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, December 28th at 2pm as she welcomes special guest, Robert Kley for a conversation entitled: "Racial Equity Changed my Life."
Robert Kley is the Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Mental Health Association in NJ. Since joining the Association in 1985, he has held numerous statewide roles with the MHANJ. Kley has focused his efforts on creating and supporting the peer recovery movement in the state from both a social justice and service perspective. Among the efforts he has spearheaded include Consumer Connections, MHANJ; Call Center, Mental Health First Aid, MHANJ'sDisaster Response efforts for Sandy and COVID19, and recently Support of Families of Color. Kley served as the founding President of Monarch Housing Associates- a housing development nonprofit that creates housing for persons with disabilities and the homeless across NJ and continues to serve in that role today.

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 #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