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“you Are Not Alone”: Catholic Charities and St. Ambrose Parish Address Mental Health Crisis
Table of Contents
A collaborative conference focused on accompaniment and mental health, organized by Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland, and St. Ambrose Parish in Brunswick, Ohio, drew a critically important crowd on Feb. 21. The daylong event, themed “You Are Not Alone,” featured Bishop John dolan of the Diocese of Phoenix, arizona, as the keynote speaker.Bishop Dolan shared his personal experiences with mental health challenges, emphasizing the critical importance of hope and support for those struggling.
Bishop Dolan’s Message of Hope and Accompaniment
Bishop John Dolan’s keynote address deeply resonated with the nearly 250 in-person attendees and 50 virtual participants. His candid discussion of personal struggles and the tragic loss of three siblings to suicide underscored the urgency of addressing mental health issues within communities. Following his installation as the fifth bishop of Phoenix in August 2022, Bishop Dolan established a mental health ministry in December 2022, focusing on education, accompaniment, and advocacy.
Beyond establishing the ministry, Bishop Dolan also conducts an annual Mass of remembrance for those who have died by suicide. His commitment extends to various media platforms and speaking engagements, amplifying the message of hope and support. He is also the author of two books, “When a Loved one Dies by suicide” and “Responding to Suicide: A Pastoral Handbook for Catholic Leaders,” both published by Ave Maria Press, providing guidance and solace to those affected by suicide.
When asked about the moast critically significant takeaway from his presentation, Bishop Dolan offered a single, powerful word: “Hope.”
A Collaborative Effort: Catholic Charities and St. Ambrose Parish
The conference was facilitated by Dobie Moser, senior director of mission and ministry for Catholic Charities. Moser, who holds a master’s degree in counseling and a doctorate of ministry in leadership, also serves with the CYO athletics staff and the Diocesan Social Action Office staff. Tragically, Moser and his wife, Lisa, have also experienced the loss of a son to suicide, adding a deeply personal dimension to his commitment to mental health advocacy.
St. Ambrose Parish, known for its robust mental health ministry, CARES (concerned. Alert. Responsive. = Everyone. Safe.), played a crucial role in organizing the event. Father Bob Stec, St. Ambrose pastor, shared the origins of the CARES ministry, emphasizing the importance of awareness and concern within the community.
Father Stec recounted a specific instance that highlighted the need for the ministry: “It’s a pastor’s concern, not a response. What’s needed is a sense of awareness and concern.”
He described how a parishioner noticed another had been absent and, upon examination, discovered the woman had been isolated and struggling with depression for a month. This prompted immediate action and support from the parish.
Father Stec further emphasized the need for collaborative care: “How do we work together to create a seamless effort/garment of care? The solution is for people to step up, do more and work together to ensure that every child of God has what he or she needs.”
He highlighted the parish’s food program as an example, where providing a meal is coupled with meaningful connection with volunteers.
Addressing the Broader Mental Health Crisis
Dr. Dave Margolius, director of the Cleveland Department of Public Health, addressed the conference, highlighting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and the pre-existing teen mental health epidemic. He emphasized the role of societal issues in contributing to the crisis. the Cleveland Health Department is actively working to address these issues, including providing permanent housing solutions for the homeless.
Dr. margolius also discussed the challenges of infant mortality and childhood poverty, noting the impact of the expiration of a pandemic-era tax credit. “It’s easy to amplify the bad noise about cities because resources are gone and people are suffering,”
Dr. Margolius said,urging attendees to “Spend some time with them. Learn about what’s happening.”
He acknowledged the vital role of Catholic Charities in providing assistance, particularly to immigrant and refugee populations. Despite budgetary challenges and potential staffing reductions, Dr. Margolius expressed gratitude, stating, “You give me hope and we need it.”
Panel Discussion: Sharing Stories and Strategies
A panel discussion featuring Jonathan Clemente, a certified peer support specialist at Catholic Charities; Dr. Molly Wimbiscus,a child and adolescent psychiatrist; Fredy Robles,chief program officer for Catholic Charities; and lisa Moser provided diverse perspectives on addressing mental health challenges. Each panelist shared personal stories and insights into their work.
Clemente discussed his personal journey through substance abuse and psychosis, highlighting his role in mentoring others facing similar challenges. He also mentioned resources like Magnolia Clubhouse.
Dr. Wimbiscus emphasized the importance of teamwork in recovery, viewing her work as a calling. She quoted St. Luke, “To whom much is given, much is expected. I consider it a privilege to see children every day.It is important work. And I appreciate having a community to share in this work,”
stressing the need to think beyond traditional clinical settings.
Robles highlighted the thorough support offered by Catholic Charities, emphasizing the importance of social connectedness. “The clinical work is important, but we also have to create a space for them to rebuild their lives,”
he said.“Accompaniment is directly connected to respecting people’s dignity. They need to be heard, understood and valued. At Catholic Charities, there is no division. It’s us.”
Lisa Moser emphasized the importance of professional guidance and the key elements of recovery: people, places, and purpose. “People must accompany.There is a need for a safe place to live and it’s important to have purpose to give meaning to your life,”
she explained. She shared a poignant story illustrating the power of accompaniment, even when circumstances remain challenging.
She concluded with a powerful message of hope: “Hope is a powerful antidote to despair. Just being present is an action of hope. This steady presence is an act of hope showing you are not alone. Accompaniment may not cure the person or make a big difference in their situation, but it lets them know they are not alone. In his last week, my son’s psychiatrist told me, ‘your son suffers profoundly.’ I agreed, but said, ‘He’s not alone.’”
Hope’s Embrace: A Deep Dive into Community-Based Mental Health Initiatives
One in five adults in the U.S. experiences mental illness each year. Yet, many suffer in silence. how can we foster a culture of support and hope, as highlighted by the recent “You Are Not Alone” conference?
Interviewer:
hope’s Healing hand: A Conversation on Community-Based Mental Health Support
One in five adults in the U.S. experiences mental illness each year, yet many suffer in silence. how can we build bridges of hope and foster supportive communities to combat this pervasive crisis?
Interviewer: Dr. Anya sharma, a leading expert in community mental health and pastoral care, welcome to world Today News. the recent “You Are Not Alone” conference highlighted the critical need for collaborative community-based mental health initiatives. can you elaborate on the significance of this approach?
Dr. Sharma: Thank you for having me. The “You Are Not Alone” conference beautifully illustrates the power of a collaborative model in addressing mental health challenges. Community-based initiatives are crucial as they recognize that mental well-being is not solely a clinical issue, but a societal one. By bringing together faith-based organizations, healthcare providers, social workers, and community members, we create a complete support system that addresses the whole person—their spiritual needs, emotional needs, and practical needs. This approach goes beyond traditional clinical settings and integrates mental health support into the fabric of daily life.
Interviewer: The conference emphasized the role of “accompaniment” in the healing process. Can you unpack the concept of accompaniment within the context of community mental health support?
Dr. Sharma: Accompaniment is far more than simply providing services. It’s about walking alongside individuals—being present, listening empathetically, and offering unwavering support during their journey. this involves creating safe spaces where individuals feel agreeable sharing their struggles without judgment, and recognizing that recovery timelines vary vastly. Accompaniment demonstrates compassion and affirms the inherent dignity of all people. It’s a truly holistic approach with individuals and includes spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being.This mindful approach is key; actively listening will help individuals better confront the mental health issues they are facing.
Interviewer: The conference highlighted the success of programs like CARES (Concerned. Alert. Responsive. Everyone. Safe.). What key elements make such programs effective in fostering community support?
Dr. Sharma: Effective community-based mental health programs, like CARES, share several key characteristics:
Proactive Outreach: They actively identify individuals who might potentially be struggling and reach out to offer support.This proactive approach is essential; it prevents mental health issues from becoming unmanageable.
Training and Education: They train community members to recognize signs of mental illness and provide basic support. This empowers individuals to help those around them, building community resilience.
Collaboration and partnership: They foster strong relationships between faith-based organizations, healthcare providers, and community resources, ensuring a seamless referral process and comprehensive community support network.
Emphasis on Hope and Recovery: They celebrate recovery stories and foster an atmosphere of hope and optimism, countering stigmas surrounding mental illness. This approach builds confidence that recovery is possible.
Interviewer: The conference touched on the intersection of faith and mental health. How can religious communities effectively integrate mental health support into their existing structures?
Dr. sharma: Faith-based communities have a unique and powerful role to play in supporting mental well-being. They can:
Reduce Stigma: By openly discussing mental health, they can help reduce the stigma which prevents individuals from seeking help.
Offer Spiritual Support: They can provide a space for individuals to connect with their faith and find comfort in their spirituality.
Train Volunteers: They can train members to be supportive listeners and refer individuals to appropriate professional resources.
Partner with Mental Health Professionals: They can collaborate with mental health professionals to offer on-site support groups, workshops, and counseling services.
Interviewer: What are some practical steps individuals can take to foster stronger community-based mental health support in their own locales?
Dr. Sharma: Individuals can:
Educate themselves: Learn about various mental illnesses, and understand the symptoms of common mental health issues.
Volunteer: Offer their time and talents at organizations providing mental health support. This is a meaningful way to promote hope and recovery.
Challenge Stigma: Openly and respectfully discuss mental health in their personal and professional lives, reducing silence and encouraging others to seek help.
Advocate for policy change: Support initiatives that promote mental health awareness and increase access to mental healthcare. Advocating for affordable and accessible mental health services for everyone is vital.
interviewer: Dr. Sharma, thank you for your insightful contributions. This discussion underscores the crucial need for community collaboration in nurturing mental well-being. by embracing hope, promoting accompaniment, and building strong support networks, we can create healthier, more resilient communities for all. What are your concluding thoughts?
Dr. Sharma: Indeed. Building supportive communities requires consistent effort, commitment, and compassion.We must recognize that mental well-being is not a luxury, but a fundamental human right. By working together—faith leaders, healthcare providers, community organizations, and individuals—we can create a world where everyone feels safe, connected, seen, and heard, and where hope truly thrives. Let’s continue this crucial conversation in the comments below and share this interview widely to empower our communities through supportive actions.