Join Deacon Laverne S. Williams, CSW, 4/06 Zoom Program & Guest

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, April 6, Deacon Williams' guest will be Malik Carey, MS, CEO of Family Healing Center. His mission is simple: to assist families in fostering mental and emotional health through a variety of counseling methods. Mr. Carey holds a BA in Religious Studies from Seton Hall University and an MS in Organizational Leadership from Nyack College. He currently serves as C.O.O. of the K.I.N.G. Movement, a National Men's Ministry. Mr. Carey was a past leader of The Overcomer's Program, a 12-Step Christian-Based Empowerment group instilled with promoting and maintaining disengagement from substance abuse and other maladaptive addictions. Mr. Carey's volunteer efforts are deeply rooted in New Jersey's West Orange community where he is a highly respected mentor for young adults. Bethany Church, the Bethany Center of Champions and Daytop Treatment Facility are just a few of the faith-based organizations to which he graciously lends his time and efforts.

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.