Peer Chat Support

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Our Mission: is to provide products and services to those experiencing emotional distress within the communities we serve.

​Our Vision: is to build faith within our communities by fostering a sense of connectedness through inspirational products, support services, and education. Meeting our goals will ensure spiritual, behavioral, and mental wellness in underserved markets.

Our Services: Chat support and referral services for those experiencing a crisis.

Overview

The Purpose of the online chat support program is to provide emotional support services to an underserved market within the communities we serve. The program expands current offerings in an effort to further advance our mission to provide products and services to those experiencing emotional distress.

Description

My Shared Faith chat support is an anonymous, confidential and non-judgmental,

Non-Crisis support offers immediate help for people in emotional distress. The service is staffed by volunteers, trained to be a listening ear and support individuals in a non-judgmental manner.

Chat workers talk to visitors about their concerns, help them sort through their feelings, explore coping strategies, and make appropriate referrals for additional assistance as needed. Chat workers are free to use life experiences to offer comfort as a peer if the experience will positively impact coping strategies. Chat workers are also encouraged to incorporate Christian faith-based statements where appropriate. Service is available 7am - 7pm CST Monday - Saturday during the pilot phase.

Chat workers receive in-depth training based on active listening skills as a peer supporter and the GROWTH model with role play prior to accepting chat.

Behavioral health is an early indicator for mental health and wellness issues therefore Godzway, Inc. is working to advance mental health and well-being by offering products and services that promote prevention, early intervention, and effective treatment of mental health-related issues. Our goal is to address social, emotional, and mental health challenges through a network of local affiliates.

What Are the Benefits of Early Detection?

Early detection and intervention can help to build up the social and emotional skills which are so essential for life, support future good mental health, and discourage risky behavior such as substance abuse. To assist us in Identifying early indicators of mental health we have developed a program called the My Shared Faith Cares Program that offers products and collaboration opportunities to other non-profits and affiliates who have access to large groups of people who could benefit from our services.

Research:

Covid 19: As many of us navigate the new normal during the COVID-19 pandemic, it can be challenging to understand what role our faith and spirituality play. Many have found their faith and spiritually tested without direction. We have also been closely monitoring the estimated impact of COVID-19 on behavioral health-related morbidity and mortality.

Volunteers Needed:

We need volunteers to help us communicate our services to potential nonprofit partners, facilitate group support services with clients and respond to inquiries from individuals interested in taking part in the program.

The volunteer will work under the direction of the Executive Director participating in areas that match their professional skills.

Professional Qualifications:

• A student or professional of mental health, and/or someone with "lived," personal experience.
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written), particularly in listening and the ability to convey a respectful, empathetic tone, over the phone, email, or SMS/chat communication.
• Analytical ability with problem-solving skills and resourcefulness for assessing a help seeker's needs and finding correct resources in a timely manner.
• Basic knowledge of mental illnesses, treatments, recovery, and mental health care systems with an interest in learning more.
• Ability to conduct basic internet research quickly while simultaneously managing a phone conversation or SMS/Chat session.
• Verbal bilingual English/Spanish ability is strongly welcomed.

Personal Qualities:

• Demonstrated reliability, professionalism, and punctuality.
• Respect and compassion for people affected by mental or behavioral health conditions with a desire to help
• Ability to manage emotionally stressful situations with a positive spirit and open-mindedness.
• Passion and availability to learn about mental health conditions, resources, and behavioral health systems.
• Willingness to take initiative to seek help when needed, and ability to accept and implement constructive feedback.
• Maturity and patience to communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences while demonstrating empathy to facilitate respectful dialogue with callers experiencing emotional distress.

Godzway, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 27-1621523. Donations are tax-deductible.