Upcoming Rural Mental Health Education Sessions for Faith Leaders

We are inviting pastors and church leaders of all denominations to participate in free Strong Minds, Strong Farms educational sessions focused on supporting the mental health of farmers and rural families.

Sessions will be held in Fort Dodge, Carroll and Spencer, with a virtual attendance option available for each. Church leaders throughout Siouxland and Catholic Charities’ 24-county Northwest Iowa service area are encouraged to attend.

Farmers and rural families face unique challenges, including unpredictable weather, financial pressures, long workdays and family responsibilities. These stressors can take a toll on mental health, yet seeking professional support can be difficult. Pastors and faith leaders are often trusted members of rural communities who may be among the first people someone turns to during a difficult time.

“Faith leaders aren't expected to be mental health professionals, but they can play an important role in recognizing when someone may be struggling, and then be able to listen and help connect that person with support,” said Amy Bloch, LISW, Executive Director of Catholic Charities. “We want to give these trusted community leaders practical information and resources they can feel confident using when someone comes to them for help.”

Led by Catholic Charities mental health professionals, each session will cover rural stress and mental health, warning signs that someone may be struggling, how to start a caring conversation, and when and how to connect someone with professional support. Participants will also receive mental health and crisis resources to share with their congregations and communities.

Upcoming Sessions

Church leaders may attend any of the following sessions in person or virtually via Zoom.

Fort Dodge

Tuesday, November 3, at 11:30 a.m.

Holy Trinity Parish, Church Conference Room 2501 6th Ave. N., Fort Dodge

Carroll

Tuesday, November 3, at 6 p.m.

Holy Spirit Church, Greteman Center421 E. Bluff St., Carroll

Spencer

Thursday, November 12, at 4 p.m.

Sacred Heart Parish Hall1111 4th Ave. W., Spencer

Register today: Visit cathchar.com/strong-farms-church-leader-event to register. For questions or registration assistance, call 712.252.4547 or email info@cathchar.com.

Connecting Rural Families with Mental Health Support

The educational sessions are part of Catholic Charities’ broader Strong Minds, Strong Farms initiative, which works to increase access to mental health and outpatient substance use disorder services, provide practical education for farmers and farm families, and strengthen connections with trusted rural community partners.

The initiative is made possible in part through a Working Here Grant awarded by Farm Credit Services of America. Catholic Charities is also partnering with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach – Woodbury County to strengthen rural mental health education, awareness and connections to available resources.

To help farmers and farm families access care during the busy harvest season, Catholic Charities has expanded telehealth appointment hours through November, including early morning, evening and limited weekend availability. Mental health counseling and outpatient substance use disorder services are available.

Farmers and their family members interested in services can call 712.252.4547 or email info@cathchar.com. When contacting Catholic Charities, they are encouraged to mention that they are part of a farm family to learn about extended-hour appointment availability.

Catholic Charities serves people of all faiths and backgrounds. A sliding-fee scale is available, and no one is turned away because of an inability to pay.