Deacon Laverne S. williams, CSW, host Zoom guest & topic on 4/27

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 us on Tuesday, April 20th at 2:00 PM when my special guest will be A'Layeah Joiseanne. Ms. Joisanne is a narrative filmmaker, actress, writer and director from Montclair, NJ. She graduated from Bloomfield College in 2018, Magna Cum Laude, with a BA in Expanded Media. She enjoys making films whenever she gets a chance to hold a camera. Her passion, dedication, and perseverance has landed her many opportunities in the entertainment industry at the age of 25. Her style of filmmaking brings awareness to many issues that stem from childhood then explores the healing and restoration through God.

She has won many awards for her short films including the Women In Media-Newark Cell Phone Cinema Contest in 2013, her senior year in high school. She also won a silver medal coming in 2nd place at the ACT-SO Competition representing the Montclair Branch for her film "Listen to Me." In 2014 she won 2nd place in the Women In Media-Newark Cell Phone Cinema Contest for her short film she did in honor of her grandmother who passed away from stage four lung cancer "The Battle Isn't Over Until God Says It's Over. She had the opportunity to be interviewed by Della Crews on Spotlight NJ discussing her winning films. She was also featured in an online magazine called Sista's Keeper Magazine!

A’layeah currently works as a production assistant and has had the opportunity to work on many different TV shows/Films including NBC’s TV Show “Lincoln Rhyme: Hunt for the Bone Collector'', a Netflix film written by Lena Waithe called “Beauty”, a feature film “Bruised” directed and starring Halle Berry and most recently a Lifetime film called "Death Saved My Life" starring Meagan Good, her sister La'Myia Good and Chike Oknonkwo. She also works part time at the YMCA of Montclair. She teaches the children the art of filmmaking creating a space for them to use their imagination and deliver their messages through the camera's eye.
A’layeah not only enjoys filmmaking but wants to eventually have her own teen mentoring program for girls who are interested in the arts. She wants to help them follow their dreams and encourage them. She feels that it is especially important, for young adolescent girls, to know their worth in society. A’layeah knows that nothing can be done without the help of God and leaning on his strength and believing she knows that her future in these fields will succeed.

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 April 2017 #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.