Mission/Goals

Mission:

To make the world a friendlier place for people who live with mental illnesses and their families.

Vision:

When consumers* and their family members turn to their faith communities for help, they are treated respectfully, lovingly and appropriately. The spiritual and lay leaders in their faith communities offer them the understanding, spiritual counsel and support they need and refer them to appropriate community resources.

Goals:

• Strengthen the safety net for consumers
• Enlist clergy and lay leaders as active participants in the battle to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and reduce the discrimination experienced by people with mental illness
• Educate clergy and lay leaders about mental illnesses and the challenges they present to consumers and family members
• Give spiritual and lay leaders tools/resources that will help them deal effectively with consumers and family members with confidence
• Establish an ongoing relationship with clergy and lay leaders; work collaboratively with them to address issues related to mental illness in their congregations

* "Consumers" is a term used to refer to people with mental illnesses.