A Conversation for Those Standing at the
Intersection of Faith and Mental Health |
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The Intersection of Faith and Fostering |
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At Intersect we work at the intersection of faith and mental health. When working at this intersection, we often find ourselves at the intersection of faith and several other areas, such as homelessness, substance use, and intellectual disabilities. One of these intersections that we’d like to highlight this month is the intersection of faith and foster care.
Our dream at Intersect is that all people will have access to care and community. This is why we’re so motivated to help congregants from faith communities get connected to quality mental health care. But for so many children, their first need isn’t for mental health professionals, but for the care of a family willing to open their home. It’s here that Intersect partners with Access Foster Care & Adoption to make the needs of children without a home known to those in faith communities. When people of faith find out about the needs of these children, stories like Kacy’s become possible.
“Being able to welcome our children into our home and love them as if they were our biological children, has been such a blessing to us. It has challenged us, refined us, and has deepened our understanding of both love and spiritual adoption (how the Lord adopts us into His family and kingdom). Seeing our kids grow, thrive and receive love despite what they've experienced is seeing redemption happening in real time!” ~ Kacy, foster-to-adopt parent through Access Foster Care & Adoption
Read Kacy’s story and others at accessfostercare.org/stories
What part could you play in the life of a child who needs a safe, steady place to grow? |
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Become a foster parent. Many children are waiting for homes where they can feel secure and cared for. If you’re open to fostering now or in the future, please fill out the inquiry form at accessfostercare.org/foster/#connect.
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Be a connector. Share the need with people in your circle. Invite us to speak with your faith community, small group, Sunday School class, or any gathering you’re part of. Email Juli at AFCAProvide@accessfostercare.org to schedule.
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Be a support. Ask a foster family near you how you can help perhaps by preparing a meal, offering childcare, or simply listening. You can also connect with organizations that support foster families, such as Keystone Family Alliance or Fostering Hope.
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Dave Eckert, MDiv., Senior Director of Intersect |
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| The Multi-Faith Coalition, in partnership with the One America Movement, brings a facilitated group discussion on immigration and gun rights. These topics will be discussed in a safe space to ask questions and encourage open dialogue. Date: Tuesday, March 24, 2026
Time: 10AM - 1PM
Cost: Free!
Location: Healthspark Community Event Venue
2506 N. Broad Street, Colmar, PA 18915 |
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| Matthew 5:9 Fellowship Event |
The Matthew 5:9 Fellowship is a network of Christian leaders shepherding their communities to live out the gospel and to place their identity in Christ above partisanship and societal divisions. In this time you will expect to be equipped with resources, relationships with other faith leaders and a sense of renewal that this time of peacemaking may be an overflow of the gospel of peace. Date: Tuesday, March 24, 2026
Time: 1:30PM - 2:30PM
Cost: Free!
Location: Healthspark Community Event Venue
2506 N. Broad Street, Colmar, PA 18915 |
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As homelessness rises and service coordination gaps persist, faith leaders and community connectors are eager to act but need tools to do so effectively. Through its Housing & Homeless Services and Intersect divisions, Access Services leaders host a conversation with community and faith leaders to help amplify efforts and drive systems-level change for the unhoused. By empowering faith communities as catalysts for change, we hope to strengthen local capacity for coordinated, community-driven action!
Date: Friday, March 20, 2026
Time: 9AM - 12PM
Cost: Free!
Location: Community Partners Center for Health and Human Services, Terrence Walton Room
2506 N. Broad Street, Colmar, PA 18915 |
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| Journey to Freedom and Safety |
We recognize the difficulty that faith leaders may have in addressing domestic abuse among their communities. Through panel discussions, break-out sessions, and interactive activities, faith leaders will gain an understanding of domestic abuse and will learn how they can make a difference. Date: Friday, April 17 from 9AM - 2PM
*Continental breakfast and lunch provided.
Cost: $10
Location: Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church
1000 W Main St., Lansdale, PA 19446 |
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Faith Responds: Building Resilient Communities
A Multi-Faith Coalition and Red Cross Event |
This event will aim to increase community resilience by equipping participants with practical tools, knowledge, and strategies to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disaster. Faith communities and the general public will build meaningful connections as they are empowered to share responsibility for overall community wellness. Real examples of cooperation will be highlighted and celebrated. This event provides the opportunity to collaborate, innovate, and solve problems that prepare for a better tomorrow.
Date: Wednesday, April 22 from 9AM - 1PM
*Continental breakfast and lunch provided.
Cost: Free!
Location: Church of the Redeemer 230 Pennswood Road, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 |
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Intersect Care Portal - EXTERMINATOR HELP REQUESTED |
A family served by Access Services, Inc. is in need of extermination services for pests in their home. The infestation is causing serious disruption in their lives, and they are not in a financial position to pay the entire bill. If you are aware of a resource for low-cost services or financial assistance, please reach out to me at intersectneeds@accessservices.org. If you are willing to donate toward the cost of the extermination, please select the "Care Portal" designation and write 'Pest Control services" in the Notes section. We have currently raised $300 toward our $1,000 goal. Thank you for your consideration!
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The Care Ministry Podcast
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E212. Better Together: From Church Programs to Community Partnership Dave Eckert and Mark to explore how churches and communities can work better together to care for people on the margins. They share why community itself is often the missing piece in care and how churches can move beyond good intentions toward meaningful, collaborative impact. |
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Intersect Missional Partnership |
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Every day, we encounter people who struggle silently with anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mental health challenges. Many of these people are participating in congregations while carrying burdens they do not or cannot name. Intersect exists to provide them with spiritual support, connection to resources and greater integration into a local church.
Intersect is sustained through the generosity and partnership of churches who recognize that caring for those with mental health conditions is a vital part of the Church’s calling. Your support directly enables us to serve those who might otherwise go without care, and we would be honored to explore how your church might collaborate with us.
Contact Dave Eckert 215-816-9608 deckert@accessservices.org to discuss partnership opportunities or make an immediate donation below. |
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| Intersect is brought to you by: |
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