BLESS THIS BRAIN Impact: Founded in 2023
We partner with churches and organizations to share our donor funded peer mental health services. We’ve talked with people at churches, schools, conferences, and public community events. Bless This Brain has made an impact throughout Arizona.
Each individual who uses our healthcare navigation service has received unique support depending on their needs. We offer to listen non-judgmentally and pray before getting to work on contacting and referring them to a mental health professional that is ready and accessible.
“Without Bless This Brain’s cohort and healthcare navigation, it is very possible that I would have needed to check in somewhere for crisis. I sought help for 6 years between 3 healthcare providers, was treated for mild anxiety, but actually had undetected OCD. Then the severe OCD symptoms brought me to a breaking point. With the support of the cohort weekly check-ins and help finding a psychiatrist, I was able to keep my sanity and get a diagnosis. Now I have the proper medication and treatment which are clearly changing my life. Thank you!”
Anonymous
Healthcare Navigation Client and Cohort Alumni, Arizona
Mental illness can be such a lonely road, and sadly that can be even more true in many Christian communities. Bless this Brain provides the vital service of supporting those who either love someone or are themselves struggling with a mental illness. Every time I share my testimony of overcoming depression, I try to bring them along to give people practical hope and companionship.
David Drum
Founder of J17 Ministries
“Bless this Brain has profoundly impacted my life and ministry. I have grown in my understanding and ability to better shepherd our congregation through preaching and pastoral care.
Parts of my own story have become more clear as I listen to the podcast and read updates. I initially engaged as a pastor/supporter, but quickly noticed the Lord shaping my own heart. Some members of my immediate and extended family are ministered to through the podcasts and cohorts, so the impact on me personally has been profound.”
Parts of my own story have become more clear as I listen to the podcast and read updates. I initially engaged as a pastor/supporter, but quickly noticed the Lord shaping my own heart. Some members of my immediate and extended family are ministered to through the podcasts and cohorts, so the impact on me personally has been profound.”
David Goffeney
Lead Pastor, AZ
Our Faith Focused, Stigma Reducing, Mental Health Seminars
94% of our survey responders said after hearing our presentations they are “more likely to discuss the topic of mental health or share their own experiences”
97% say they “want to hear more conversations about mental health and faith”
100% said the seminar was a “good use of their time”!
“Tonight was beautiful.”
Seminar Audience Comment
Tucson, AZ
This talk really actually made me want to have the courage to speak more openly about the mental health struggles I actually have & want to love & support my wife & loved ones even stronger than I already do. Thank you for this.
Seminar Evaluation Response
Phoenix, AZ
“Love the humor & ability to be vulnerable & honest”
Seminar Audience Comment
Tucson, AZ
Thoughtful and insightful presentation. Very well prepared . You know your lane and you stayed in it. Well done and thank you.
Seminar Evaluation Response
Phoenix, AZ
“I can not thank Bless This Brain enough. Their sincere and genuine understanding of mental health and how it affects our teens was beyond valuable to our school. The resistance of getting support or help because of the stigma, which is still in our society, was lifted after their presentation. Several kids were able to come and seek help, and they did not feel as shamed which can be associated with counseling.”
Tammy Valvala
Desert Christian School Counselor, AZ
“Phenomenal discussion : impassioned, meaningful, funny, informative, personal, challenging, etc.“
Seminar Evaluation Response
Tucson, AZ
Our Recovery Cohorts: Peer Led Support and Discipleship Groups
The peer support discussion guide we use in our Recovery Cohorts was created with a whole person focus and through a biblical lens. It was reviewed and shaped by a collaboration of professionals including a lead pastor, a clinical psychologist, and an executive coach.
“The BTB Cohort has quickly become a highlight of my week. Getting the chance to sit down with a group, answer thought provoking questions around mental health, share burdens and receive prayer/encouragement has been incredibly helpful and assisted me in navigating a significant transitional period in my life. After the last few weeks, I feel confident, excited and equipped to take the steps I need for long-term growth in this area of my life. I would recommend the BTB Cohort to both individuals who are taking their first steps in their walk through mental health and those who would consider themselves veterans of these spaces.”
Ben Loy
Virtual Recovery Cohort Alumni, Arizona
“Bless this Brain’s cohort has helped me feel comfortable sharing my mental health struggles and reminded me of my identity in Christ. I feel like I can share anything and I will not be judged no matter how bad I think it seems, people are encouraging and walk alongside you during tough situations. This was a perfect reminder of God’s steadfast love for me. Before Bless this Brain cohort, I felt like I was crazy and not normal, but after meeting others going through similar things, it helped show me that I am not crazy and I’m not alone.”
Ailyn Ray
Recovery Cohort Alumni & Facilitator, Arizona
“I am someone who has always struggled to be open and vulnerable about my mental health struggle with depression. I have spent many lonely years pretending to be okay on the outside while keeping the pain on the inside, not knowing or trusting who would understand or care. Somehow, God led me to the Bless This Brain cohort and nudged me to sign up. From the very beginning, I felt my walls come down as I saw the vulnerability of the leaders, Jared and Trish, and the support and encouragement extended by everyone in the group. It has become something I look forward to every week where I know I am among others who “get” me and I leave feeling lighter every time.”
Virtual Recovery Cohort Alumni
Wisconsin
“It’s been life changing. My family sees the change and I can sense it as well. The weekly checkins of the cohort were critical in my ongoing recovery especially in the weeks of crisis during the first few weeks of realizing my mental health diagnosis and it’s effect on those I care about.”
Recovery Cohort Alumni
Arizona
“Bless This Brain impacted me by bringing me a healthy and loving community from my church, it felt wonderful to have people understand how I feel mentally and be there with me when I’m struggling. Not only did I learn more about mental health and what I can do to help myself but it also helped me make lasting friendships!”
Recovery Cohort Alumni, Arizona
Coaching, Training and Podcasting
Our goal is to train and certify individuals throughout the community across a variety of roles.
We’ve already brought mental health and substance abuse education to pastors and their staff, medical professionals, security teams, teachers, veterans, border patrol agents, parents, and grandparents.
Across the nation our mission of reducing mental health stigma is being realized.
More than any other command in Scripture, believers are told, “Do not be afraid.” Often, however, we experience a daily battle with fear. Mental illness can expose our tendency to fear. We’re not sure how to help, how to listen, how to serve. Is it even safe to engage? The Mental Health First Aid course equips participants with the best practices for supporting those suffering from mental illness. There are so many things to learn – but the single most significant lesson is that one caring, non-judgmental person, who knows how to listen, can be the difference between hope and despair. In the words of Christ, “Truly, I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40
Victoria MacDonald
Arizona
I attended a mental health first aid class and found it to be very practical. I have used information from that class in multiple situations. The information can be useful in public situations, in the workplace or even at home. I recommend this class for anyone. I am excited to hear Jared is teaching this class. He’s a good teacher, fun and interesting.
Peggy Candler
Arizona
