Caring Ministry
Caring Ministry Coordinator: Please contact Ivy Brezina, ivy.brezina@yahoo.com, 415-663-8703
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
The Caring Ministry is working to reduce stigma by providing information about mental illness and support when possible to those church members affected by mental illness. We have church members who have experience in dealing with mental illness in their own families and can provide:
For more information about resources and support: please contact Susan Spalt at swspalt@att.net
Additional resources:
NAMI Orange Family Support Groups, open to any family member of a person with mental illness on a drop-in basis:
Any information that is shared with the Caring Ministry outside of Joys and Sorrows is kept confidential and is only shared with the minister and pastoral visitors unless permission is given.
Getting Involved
The Caring Ministry relies on volunteers to help with meals, transportation, and memorial receptions. If you would like to help, please contact the Caring Ministry Coordinator.
Caring Resources and Links
Caregiver Support Group sponsored by Charles House and UNC Division of Geriatric Medicine, meets the fourth Wednesday of the month, from 12:30 - 1:30 pm at the Wellness Center at Meadowmont, 100 Sprunt St., Chapel Hill. For more information call: (919)966-5500.
Orange County Community Resource Guide for Seniors and their families:
http://www.orangecountync.gov/departments/aging/index.php
go to right blue column, scroll down and click on "2015 Community Resource Guide"
Directory of Mental Health Services for the Orange, Person and Chatham Counties:
http://mhatriangle.org/files/7914/2862/4167/Directory_of_MH_Services_OPC_April_2015-Final.pdf
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
The Caring Ministry is working to reduce stigma by providing information about mental illness and support when possible to those church members affected by mental illness. We have church members who have experience in dealing with mental illness in their own families and can provide:
- information on local mental health resources
- confidential emotional support
- transportation and meals during times of crisis
For more information about resources and support: please contact Susan Spalt at swspalt@att.net
Additional resources:
- NAMI Orange Helpline: 919-929-7822
- Alliance Behavioral Health: 800-510-9132, 24 hour help line in which a licensed clinician will help you find a crisis evaluation or facility‐based crisis center
- Freedom House Crisis Unit: 919-967-8844, http://freedomhouserecovery.org
- Cardinal Innovations Crisis Line 800-939-5911
- Orange County Probono Network 919.942.8083
- National Suicide Life Line 800) 273-8255 (website: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org)
- National Suicide Text Line Home to 741741 (website http://www.crisistextline.org/get-help-now/)
NAMI Orange Family Support Groups, open to any family member of a person with mental illness on a drop-in basis:
- 1st Wednesday of the month, 12-1:30 pm, Christ United Methodist Church, 800 Market St, Southern Village, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
- 2nd Tuesday of the Month, 7-8:30 pm, Seymour Center, 2551 Homestead Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
- More information about these support groups and NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), local Orange County chapter is available at http://www.namiorange.org/
Any information that is shared with the Caring Ministry outside of Joys and Sorrows is kept confidential and is only shared with the minister and pastoral visitors unless permission is given.
Getting Involved
The Caring Ministry relies on volunteers to help with meals, transportation, and memorial receptions. If you would like to help, please contact the Caring Ministry Coordinator.
Caring Resources and Links
Caregiver Support Group sponsored by Charles House and UNC Division of Geriatric Medicine, meets the fourth Wednesday of the month, from 12:30 - 1:30 pm at the Wellness Center at Meadowmont, 100 Sprunt St., Chapel Hill. For more information call: (919)966-5500.
Orange County Community Resource Guide for Seniors and their families:
http://www.orangecountync.gov/departments/aging/index.php
go to right blue column, scroll down and click on "2015 Community Resource Guide"
Directory of Mental Health Services for the Orange, Person and Chatham Counties:
http://mhatriangle.org/files/7914/2862/4167/Directory_of_MH_Services_OPC_April_2015-Final.pdf