How Churches Can Help Alleviate Mental Health Stigmas and Support Those in Need

How Churches Can Help Alleviate Mental Health Stigmas and Support Those in Need

According to the National Alliance on Mental Health Illness, one in four Americans suffer from mental health issues of some sort in any given year. This webinar will provide needed information for several common mental health issues, all of which are faced by those attending our churches–what churches are doing unknowingly to make those suffering from these issues feel ‘different’ or misunderstood, and what we can do to change that. Discussion of the role of the church leadership as ideally taking on the identity of the ‘Good Shepherd’ in Jesus’ parable will provide insights on the importance of our response to those who are suffering emotionally. We will also identify myths that increase and perpetuate stigmas for Christians suffering from mental health issues within the Church. We will highlight Biblical spiritual truths to denounce these stigmas and allow healing to begin.

Molly W. Blancke, MPA, BSW, BA, has been the Executive Director of Lutheran Counseling Center (LCC) in New York since 2006. A native South Carolinian, before coming to New York Molly demonstrated leadership skills as the Social Services Director for a large nursing home complex for eight years and previously, as a social worker advocate with mentally challenged children and their families, encouraging and fostering independence in their communities. Molly is also an accomplished church organist and pianist and has worked in the past for several churches in music director positions.

She has a Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) with a concentration in ‘Non-Profit Management’ from Long Island University and is an adjunct professor in the MPA program there. She also earned a B.S.W. in Social Work and a B.A. in Sociology and Music.

Molly is a member of LSA (Lutheran Services in America), is on the board of LSNYA (Lutheran Services New York Alliance), is a member of Pi Alpha Alpha and received their award of excellence in 2009.

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