Faith-Based Initiatives

Faith is rooted in the traditions, beliefs and values of most cultures. It shapes world views and provides an important way for people in the community to come together and receive information. When experiencing mental illness, people often return to their faith-based roots for support to understand their illness. Faith-based initiatives offer great opportunities for organizations to partner with institutions of faith to share information with parishioners on recovery and resiliency for overall wellness.

One of the faith-based initiatives that the Ohio Department of Mental Health (ODMH) supports is Tova’s N.E.S.T. (Nutrition, Education, Sleep, Therapy) Inc.

The vision of Tova’s N.E.S.T. is to raise the awareness of the African American faith-based community, populations at risk and other systems regarding mental health issues, substance abuse disorders and suicide prevention. It also works to eliminate stigma while promoting recovery and resiliency.

Tova’s N.E.S.T. goals and objectives include:

• Identifying the role the faith-based community must play in combating mental health issues, substance abuse disorders and stigma
• Identifying local resources available to provide support and intervention
• Educating and raising awareness regarding the spiritual and cultural dynamics of mental health issues and substance abuse disorders
• Identifying and understanding the impact of stigma in treating mental health issues and substance abuse disorders
• Understanding the importance of the African American family in diagnosing and treating mental health issues and substance abuse disorders