What is a WISE Congregation for Mental Health?
It is official! First Congregational UCC, Albuquerque became a WISE Congregation for Mental Healthvia church vote and agreement on our Covenant on May 23, 2021.
WISE stands for “Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive, and Engaged.” The objective of the WISE designation is to encourage our congregation to be intentional about welcoming those living with mental health challenges and to expand our inclusion and support of all who are affected by mental health challenges; but, it is also to support the general health and emotional well-being of our community.
Your First Congregational WISE Mental Health Ministry plans to: reach out via informational updates in Signposts and Midweek Message as well as announcement time; host educational and interactive forums and discussion groups; convene (but not lead) special interest, small, support groups; provide a list of community resources and advocate for access to resources (this includes keeping a list of resources up-to-date and staying aware of needs within our congregation and beyond); and more. But, remember, we are not health care providers. Our aim is to be fully present with our community as we strive to flourish; and, to be honest about mental health challenges, thus reducing stigma and increasing access to care!
History of the WISE Congregation
The United Church of Christ Mental Health Network (MHN) works to reduce stigma and promote the inclusion of people with mental illnesses/brain disorders and their families in the life, leadership and work of congregations. The 2015 General Synod WISE Congregation resolution came about as a result of efforts by the UCC’s Mental Health Network (http://www.mhn-ucc.org/ ) to develop churches that are welcoming, inclusive, supportive, and engaged (WISE) for mental health and well-being. The resolution (found HERE) encourages congregations to adopt WISE covenants, with support from the Mental Health Network, which will advocate for “all persons with mental illness who are falling through the fraying safety net.”
Thus, the WISE Congregation for Mental Health is a result of a covenant building process by churches to implement the ideals of the UCC Mental Health Network and core values of the UCC Church: Continued Testament, Extravagant Welcome, Changing Lives.
RESOURCES
Albuquerque Area Health and Wellness Resource List: click HERE
Rio Rancho Area Health and Wellness Resource List: click HERE