Book a workshop at our website: thejobproject.co

Our Why

In the face of ongoing challenges, it remains evident that the church has historically not been at the leading edge of mental health advocacy. The stories we hear, of individuals approaching their faith leaders in search of solace for their grief, mental, and emotional distress – distress that has escalated from mild to severe clinical levels – are a testament to this. All too often, we encounter pastors, elders, and other church guides who, despite their best intentions, advise us to place our trust in prayer and witness the wonders of God’s work. This approach, however, may overlook the critical need for knowledge, as underscored in Hosea 4:6..

In 2018, we, Chris and Valerie, embarked on an in-depth exploration of the Book of Job. Before completing our study, we were moved by Job’s trials and inspired to contribute to a meaningful solution. Hence, The Job Project was conceived.

The Job Project focuses on the intersectionality between mental health and the gospel. We seek to debunk myths and prevent the under AND over spiritualization of mental heath.

The Job Project serves to bridge mental health awareness with the transformative power of the Gospel. We’re dedicated to dismantling misconceptions and ensuring mental health isn’t mischaracterized in spiritual discourse. Our primary efforts are to offer faith-grounded, mental health education and resources to the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) community in the NYC metro area and, with hope, beyond. 

Here’s What We’re Aiming for and the Benefits for You!

We’ve set a fundraising target of $150,000 for the following purposes:

• Enhancing Outreach
  • Design/Marketing : We are dedicated to raising the profile of The Job Project and our Mental Health and the Gospel Series through a dedicated website and social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, necessitating funds for design and marketing tools. 
  • Website: Our aim is to establish an online portal where individuals can sign up for our in-person mental health education sessions or easily access our podcast, instagram, TikTok, and other resources.
  • Social Media Strategist: We plan to engage a social media strategist with expertise in marketing to amplify our message and foster partnerships that will make robust, faith-infused mental health support more widely accessible.
• Broadcasting Our Message
  • Podcast and Workshop Production: Our aspiration is to transition our audio podcast to YouTube, broadening our reach and providing a multi-platform presence.
    • Equipment: State-of-the-art audio and video equipment is essential to deliver a high-quality production to our audience.
  • Mental Health and the Gospel Series: We currently offer in-person workshops and aim to extend these services to churches and organizations across the tri-state area and beyond.
  • Virtual Services: Developing an online platform for our Mental Health and the Gospel Series will ensure accessibility for those unable to attend in person.
  • Audio/Video Editor: We are seeking to partner with a specialist in podcast production to refine our audio and video content.

  The Living Room Series

  • Worship Experiences: We plan to host quarterly worship gatherings that encourage genuine, heartfelt worship, prayer, and community support for those facing mental health challenges.
  • Venue Rental: We require welcoming spaces for these gatherings.
  • Talented Contributors: We aim to collaborate with worship leaders and musicians who share our vision of healing through authentic worship.
• Educational Resources
  • Curriculum: We are committed to developing and publishing educational materials for church leaders to educate their congregations about mental health through a Gospel lens.

We are confident that with God’s provision, The Job Project LLC will exceed our expectations, and we’re excited to have you join us on this journey. To show our appreciation, we’ve prepared a range of perks for our supporters.

Generous Perks for Your Support

• $10+: Receive a heartfelt video message of thanks and regular quarterly updates on The Job Project’s progress, including our activities, funds raised, workshops conducted, and podcast developments.
• $50+: Obtain a PDF booklet designed to guide you on starting your mental health journey as a believer.
• $100+: Enjoy a personalized video with tips on how you can embark on your mental health journey, customized to your specific needs and interests.
• $250+:  Benefit from a personal mental health consultation with Valerie, who holds certifications in various psychological assessments, to identify potential symptoms and the most suitable mental health services for you.
• $500+: Experience a personal mental health consultation and Part 1 of the Mental Health and the Gospel Series for you and up to five friends (virtual).
• $750: Partner with The Job Project by sponsoring a podcast episode.
• $1000+: Gain a personal mental health consultation, the entire Part 1 of the Mental Health and the Gospel Series, and a tailored PART 2 covering a topic of your choice, for you and up to ten friends (virtual)

Should our fundraising efforts fall short of our goal, we will prioritize our budget towards design, marketing, and essential hardware for our educational content:

• Podcast Production: Ensuring The Job Project Podcast remains a beacon of insight and support.

• Website and Social Media: Enhancing our online presence to effectively reach and serve our community.

• Outreach: Promoting our services to churches and faith-based organizations eager to host the Mental Health and the Gospel Series.

 

The Broader Impact

With approximately 1.9 million Black Americans in the greater NYC Metro area and a significant portion identifying as Christians, the need for destigmatizing mental health within the church is paramount. Surveys indicate a high level of perceived stigma related to mental health in Christian communities. This is especially pronounced in Black churches, where historical distrust of medical institutions can create barriers to treatment. The church often serves as a primary source of support, yet only a fraction of those in need seek professional mental health treatment.

• Our chief aim is to provide resources and curricula for churches and faith-based organizations, as they are often the first responders to those seeking mental health support.
• These materials, developed and presented by qualified mental health professionals and biblical scholars who are BIPOC, are designed to resonate with and earn the trust of our audience.
• We’ve witnessed firsthand, through our local church work, the positive change that Gospel-informed mental health services can bring about.

This mission is deeply personal for Chris and Valerie, who have both experienced the life-enhancing benefits of destigmatizing mental health and the tools provided by BIPOC therapists. We’re committed to ensuring others have access to the same opportunities for growth and healing.

Risks & Challenges

Producing content that matches the quality of our information is our next leap forward. Our current capabilities enable us to deliver valuable teachings, and now we’re ready to enhance our presentation and extend our outreach. A fully funded campaign will not only allow us to collaborate with professional videographers and producers but will also enable us to allocate resources towards marketing and connecting with potential partners in churches and community organizations.

Our vision is to make The Job Project a household name in faith-based mental health education, known for breaking down barriers and spreading hope.

How You Can Contribute Beyond Financial Support

We understand that not everyone can contribute financially, and we value any form of support you can offer. Here are some ways you can help:

• Spread the Word: Tell your friends, family, and community about The Job Project. Every conversation, social media share, and recommendation helps us reach more people who could benefit from our services.
• Connect Your Church: If you’re involved with a church interested in fostering mental health dialogues or workshops, we’d love to hear from you. Please email thejobprojectpodcast@gmail.com for any inquires. 
• Stay Updated: Join our mailing list for the latest news on our initiatives and developments. Click HERE to subscribe.
• Engage with Our Content: Follow our journey on YouTube by subscribing to The Job Project Podcast channel, and connect with us on Instagram [@thejobprojectpodcast]. Your likes, comments, and reviews on our podcast platforms help increase our visibility and impact. Click HERE to get connected!
• Prayer Support. We deeply value prayer for the reach and effectiveness of The Job Project. Pray for those we aim to serve, for transformation of hearts and minds, and for God’s work through this mission to be felt now and for generations to come.

Every bit of support counts, and we’re grateful for the community that rallies around The Job Project, contributing to a future where mental health and faith go hand in hand. With your help, we can continue to provide transformative resources and support to those navigating the complexities of mental health within the context of their faith. Join us as we aim to create a legacy of healing and empowerment through The Job Project.