We extend our warmest welcome and gratitude for your partnership with the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services’ Faith-Based Initiatives as a Certified Recovery Congregation. This collaboration encompasses over 1089 congregations and faith-based organizations throughout Tennessee, all dedicated to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues and substance use disorders and providing a safe haven for individuals seeking support.

As a certified congregation, we encourage you to view this achievement not merely as a milestone, but as a responsibility to drive positive change within your congregation and the wider community. This entails offering outreach and educational opportunities for your congregation and the surrounding community, as well as fulfilling recertification requirements every two (2) years. These requirements include hosting, attending, or viewing a minimum of three (3) recommended behavioral health-focused trainings, maintaining regular contact with your Faith-Based Community Coordinator, and establishing a relationship with the Lifeline Coordinator in your region. These minimal requirements are designed to support your growth in recovery involvement and provide ongoing assistance.

We are committed to supporting you, your congregation, and the surrounding community in gaining a deeper understanding of behavioral health issues and the journey of recovery. We offer a wide range of training opportunities and have established relationships with organizations that can provide essential education on working with individuals in need. As an integral part of the faith community, you play a crucial role in the care system, not only in helping individuals embark on their recovery journey but also in providing a recovery-friendly environment where they can find purpose and belonging. Our hope is that you will identify recovery champions within your congregation to lead this effort.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to us with any questions and let us collaborate on developing a plan to move forward. We kindly ask for your patience as we finalize and deliver your certificate.

We eagerly anticipate working with you as a recovery-friendly congregation and supporting your efforts in this important endeavor.

Warm regards,

Ashlee Crouse

We extend our warmest welcome and gratitude for your partnership with the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services’ Faith-Based Initiatives as a Certified Recovery Congregation. This collaboration encompasses over 1089 congregations and faith-based organizations throughout Tennessee, all dedicated to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues and substance use disorders and providing a safe haven for individuals seeking support.

As a certified congregation, we encourage you to view this achievement not merely as a milestone, but as a responsibility to drive positive change within your congregation and the wider community. This entails offering outreach and educational opportunities for your congregation and the surrounding community, as well as fulfilling recertification requirements every two (2) years. These requirements include hosting, attending, or viewing a minimum of three (3) recommended behavioral health-focused trainings, maintaining regular contact with your Faith-Based Community Coordinator, and establishing a relationship with the Lifeline Coordinator in your region. These minimal requirements are designed to support your growth in recovery involvement and provide ongoing assistance.

We are committed to supporting you, your congregation, and the surrounding community in gaining a deeper understanding of behavioral health issues and the journey of recovery. We offer a wide range of training opportunities and have established relationships with organizations that can provide essential education on working with individuals in need. As an integral part of the faith community, you play a crucial role in the care system, not only in helping individuals embark on their recovery journey but also in providing a recovery-friendly environment where they can find purpose and belonging. Our hope is that you will identify recovery champions within your congregation to lead this effort.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to us with any questions and let us collaborate on developing a plan to move forward. We kindly ask for your patience as we finalize and deliver your certificate.

We eagerly anticipate working with you as a recovery-friendly congregation and supporting your efforts in this important endeavor.

Warm regards,

Ashlee Crouse

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