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History of
the Praise Project |
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 The
Services for the Faith Community division of the Center for the Integration of
Spirituality and Mental Health, Inc. represents the expansion of activities
formerly associated with the PRAISE Project. The PRAISE Project
was founded by the Mental Health Association of Maryland in 1999. Under the
direction of Ms. Diane Cabot and Ms. Balinda Hairston, PRAISE had far
reaching impact and established a consortium of several churches committed to
the mental health of their communities.
In order to expand its
reach and scope of services the PRAISE Project was transferred to the
Institute for Mental Health Ministry, Inc. in March of 2004. |
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Philosophy |
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The tremendous burden of
untreated mental illness on communities across the country is well documented.
Factors contributing to this problem include stigma, lack of awareness of
symptoms and treatment resources, economic and cultural barriers to receiving
care.
We believe the faith
community has an important role to play in addressing this problem. It has
unique assets including historical significance, cultural relevance, access to
thousands of individuals on a weekly basis and a longstanding commitment to
individuals in greatest need. These assets, combined with the resources of the
mental health system, will prove useful in raising awareness about mental
illness, counteracting stigma, identifying individuals in need and connecting
them to appropriate services.
“Comfort, comfort my
people, says your God.”
Isaiah 40:1 (NIV) |
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Services
for the Faith Based Community |
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CISMH services to the faith community are tailored to meet the needs of the
individual congregation or religious organization and are designed to:
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Increase awareness of
mental health issues
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Reduce stigma associated
with mental illness
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Clarify the connection
between spiritual, mental, and physical health
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Assist religious leaders
and organizations with the assessment of mental health needs and the
development of mental health ministries
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Foster the spiritual
growth of individuals with mental illness who may be alienated from
traditional religious services
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Provide support and
training for clergy regarding self care, effective stress management, and
the recognition and management of mental illness in their congregations
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Assess the psychological
status of candidates for ordained ministry
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Faith
Based Community Services Supporters |
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The Second Episcopal
District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church
The Johns Hopkins Diversity
Outreach/Research Program
The Alzheimer’s Association
of Maryland |
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Partial
Client List |
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The Mental Health
Association of Maryland
Baltimore Mental Health
Systems, Inc.
The Foundation for
Spirituality and Medicine |
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For additional information contact:
Michael
Torres, MD
309 North Charles Street
2nd and 4th
Floors
Baltimore, Maryland
21201-4303
Phone: 410-752-7940
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