Webinar: Engaging service members, veterans, and their families through faith-based partnerships
Faith-based organizations often serve as a trusted source of help and connection for many Service Members, Veterans, and Military Families (SMVF). An increasing number of faith-based organizations and leaders, not only assist with the spiritual needs of SMVF, but also provide support with many areas related to readjustment and strengthening resiliency, wellness, and recovery. They are often referred to as “force multipliers” due to their help and support to so many SMVF on the path to positive behavioral health and wellbeing.
This webinar will provide information that will help participants to engage, educate, inform, and partner with faith-based leaders, non-profit organizations, and communities in support of and responding to the behavioral health needs of SMVF. It will provide information about how to access some of the important tools and resources available to equip us all to better form partnerships and serve SMVF and their caregivers. A presentation from Chaplin Juliana M. Lesher, the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) National Director of VA Chaplaincy, will discuss what the VA is doing to help establish and cultivate faith-based community partnerships and what is available as a resource and referral point. Reverend Monty Burks, Director of Faith-Based Initiatives at the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, will provide examples of how the Tennessee Faith-Based Initiative is building community capacity and helping SMVF to use their personal recovery to help other SMVF to connect with and sustain resilience and recovery.
Presenters:
Juliana M. Lesher, M.Div., Ph.D., BCC, National Director of VA Chaplaincy, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs
Monty Burks, C.P.R.S., Ph.D., Director, Faith-based Initiatives, Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse
Cicely K. Burrows-McElwain, L.C.S.W.-C., Military and Veterans Affairs Liaison, Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs, Office of the Assistant Secretary, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
