Rabbi Bronstein Speaks at Interfaith Mental Illness Conference

In recognition of May as Mental Health Month, the Interfaith Network on Mental Illness (INMI), in collaboration with Congregation Har HaShem and other groups in Boulder, is sponsoring a four-day conference about “Spirituality and Mental Illness.” As a founding member of the Board of INMI, Rabbi Deborah Bronstein will speak during the four-day event.

The keynote speaker will be the Rev. Jana Drakka. Once homeless, abused and addicted, Jana Drakka found her calling as a Zen Buddhist monk 18 years ago. Instead of carrying on a quiet life in a monastery, she returned to the streets to reach out to others. Her community outreach to the homeless of San Francisco is based on Harm Reduction Principles. She also has a degree in Education Sociology and Psychology, and ESL certification. She conducts training and workshop for varied groups, including: HIV positive women, caregivers for patients with Alzheimer’s, mindfulness training, and grief support groups. 

The events that will be part of this conference will be unusually varied and of interest to many in the wider community. Topics by a variety of speakers include We are all Beginners: Meditation Practice; Spirituality as a Resource in Overcoming Addiction/Substance Abuse and PTSD; Skills for Clinicians and Professionals Working with Most Challenging Clients: Shelter from the Storm; How Spiritual Communities Address Mental Health Issues and Using Community Resources; Out of the Shadows: Total Acceptance; An Informal Evening with Jana: Comments and Questions on Spirituality and Mental Health; and Finding Balance in our Daily Life.”

The venues vary each day. All are free with the exception of the panel and workshops for clinicians on the morning of May 12th which costs $20. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.

The nonprofit INMI organization is committed to increasing awareness and understanding among religious leaders and members of faith communities in order to help develop more supportive environments for those with mental illness, and with their families and friends.

For more information about the conference program and venues, other programs sponsored by INMI, or to become a member, contact Alan Johnson at revalan2004@comcast.net or visit the conference website. Donations are encouraged to continue the work of INMI.