August 3, 2020
The Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College hosts a webinar with the National Association of Evangelicals on how churches can support the mental and spiritual health needs of children and teens.
As parents and educators continue to prepare for the back-to-school season during COVID-19, the Humanitarian Disaster Institute (HDI) at Wheaton College is helping churches learn how to best support the youngest in their communities. To answer looming questions in church leaders’ minds about how to support and equip young families during the pandemic, HDI is hosting a Town Hall Webinar on Spiritual & Mental Health for Children & Teens During COVID-19 on Thurs., Aug. 6 at 12 p.m. CDT in partnership with the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE). Registration is free at covid19churchwebinar.eventbrite.com.
"We know that families are facing many critical decisions right now, and there are many concerns regarding how COVID-19 is impacting the spiritual and mental health of children and teens," said Dr. Jamie Aten, founder and co-director of HDI and clinical psychologist. "We wanted to provide a way for church leaders to hear from experts who can explain what our kids need now and how to best help them and their families."
Panelists for the webinar will include Ryan Frank, CEO of KidzMatter, Dr. Beth Cunningham, Wheaton College Graduate School graduate and Licensed Clinical Psychologist at Florissa Center, and Dr. Pam King, Peter L. Benson Associate Professor of Applied Developmental Science at the Thrive Center for Human Development at Fuller Theological Seminary.
"We are honored that this incredible panel of experts will be joining us to provide both practical ministry and clinical perspectives, and we’re thrilled to learn from them and help those ministering to children and families get valuable resources about how to love kids well," said Kent Annan, co-director of HDI.
In addition to the webinar, HDI released a COVID-19 Family Toolkit with resources to help parents and leaders understand the unique perspectives of the younger generation. The toolkit includes a children’s book, articles, tip sheets and more to help parents understand what their kids are going through and provide ideas about how to connect with them.
For more information about HDI and to access all of its COVID-19 resources and events, visit wheaton.edu/hdi-covid19.