Caring Ministry
Caring Ministry Coordinator: Please contact Rev. Thom Belote, [email protected], 919-259-2009
Mission:
Based on the UU principals of affirming the inherent worth and dignity of every person and respecting the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part, the purpose of the Caring Ministry is to provide a ministry of caring and a network of support to all members and friends of The Community Church.
A special group of the congregation, the Caring Ministry Members, works to make sure that our members are cared for when needed. In collaboration with our minister, Rev. Thom Belote, we strive to support our members in a variety of ways:
If you want a pastoral visitor at home or while you are in the hospital, a caring quilt to comfort you, assistance with meals, rides, or other support services while in crisis, contact the Caring Ministry Coordinator.
MENTAL HEALTH MINISTRY
The Mental Health Ministry (MHM), Support is Contagious group, provides support for family members of people struggling with mental illness. This is not a group for individuals with mental illness but rather one for those who care about those individuals. The support group usually meets the third Sunday of every month at 2 PM in the Living Room of the church.
In addition, when possible, the Ministry provides information to the congregation about mental illness and resources available in the community. Mental Illness is very common, and there is help available. You are not alone Here are some resources.
IN A CRISIS
For more information contact Susan Spalt [email protected]
Mission:
Based on the UU principals of affirming the inherent worth and dignity of every person and respecting the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part, the purpose of the Caring Ministry is to provide a ministry of caring and a network of support to all members and friends of The Community Church.
A special group of the congregation, the Caring Ministry Members, works to make sure that our members are cared for when needed. In collaboration with our minister, Rev. Thom Belote, we strive to support our members in a variety of ways:
- Visits and provides listening and emotional support to members who are hospitalized or home-bound
- Available during the coffee hour to to talk with members who have expressed a concern or sorrow during Sunday services
- Assists members in finding resources and support services in times of critical need; some volunteer support, such as meals and transportation, may be available on a short term basis
- Periodically follow up with members who have lost loved ones or have a chronic illness
- Provide support for the family by organizing and staffing the receptions following memorial services by request
- Sends greeting cards for births, deaths, major illnesses, and other remarkable events
- Lends out Caring Quilts, sewn by the UU Quilters, to members experiencing personal or family health problems, or dealing with the death of a loved one, to provide comfort and symbolize the support of our community
If you want a pastoral visitor at home or while you are in the hospital, a caring quilt to comfort you, assistance with meals, rides, or other support services while in crisis, contact the Caring Ministry Coordinator.
MENTAL HEALTH MINISTRY
The Mental Health Ministry (MHM), Support is Contagious group, provides support for family members of people struggling with mental illness. This is not a group for individuals with mental illness but rather one for those who care about those individuals. The support group usually meets the third Sunday of every month at 2 PM in the Living Room of the church.
In addition, when possible, the Ministry provides information to the congregation about mental illness and resources available in the community. Mental Illness is very common, and there is help available. You are not alone Here are some resources.
IN A CRISIS
- If you are concerned for the safety of someone with a mental illness, or your own safety, call 911 and ask for a CIT officer. These are police officers with training in managing crises related to mental illness. Both Chapel Hill and Carrboro have CIT officers.
- National Suicide LifeLine 988 (website: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org)
- National Suicide TextLine 988 (website: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org)
- Orange County Alliance Behavioral Health 24 hour help line: 877-223-4617 https://www.alliancehealthplan.org
- Chatham County Vaya Health 24 hour help line 800-849-6127 (website: https://www.vayahealth.com)
- Freedom House Crisis Unit: 919-967-8844, http://freedomhouserecovery.or
- NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) NC Helpline (8:30 AM to 5:00 PM) (800) 451-9682
- National NAMI Helpline (10:00 AM to 5:00 PM) 800-950-NAMI (6264)
- Orange County Probono Network https://probonocounselingnetwork.org/seeking-care/
- NAMI Orange has many support groups, including family support groups as well as groups for people recovering from mental illness. For more information go to http://www.namiorange.org/
- Chapel Hill Police Department Crisis Unit To speak to a crisis counselor call 919-968-2806
- Faith Connections on Mental Illness https://www.fcmi-nc.org
- Finding Hope A Practical Guide for Families Affected by mental Illness Drawn from the Experience of Families Like Yours Available at the church. See Marion Hirsch to borrow a copy.
For more information contact Susan Spalt [email protected]