Episode 72: Reflections from the African American Faith-Based Initiative Grantees

Why would a secular foundation enter into a partnership with faith organizations? In the words of one our guests, Dr. Brenda Richardson Rowe, "Mental health is truly everybody's business, and when you look at the history specifically of the African-American culture, you see that the foundation of all of our information comes from our pastors and our faith leaders." In 2014, the Hogg Foundation launched a groundbreaking new initiative; the African-American Faith-Based Education and Awareness Initiative (AAFBEAI). The foundation awarded grants to 11 faith-based organizations to start or strengthen dialogues about mental health—both within their respective places of worship and in surrounding communities. The AAFBEAI has recently come to a close. Those who have taken part are proud of what they've achieved. Joining us for a look back are Dr. Brenda Richardson Rowe, a licensed professional counselor at Harmony Counseling Center in Dallas, and Dr. Dennis Young, pastor at Missouri City Baptist Church in Missouri City, TX. Related content: Grantee story: Inclusion in Faith Circles through Mental Health Education http://hogg.utexas.edu/for-grantees-grantseekers/gods-way-faith-and-mental-health Episode 61: Hope for Healing: Community Resilience in the Face of Trauma http://hogg.utexas.edu/podcast-hope-for-healing Episode 50: Hurricane Harvey, Faith and Resilience http://hogg.utexas.edu/podcast-hurricane-harvey-faith-resilience Blog post: $350,000 to Support Faith-Based Community Response to Harvey http://hogg.utexas.edu/churches-hurricane-harvey Episode 14: You Can't Just "Pray it Away" https://soundcloud.com/hoggfoundation/into-the-fold-episode-14-you-cant-just-pray-it-away-an-african-american-minister-on-mental-health