Be Connected Faith Network
Supporting Spiritual Healing
Join us in our mission to work together to build a strong, statewide network of caring and compassionate people who offer support for all who serve our country and their families who support them. Through your support, we can provide faith-based support and build a sense of community for service members, veterans, and their families.
As a member of our Be Connected Faith Network, you’ll receive resources to share and no-cost training so you can be an effective helper. With your participation, we can ensure that every faith group becomes a source of support for Arizona’s service members, veterans, and family members.
The Be Connected Faith Network is a part of our overall mission to connect every Arizona service member, veteran, and family member to support and resources. Spirituality is one of the ten social determinants of health and areas of focus for the Be Connected program.
IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY SUPPORT
- Faith can serve as a vehicle to help service members and veterans feel more connected to mainstream society.
- A study found that veterans with depression and PTSD are open to being helped by spiritual counseling, but few take the first step to reach out.
- Spiritual connection gained through discussion, activities, and events can provide hope, lessen feelings of isolation, and be a springboard to promote other healthy behaviors.
View Past Events
Arizona’s service members, veterans and their families benefit from easy access to equipped and networked faith communities and faith leaders like you. As a champion for those who served, and their families, you can help by providing spiritual healing. Examples of support that faith based communities can provide include:
- Prayer
- Connections & Care
- Listening & Encouragement
- Service
- Education
- Intervention & Referrals
- Implementing Evidence Based Practices
FAITH NETWORK FAQ
Have questions? We have developed a list of answers to the most frequently asked questions we receive about the Be Connected Faith Network.
MATERIALS REQUEST FORM
We offer Be Connected program materials at no cost. To make a request, please fill out the form below. One of our team members will be in contact with you shortly.
READY TO CONNECT?
Do you want to be a part of the Be Connected Faith Network? See below for an overview of the initiative and a rundown of the next steps needed to get involved.
Sign-up to stay connected to the Be Connected Faith Network!
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FAITH NETWORK CHAMPIONS
This effort is led by a statewide group of champions committed to building a connected faith-based network that extends into every community and across all beliefs. In joining this effort, you will be connected through the leadership of:
- Thomas Winkel, MA, LPC, NCC, Director, Arizona Coalition for Military Families, Executive Sponsor of Be Connected Faith Network, Co-Chair of Be Connected Faith Network Committee
- Tonya Hamilton, Director, Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family
- Dana Allmond, retired Army Lt. Col. serving as Director of Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services
- Dee Person, Be Connected Community Engagement Program Manager, Arizona Coalition for Military Families, Be Connected Faith Network Committee Member
- Ron Wheat, CRU Military Liaison, Be Connected Faith Network Committee Member
- Sanghoon Yoo, MSW, M.Div, Arizona Trauma Informed Faith Community (AZTIFC) Liaison, Be Connected Faith Network Committee Member
- Dean Pedrotti, Be Connected Faith Network Committee Support, Strategic Advisor
- Eric Simonson, Be Connected Faith Network Committee Support, Strategic Advisor
- Joel Larson, Be Connected Faith Network Committee Support, Strategic Advisor
- Conrad Washington, USMC (Ret.), M.Div, Director, VA Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, Be Connected Faith Network Collaborator
- Chaplain Matthew A. Cassady, M.Div., BCC-MH, National Program Manager, VA Community Clergy Training and Chaplain Virtual Education, Be Connected Faith Network Collaborator
- Gary Sanders, Founder and President, Military Missions Network
THE LAUNCH: BE CONNECTED FAITH SUMMIT
On June 9, 2021, faith community members, leaders, and stakeholders joined together for a half-day virtual summit to launch the Be Connected Faith Network. The program included:
- A video from the Governor
- A proclamation that June 9, 2021, was Be Connected Faith Network Day
- Presentations from key leadership partners, and
- Five breakout sessions to inspire and connect the community.
PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS
