UMCL Second Mile Giving Supports Mental Health Initiatives

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental illness impacts many people in our community and church families. In fact, more than 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year,* and in a recent survey, our congregation ranked mental health challenges as one of the top community concerns.  As a congregation deeply committed to faith in action, we are called to support the well-being of those around us.

UMCL’s Second Mile Giving program invites our church community to donate above and beyond their standard tithes to support mission-focused organizations locally and worldwide. UMCL Second Mile Giving donations from our congregation have supported and continue to support organizations that are focused on promoting mental wellness, education, and advocacy nationwide. Here are some of the organizations UMCL supports through this important program:

• NAMI of Lake County (National Alliance on Mental Illness) - NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization and is dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness through education, programs, and support.
• Reintegration of Women with Mental Illness – This global Methodist-sponsored organization supports women experiencing psychosocial issues related to gender-based violence by helping them leave vulnerable situations and supplying them with a safe environment for recovery. Thereafter, the women are reintegrated back into their communities with the skills and mindset to live healthy and productive lives.

The UMCL Missions Committee extends its sincere appreciation to all those at UMCL who contribute to Second Mile Giving. THANK YOU!!