Beacon of Light Presents: "Thriving in Transition: How Healthy Families Navigate Life's Next Season," A Free Panel Discussion

WHEN: WEDNESDAY MAY 10th | 6:30 - 8:00 PM

WHERE: PIRO HALL, St. Andrew Methodist Church, 5801 W Plano Pkwy

Light refreshments will be served.‍

FREE: REGISTER TO ATTEND HERE*

*Registration is encouraged, but not required to attend.

During Mental Health Awareness Month, Beacon of Light invites the community to its first special event, a panel discussion, “Thriving in Transition: How Healthy Families Navigate Life’s Next Season,” on May 10, from 6:30-8 p.m., in Piro Hall, St. Andrew Methodist, 5801 W. Plano Parkway.

The event, free and open to all, will feature guest speaker, Dr. Elizabeth Zak, a licensed clinical psychologist with over 25 years’ experience working with children and adults across the lifespan, as well as a panel discussion with Hannah Wilkins (college freshman); Julee Williams (parent of 4 children, ages 19 to 25); Rev. Kim Meyers, St. Andrew; and Tyler Woodall, LPC, Beacon of Light counselor.

The discussion will focus on struggles with transition and their impact on mental health; ways to keep connection with family and friends and take care of your mental wellbeing through transition; and the role that faith can play.

“For many families, May represents a challenging time of transition – promotion from one grade to the next; transitions to new schools; and graduations from high school to college mean big changes for families,” added Reed. “Through Beacon of Light, we’ve seen the impact of these transition periods, and it is always our goal to be proactive and provide important resources so that individuals and families have the tactics and tools to manage changing and challenging times.”

Beacon of Light is also working on the development of a comprehensive mental health framework and training program for churches to become mental health informed so they may deliver effective mental health programming within their membership and communities.

“We know that churches are on the front line of the mental health crisis,” said Reed. “There are more than 380,000 churches imbedded in communities throughout the country, but most lack the knowledge, resources, and partners to address even the most basic mental health needs. What if pastoral staff and lay leaders knew how to identify and triage various mental health conditions and illnesses? How many lives could be changed or saved? Multiple churches have already reached out to us, and our vision is to provide them with programming, training, and resources in the near future.”

“It’s important for everyone to keep in mind that we have all faced circumstances that left us feeling paralyzed, alone, and free-falling,” added Reed. “In these times, Beacon of Light can provide guidance and help you navigate the complexities of mental health. Join us on May 10, learn more about how Beacon of Light might be able to help you and your family, and take home some helpful information to help you navigate life’s next season. At Beacon of Light it is our hope to further your mental and spiritual health to prevent mental health issues in the future.”

An RSVP is encouraged for the panel discussion but not required. Click here or contact Carrie Cravens at carrie@beaconoflightmh.org to RSVP.

FREE: REGISTER TO ATTEND HERE