Care Ministries
Mental Health Connect : One Client ' s Story by : Liz Timm , Mental Health Connect Peer Specialist
What ' s Left Exhibit Coming to Bethlehem
March- Minneapolis Campus April- Minnetonka Campus
Suicide and mental illness are major health problems that affect everyone . The topic is often viewed as taboo , and family members left behind can feel stigmatized and unable to talk openly about their experience and grief . What ’ s Left will provide a space for participating artists and the broader community to reflect on the impact of suicide and mental illness and explore the use of artistic expression in the process of grieving , healing , and expressing hope .
What ' s Left is a multimedia exhibit to create a proactive community dialogue about suicide and mental illness with a goal of reducing the stigma surrounding them . The exhibit showcases over 45 of Minnesota ’ s finest artists in painting , poetry , sculpture , graffiti , glass , weaving , photography , and more .
The exhibit will be displayed in the Minneapolis Gallery throughout the month of March and at the Minnetonka campus throughout April . Watch for more information in February ' s Connect and online .
" I know I can think . I know I ' m capable ," Jessica Anderson * said when asked about addressing the concerns that brought her to the Mental Health Connect ( MHC ) program . " But I still need help . What must it be like for people who are troubled more ?”
Jessica was growing increasingly frustrated , confused , and overwhelmed trying to figure out a very complicated healthcare and social security benefit change on her own . “ I ’ ve left in tears all the times I ’ ve gone to [ social service agencies ] on my own for help ,” said Jessica . “ I ’ ve been given the run-around , experienced dead ends and red tape , been made to feel humiliated and smaller than a dime .”
Jessica , who attributes the fact that she ’ s never given up to her “ inner resilience from God ,” was referred to MHC by the counseling center in her faith community . “ The MHC staff are superb beyond my wildest imaginings ,” said Jessica . “ They treat me with respect and include me in the conversation . They hear what I say , let me explain , and let me show them my paperwork . Then , they clearly reviewed my options and gave a few recommendations . I was able to ask about each step along the way and how that might affect me and my benefits . Then I was able to choose . The problems get solved here – that ’ s the big thing !”
In addition to helping Jessica navigate her changing benefit situation , she credits MHC with giving her the courage to take small , but important actions : putting piles away in her home , inviting company over , even returning to playing the piano . “ I never thought I ’ d be able to play the piano again ,” Jessica said . With decades of classical training and performing in her past , her mental health challenges and abuse history had made it nearly impossible for her to return to something she once loved .
“ MHC has begun to change a gaping wound . So many others are not so lucky . I am so blessed to be getting your help . It is beyond medical appointments and psychotherapy appointments . You are doing a service no one offers anywhere . It is lifesaving ! You get it , you do . I can survive anything now .”
" You are doing a service no one offers anywhere . It is life saving ! You get it , you do . I can survive anything now ."
As Mental Health Connect continues to grow and impact the lives of individuals like Jessica , we are working to expand the Mental Health Connect model as we collaborate with other churches in south Minneapolis to help open more doors for people who are affected by mental health concerns . Bethlehem ' s model of resource navigation , peer support and education is starting its third year of service . For more information , or to take the first step with our Mental Health Navigator contact Kristina Swanberg , 612.312.3377 or kswanberg @ bethlehemchurch . org .
* name changed to protect client ’ s anonymity
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Mental Health Connect Grant Award
Bethlehem ’ s Mental Health Connect ministry is pleased to announce a grant award of $ 10,000 from the Richard M . Schulze Family Foundation . This funding will help further equip Bethlehem and local communities of faith to increase access to mental health services and confront stigma surrounding mental illness .