4 minute read
A Better Way: Advocating Friendship, Acceptance and Belonging for Those Living with Mental Illness
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that one in five Americans has a mental illness. For those suffering from a serious mental illness (SMI), support is vital to their recovery. Here at All Saints, we are blessed with “A Better Way,” a non-denominational group currently managed by Evelyn and Ron Thompson that is devoted to supporting adults 18 and older with SMIs.
A Better Way was founded in June 2012, when Evelyn and her daughter, Justine Thompson, determined there was a great need for a positive support network for mental health. Through All Saints Church and the guidance of the Ministry for Persons with Disabilities, Special Needs and Caregivers, they started hosting their meetings here, in a wonderful, supportive, and safe space. Now, almost 10 years later, A Better Way is still going strong — offering resources, friendship, and many other opportunities for support.
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“We are here for those in recovery with an SMI,” Evelyn states. “This is a vital ministry. Recovery never ends for folks with a mental illness. All people need mental health support now more than ever. COVID and post-COVID conditions have really challenged the mental health community.”
Monthly meetings are held on the second Saturday of every month from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. There is also a December holiday gift exchange. Those who have an SMI, and their loved ones or caregivers are all welcome. Folks from all walks of life have found acceptance and belonging here.
Some of our guest presenters at meetings included the Dallas Police Department’s RIGHT (Rapid Integrated Group Healthcare Team) Care Team, PLAN - People LivingActive Now, The Prelude Clubhouse, DARS which is now partnered with the Texas Workforce Commission, DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) Paratransit System, and Natural Grocers.
Recently, the group began hosting roundtable discussions during their meetings, where various topics are discussed including stress, friendship and how to be a friend, recovery techniques, the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP), and the value of keeping a schedule.
During the height of the pandemic, the group met through Zoom. But Evelyn was concerned for the mental health of those who have been isolated for so long. A Better Way began meeting in person again in March 2021, as there was a demand to stay connected and meet face to face.
“The lack of socialization is really a negative for those who struggle with mental illness,” Evelyn says.
Evelyn is very grateful for all the support from the Resource Management Team at All Saints, especially Sheila Dolmas, who has ensured “we have a safe and welcoming place” to host our meetings. Evelyn believes when we meet here, those attending feel the presence of goodness around them. It’s a nurturing and comforting supportive environment. We have members of All Saints and non-members attending. The Catholic church has always shown pastoral care to those marginalized, at a disadvantage or vulnerable.
Evelyn appreciates all the support from All Saints. It’s nice to have a safe and supportive place to hold meetings.
“All Saints is a home for members, even though many aren’t members of the parish,” Evelyn says. “I think when we meet here, they feel the presence of goodness around them. It’s a nurturing and supportive environment.”
We should all look for ways to support those around us who struggle with mental illness. “It is important to try to reach out and be a network of support for family and friends battling mental illness,” Evelyn says. “Not everyone is in recovery. It’s a challenge and ongoing battle, but don’t give up hope.”
