Faith communities are often the first place that people reach out for support. NAMI FaithNet is a network of NAMI members and friends dedicated to promoting caring faith communities and promoting the role of faith in recovery for individuals and families affected by mental illness. This site is a reflection of a closer partnership between NAMI, NAMI State Organizations and NAMI Affiliate leaders.

NAMI FaithNet is a network composed of members and friends of NAMI. It was established for the purposes of:

  • Facilitating the development within the faith community of a non-threatening, supportive environment for those with mental illness and their families.
  • Pointing out the value of one’s spirituality in the recovery process from mental illness and the need for spiritual strength for those who are caretakers.
  • Educating clergy and faith communities concerning mental illness and
  • Encouraging advocacy of the faith community to bring about hope and help for all who are affected by mental illness.

NAMI FaithNet is not a religious network but rather an outreach to all religious organizations. It has had significant success in doing so because all the major religions have the basic tenets of giving care and showing compassion to those in need.

NAMI FaithNet respects all religious beliefs. It also recognizes the expression by the majority of those affected by mental illness of the importance of the role of their spirituality in their ability to cope with having one of these illnesses themselves or in caring for an ill friend or family member. NAMI FaithNet encourages all those who are affected by a mental illness, who are also members of a faith community, to talk to their clergy person about mental illness and the role their faith is playing in their lives. Sadly, at present, many shy away from speaking with their clergy person because of the effect the stigma of mental illness has had on their lives. Talking to your clergy acheives two purposes:

  • By telling their clergy person their story, he or she becomes personally involved and personal involvement is the best method of education. Understanding requires not only the attention of the ears and eyes, but also the heart; and
  • By speaking to their clergy person, they have the opportunity to gain spiritual support. 

To learn more about NAMI FaithNet, call 408-453-0400 ext 3035.

Upcoming FaithNet Mental Health 101 Presentations

Enjoy your lunch while learning about mental health and the role of faith communities!

Join to learn:

  • Various mental illnesses and the mental health continuum.
  • How to support someone with a mental illness using proven techniques and methods.
  • How to avoid harmful behaviors such as toxic positivity and spiritual bypassing.

Time: 11: 30 AM – 1: 00 PM

  1. Thursday, February 15
  2. Thursday, May 16
  3. Thursday, August 15
  4. Thursday, November 21

Please RSVP by the Monday before!

Zoom information will be sent following registration.

Click here to register.

See flyer for more information.

Become a Mental Health Friendly Faith Community

 

Open brochures below in English or in Spanish to learn 24 things your congregation could do to become a mental health friendly faith community:

English 

Español

Sample Sermon

A sample sermon by Rev. Cindy McCalmont on “Hearing Voices”

Twenty-nine years ago, I heard a voice. I was a seminary student at the time, praying one morning in Duke Chapel when the voice said: “These hands can heal“. The voice was so real that my eyes popped open expecting to see someone beside me.

Read More…

List of Mental Health Friendly Congregations

Church List

This is a list of Faith Communities in Santa Clara County that have made a commitment towards creating a stigma-free, inclusive places of worship for people with mental health conditions and their families by completing at least 10 action items from the NAMI FaithNet brochure.

FAITH LEADER’S RESOURCE TOOLBOX

  • “Ask them for their WISDOM”  a  project by NAMI Santa Clara County FaithNet –  NAMI Santa Clara County FaithNet asked people who are living with serious mental health conditions, to share how they have been coping during the Covid 19 crisis. What emerged is a treasure trove of wisdom.
  • Current Newsletter and Resource GuideThe Resource Guide contains crisis and community referral information,NAMI education classes and programs, and a list of support groups for individuals and their families offered by NAMI and other organizations. The  monthly Newsletter contains information on current NAMI news and events.
  •  Welcome Package – This contains a list of NAMI Santa Clara County’s programs, guide to navigate a mental health emergency, recommended books and other useful information for families new to mental health diagnoses. 
  •  FaithNet Blogs – Read blogs and articles written by faith leaders on topics surrounding mental health. 
  •  COMPASSION IN ACTION This mental health guide for faith leaders was published by the Department of Health and Human Resources. It has a wealth of information for Faith Communities serving people with mental health conditions and their caregivers. 
  • *New* Youth Mental Health First Aid – Call Helpline (408 – 453 – 0400) for more information.

Pastor’s Toolbox on Racism and Mental Health

NAMI FaithNet Blogs

Attachments