DWIHN’s 11th Annual Interfaith-Based
“WELLNESS BEYOND THE WALLS”
Connecting Community, Spirituality
&
Finding Wellness in Mind, Body and Spirit
With: Dr. Carla Spight Mackey, DMin, LMSW
Dr. Portia Lockett and Dr. Eddie Connor
Date: July 10, 2025
Time: 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Location: Madonna University
36000 Schoolcraft Rd, Livonia, MI
Conference Description:
As a part of our (DWIHN) commitment to providing a holistic approach to care, this conference aims to connect faith-based leaders with educators, researchers, and professionals to create progressive dialogue and to address real concerns that faith-based organizations face within the communities and congregations they serve. Submissions are sought for workshop presentations focused on mental health and/or substance use disorder while incorporating the needs of the faith-based community. With the rise in Heroin, Opioids, Prescription Drugs, Tobacco: Marijuana/Vaping, Alcohol/Underage Drinking, Stigma, Human Trafficking, Suicide, and Gambling, we are here to educate, advocate, and create an opportunity to engage with, hear from youth and adult leaders, and dialogue with interfaith-based leaders. Our plan is to offer collaborative resources available to the communities of faith and their members. We encourage faith-based organizations and their representatives to attend.
Conference Objectives:
This conference aims to connect faith-based leaders with educators, researchers, and professionals to create progressive dialogue and address the real concerns that faith-based organizations face within the communities and congregations they serve.
Timed Agenda:
8:15 am – 8:55 am: Registration/Vendor Stroll
8:56 am -9:02 am: Opening and Welcome video: https://youtu.be/ Introduction of Master of Ceremonies: Dr. Portia Lockett, DMC, and Azal Benne Lockett3 Foundation.
9:02 am - 9:10 am Opening Prayer
9:10 am - 9:15 am: Motivational Movement, Kim Boyd (or Christina tbd)
9:16 am - 9:20 am: Welcome by Karra Thomas, Chair of the Faith-Based Collaborative
9:25 am - 9:30 am: Remarks by Mr. James White, DWIHN President & CEO
9:31 am - 9:35 am: Introduction of Keynote Speaker 1 by Mariam/Jazzmin, LAHC
9:36 am - 10:20 am: Keynote 1! Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi's Keynote will address faith leaders, youth, and community on … Wellness experience!
10:20 am -10:30 am: Break
10:35 am - 11:35 am: Breakout Sessions
Breakout 1: "A Seed of Prevention" Dawn Calloway introduces Dr. Dudley. Many in our congregations are unaware that access to dangerous substances our children and youth are exposed to starts in our own homes. From alcohol to marijuana, THC, and nicotine, to over-the-counter and prescription medications, our youth are watching and gaining access. Awareness as to how dangerous these substances can be will begin to grow the seeds of prevention. Grenae Dudley, Ph.D., The Youth Connection, President and CEO
Breakout 2: Pastor Eugene & Georgea Cole, ACT Now and Domestic Violence.
Breakout 3: Grief and the Myths that Hold Us Back: A Path to Healing and Release
This session will focus on Grief is a natural response to loss, yet many of us carry unspoken beliefs that hinder our healing. In this workshop, we'll explore how these beliefs, such as "time heals all wounds" or "don't feel bad," can keep us stuck. Combining principles from The Grief Recovery Handbook and cognitive tools developed by Dr. David Burns, this session offers a compassionate, practical approach to identifying unresolved grief, challenging distorted thinking, and taking steps toward emotional freedom. Participants will leave with tools to resolve grief, release guilt, and embrace healing. Workshop Objectives: Identify at least two commonly held beliefs about grief that may hinder the healing process. Reflect on personal loss experiences using a grief/loss inventory or relationship chart. Explore thoughts and feelings tied to unresolved grief using a simplified version of Dr. David Burns' Mood Log. Learn and apply at least one cognitive or emotional release tool to support ongoing grief recovery.
Breakout # 4: "Gambling and Gaming Affect All Communities", presented as a Panel. This session will discuss gaming and its connection to gambling.
12:00 pm - 12:10 pm: Prayer for lunch by Pastor Clara Mitchell. Introduction of the Griffin Girls. Mr. Marsaille Arbuckle.
12:10 pm -12:30 pm: Music by The Griffin Girls.
12:30 pm - 12:35 pm: Wellness & Prayer Rooms -Vendor Stroll, Wellness & Prayer Rooms: LAHC Blooming Minds, Changing Lives And Staying Sober (CLASS) Agency, (HAUS) of Healthy Healing, School of Adreas Radical Healing, Jazz with James Russell, offering the following: Acupuncture – Yoga-Art Therapy-Massage Therapy-Raeke/Reiki-Relaxing Calming Techniques-Prayer-Sound healing.
12:36 pm -12:49 pm: Prayer by: Committee Clergy Overview of Wellness Model - PRAYER FOR COMMUNITY.
12:55 pm - 12:59 pm: Introduction of Keynote Speaker 2.
1:00 pm - 1:45 pm: Keynote 2—Dr. Eddie Conner will address faith leaders, youth, and the community about the Wellness experience.
1:46 pm - 1:55 pm: Break
2:00 pm - 2:45 pm: Afternoon Breakouts
Introduction of the Presenters
Session 5: Faith and Suicide Prevention
Session 6: Autism & Mental Health
Session 7: Homelessness
Session 8: Faith in Harm Reduction
2:55 pm - 3:10 pm: Presentation of the 6th Annual Greg Roberts "Power of One" award
3:15 - 3:45 pm: Debriefing session facilitated by Dr. Portia Lockett, Call to Action - Celebrating Wellness facilitated by Clergy Leaders
3:50 pm - 4:00 pm: Closing Remarks by Karra Thomas, Faith-based Chair/ Evaluation.
4:00 pm: Closing Prayer—Faith-Based Collaborative, Power of One Recipient.
Photo Consent
By joining us at this event, attendees consent to Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network's Detroit Wayne Connect photographing, videotaping and using your image and likeness.
Continuing Education
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SOCIAL WORKERS: 4 continuing education credits are approved for this training.
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SUBSTANCE USE PROFESSIONALS: 4 Non-specific CEC hours are approved by MCBAP for substance use professionals, such as Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors (CADC) and Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselors (CAADC).
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QUALIFIED MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS (QMHP): These event hours meet the MDCH training requirement for QMHP staff.
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QUALIFIED INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY PROFESSIONALS (QIDP): Event hours meet the MDCH training requirement for QIDP staff.
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CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS (CMHP): These event hours meet the MDHHS training requirement for CMHP staff.
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TRAINING HOURS: This event will count toward the annual training hours required by most provider agencies.
ADA Accomodations
If you have individual requirements or need special services to participate in this training, please notify Karra Thomas at kthomas@dwihn.org. Please make arrangements at least two weeks before the event date.
DWC Questions
If you have any questions in regards to event details,credits, and certificates, please contact Trent Sanford - tsanford@dwihn.org.