About FCMI - ​Connecting across faiths in mental health ministry

Mission
The mission of FCMI is to connect across faiths in mental health ministry.
Impetus
MENTAL ILLNESS is everywhere . . .

. . . Headlines stream in local media

. . . Heartaches scream from our homes

. . . Our prisons, streets, and homeless
       shelters overflow
1 in 4 adults will experience a mental health disorder in any given year. In other words, almost every single person in any given congregation is touched by the sadness, stigma, lack of emotional and financial support, and barriers to resources engendered by MENTAL ILLNESS.

Faith Connections on Mental Illness refuses to bow to the hopelessness and believes that ignorance is the biggest barrier of all. We invite you to join us in our efforts to increase understanding of mental illness through Education, Advocacy, and Support.

 
History

Faith Connections on Mental Illness was formed in January 2008 by a small group of people from various local faith communities. Most attendees were also members of NAMI and had past knowledge and dealings with mental illness in their families. FCMI united to facilitate their faith communities' ministries to people living with mental illness.  

By 2010, modest yearly panel discussions had  evolved into a highly respected annual event attended by over 200 clergy, lay leaders, mental health professionals,  and individuals.
 
Monthly meetings with expert guest speakers attract attendees from across the Triangle drawn to the concept that faith communities can offer comfort, help, and hope to those in crisis.  Information is also shared about upcoming  mental health-related events, especially in affiliated organizations and faith communities. Meetings are open to all.    
 
Faith Connections on Mental Illness, Inc. received its 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization designation in 2014.
 
FCMI continues to encourage and support activities in local congregations to carry out the mandate that began at its inception.
 


 
Faith Connections on Mental Illness supports faith communities by…
 
Supporting and equipping faith community leaders as they seek to welcome and care for those who are living with mental illness.
 
Offering educational, advocacy and support resources to individuals who are living with mental illness.
 
Providing opportunities to connect with others who are either living with mental illness or wanting to care for those who are living with mental illness.
 
Providing forums whereby mental health professionals, mental health consumers and people of faith can discuss issues related to faith and mental health.
 
Please help us to connect these various groups who are too often fragmented by the many difficult issues related to living with mental illness.