consumer Connections Program has expanded to include those suffering from co-occurring disorders – both mental illness and substance use disorder.

Early in her career, Ms. Beauchamp helped Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital patients transition to the outside world. She created a program to teach boarding house owners social work basics to better understand residents with mental illness. Throughout her career Ms. Beauchamp has received awards for outstanding performance, most recently from the Boy Scouts and National Association of Social Workers - New Jersey Chapter.

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