Deacon Laverne S. Williams, CSW, Zoom Guest and Topic 7.13.21

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 July 13, Deacon Williams will be joined by Reverend Dr. Eva C. Foster presenting her program, "Raise The Roof" Mark 2:1-5.

Dr. Foster is a graduate of the Drew Theological School and holds a Master of Divinity and a Master’s in Sacred Theology. She earned a Doctor in Ministry in Metro Urban Ministries from the New Brunswick Theological Seminary and has pursued coursework for Certification in Grief Counseling. She is also an Adjunct Professor in Biblical Studies at Pillar College in Newark New Jersey.

Dr. Foster accepted the call to serve as Pastor of the First Baptist Church in Irvington, NJ. A multi-ethnic, culturally diverse congregation in an urban setting, Rev. Foster has challenged this congregation to accept their diversity as a God-given gift and to reach out to the neighboring community to tell a dying word that there is a Living Savior

Dr. Foster is the mother of two adult children, Kasandra and Christopher and grandmother of five grandsons, Elijah, Xavier, Simeon and Jonah and Ellington.

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.