Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services

Faith and Spiritual Affairs Advisory Board is dedicated to engaging faith-based and spiritual communities about behavioral health wellness supports and services and reducing the stigma associated with behavioral health concerns.

By collaborating and advocating with faith and spiritual communities, City agencies, and stakeholders, DBHIDS will enhance ways to provide health care to Philadelphia communities.

About Faith and Spiritual Affairs (FSA)

FSA utilizes the public health approach to educate communities of faith with evidence-based trainings, workshops, and conferences with a focus on educating communities of faith on signs and symptoms of behavioral health issues along with local behavioral health resources and programs.

The success of FSA in the community is due largely to the diversity and support of the FSA advisory board, which is comprised of members from diverse religions as well as agnostics, academics, providers, and representatives of grassroots organizations who are committed to opening their doors to DBHIDS staff and stakeholders to provide supports to their communities.

2024 Faith and Spiritual Affairs Conference

The 17th annual Faith and Spiritual Affairs Conference will take place April 25.

This year’s theme is “Rising Above: Empowering Youth to Heal from Trauma and Violence.”

This conference will delve into the critical issues of youth, trauma, and violence, aiming to equip younger Philadelphians with tangible tools to overcome their challenges. We seek presenters who will empower and support our young generation.

Our goal is to provide attendees with practical, actionable insights and tools for managing and overcoming trauma, seeking help in violent situations, and promoting personal and environmental de-escalation.

If you are passionate about helping and are well-versed in any of these topics, we encourage you to submit your proposal to be a presenter at this transformative event. We look forward to your engaging, informative, and spiritually uplifting presentations.

Topics may include, but are not limited to:

• Trauma resilience: Strategies for young individuals to build resilience and cope with various forms of trauma.
• Seeking help: How to identify and reach out to support networks, professionals, and resources when experiencing violence or trauma.
• De-escalation techniques: Practical methods for de-escalating tense situations and environments, promoting peace, and avoiding violence.
• Healing through faith: Exploring the role of faith and spirituality in the healing process, and how faith and spirituality can provide comfort and guidance.
• Mindfulness and self-care: Techniques to help youth practice self-care, manage stress, and maintain emotional well-being.
• Mentorship and role models: The impact of positive role models and mentors in helping youth navigate trauma and violence.
• Community and social support: The importance of a supportive community in healing and overcoming adversity.

For more information, email DBHIDS-FSA@phila.gov.

Click to submit a conference proposal.