Deacon Laverne S. Williams, CSW - Zoom Guest & Topic on 5.11.21

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

On Tuesday, May 11th, Deacon Williams' guest will be John McGill, III, Esq. Mr. McGill is an attorney, who was born and raised in Montclair, New Jersey, having graduated from Montclair High School in 1968. He is the owner of McGill Law Practice, a solo law firm located in Edgewater Park, New Jersey. Retired in April 2011 after over 20 years as an Ethics Counsel with the New Jersey Office of Attorney Ethics, John concentrates his private practice in Attorney Ethics Defense and offers services to review and determine Attorney Trust and Business Account compliance with Court, Recordkeeping and Disciplinary Rules. A former Essex County Assistant Prosecutor and current Municipal Prosecutor in Willingboro Township in Burlington County, John is experienced and familiar with the various criminal consequences which may attend certain serious ethics violations. His website is www.McGillLawPractice.com, and he may be reached by telephone at (609) 526-5482. John and his lovely wife, Deborah, have a comfortable but empty nest. They have seven grown children and four grandchildren. An amateur hand drummer and percussionist since 1973, John also enjoys fresh and saltwater fishing in his spare time.

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.