The Cultural Faith-Based Empowerment (CFBE) Program bridges the gap between mental health and faith communities, equipping clergy, faith leaders, and congregations with the training and resources needed to support emotional and spiritual well-being.
Interested in learning more about the Cultural Faith-Based Empowerment Program?
Contact Us: MHContactus@envisionunlimited.org or email arussell@envisionunlimited.org
Phone: (773)-580-2394
Main Office: 18501 Maple Creek Dr., Suite 500, Tinley Park, IL 60477
Office Hours: Mon-Fri – 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
What We Offer
- Soul & Psyche Program: Interactive workshops and discussions that explore the intersection of faith, trauma, and mental health.
- Story Vault Initiative: Creating safe spaces for storytelling and communal healing.
- Training for Clergy & Faith Leaders: Equipping faith leaders with knowledge on trauma, mental health, and pastoral support.
- Community Outreach & Engagement: Strengthening faith-based institutions through partnerships, consultations, and wellness initiatives.
How Clergy & Faith Leaders Can Get Involved
- Attend a Training: Gain tools to better support mental health in your faith community.
- Partner: Explore collaborations to bring mental health and faith-based empowerment to your congregation.
- Host a Community Conversation: Invite us to facilitate discussions on faith, mental health, and healing.
FAQ's
How does CFBE support faith communities?
CFBE equips clergy and faith leaders with culturally responsive mental health knowledge, tools, and strategies that integrate seamlessly into pastoral care and ministry. We provide training, consultations, and community-building initiatives to enhance emotional and spiritual wellness within congregations.
Is CFBE aligned with specific religious traditions?
CFBE is faith-inclusive and culturally responsive, meaning we work with leaders from diverse religious backgrounds while respecting theological differences. Our goal is to support and strengthen the mental and emotional well-being of faith communities, regardless of tradition.
How does CFBE differ from traditional mental health services?
While we provide mental health education and resources, CFBE does not replace clinical counseling. Instead, we equip faith leaders with pastoral and community-based tools to address mental health within their spiritual context.
What kind of training do you offer for clergy?
We offer workshops, small group trainings, and consultations on topics such as:
- Mental health & faith integration
- Supporting individuals experiencing trauma & grief
- Suicide awareness & crisis intervention
- Storytelling & communal healing
The Team
Angela Russell, Program Director, is a mental health professional and restorative justice practitioner with more than 25 years of experience in social services. A graduate of Chicago State University with a degree in psychology, Angela is a certified Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor and Youth Mental Health First Aider through the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.
Her experience spans outpatient mental health, school-based advocacy, faith-centered counseling, and community-based restorative justice. As a Restorative Justice Practitioner, Angela has facilitated healing circles, trained staff and students, and supported community-driven justice initiatives. She has also served on the Citywide Restorative Justice Committee, contributing to summits, trainings, and reconciliation efforts.
Angela is passionate about mental wellness, behavioral health, and community healing. She is committed to creating safe spaces where individuals, families, faith leaders, and communities can engage in courageous conversations, build connection, and access practical tools for healing and transformation.
