Church wins award for mental health awareness

July 05--DANVILLE -- Families dealing with mental illness can feel lost and overwhelmed.

Although there are resources in the community, people also can find pamphlets and other material to help them at the First Presbyterian Church, 100 N. Franklin St.

In recognition of that service, the Presbyterian Health, Education and Welfare Association presented a national award to the church at the 2014 General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in June. The Florence Iversen Kraft Award celebrates outstanding leadership in ministry with individuals and families affected by serious mental illness.

The association recognized four ministries of social justice during the conference in Detroit. Danville's award was given by the Presbyterian Serious Mental Illness Network, and was accepted by former co-pastor Katie Hopper.

"This is quite a nice award," said Janet Martin, a 50-year church member and deacon who submitted the nomination. "This is a church that doesn't turn people away."

Pastor Jimmy Hopper, whose name is on the plaque, is pleased with the award. However, his first reaction was: "There are other names that should be on it, in addition to mine." Martin and other people deserve the recognition, he said.

May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month each year, Martin said, and First Presbyterian offers various outreaches, special music and bulletin inserts. The goal is to offer education, support and bring awareness to the stigma which can be associated with being diagnosed with a mental illness or loving a friend/family member with a serious mental illness, she said.

"This church has done an outstanding job and I am proud to be a member," she said.

Martin, a former board member with Crosspoint Human Services, is passionate about the issue of mental health.

"People who suffer like this tug at my heart strings," she said. "I'm so proud of my church and pastors for understanding my passion."

She approached the Hoppers several years ago about doing something to help families dealing with mental issues, and they were eager to help.

The result was formation of Comfort My People committee, which meets six or seven times a year. Every May for the past five years, the committee has focused on bringing awareness of mental illness to the community.

The church has a shelf of resources and books, she said, which were displayed during May. However, people may contact the church at any time to get access to those resources.

People dealing with mental illness in their families can find spiritual help through the church, she said, adding, "They can know that God is not mad at us if we are depressed. There are people who embrace you in times of distress."

She said, "Our mission is to show that the church is a safe place."

Hopper agreed, saying of those affected by mental illness: "They're not alone -- God stands with them and beside them."

It's important to remove the stigma of mental illness, Hopper said, noting that 80 percent or more of mental illness is treatable. People take pills for heart disease or diabetes, and we don't think anything of that, he said.

Hopper has shared his own struggles with depression, which is a side effect of thyroid disease. He had thyroid surgery 13 years ago, and still takes an anti-depressant.

"I've been a cheerleader for this," he said, referring to the church committee's efforts to educate others.

In the future, the committee plans to emphasize particular kinds of mental illness, he added.

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