Faith Rising North Country Gratitude & Resources
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Faith Rising: North Country Edition.
It was a beautiful and impactful day of worship, learning, connection, and honest conversation about how churches can better support survivors, care for ministry leaders, and create safer faith communities.
I am especially grateful to Pastor Mark Kehrer for his leadership in bringing Faith Rising to the North Country, to Pastor Bre-Anna Smith and Jessica Hall for leading us in worship, and to every presenter, pastor, ministry leader, advocate, and attendee who contributed to the day.
Based on the survey responses, attendees expressed interest in resources related to:
Domestic violence and sexual assault
Supporting survivors over the long term
Trauma-informed responses to gender-based violence
Child abuse prevention and mandated reporting
Creating and strengthening safe church protocols
Pastoral support, renewal, and respite
Below are organizations and individuals who have generously offered to provide information, training, consultation, and support.
Child Abuse Prevention and Mandated Reporting
Nicole Iwaniec and the Harriet M. West Child Advocacy Center offer professional development and community training through Saratoga Center for the Family. Their team is also willing to develop specialized training based on the needs of a church or organization.
Nicole Iwaniec
Director
Harriet M. West Child Advocacy Center
359 Ballston Avenue
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
(518) 587-8008, ext. 314
Trauma-Informed Response
The New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence offers a variety of virtual and in-person training opportunities. Organizations may also inquire about customized training for particular populations or needs.
The course “Impacts of Trauma on Gender-Based Violence Survivors” may be of particular interest to pastors and ministry leaders seeking to develop a more trauma-informed response.
To request training or ask about course customization, email opdvtraining@opdv.ny.gov.
Domestic Violence Training
Domestic Violence Project of Warren and Washington Counties
The Domestic Violence Project, a program of Catholic Charities, is available to help with training, survivor support, and community coordination.
Eric Mazzeo
DVCCC Coordinator
Domestic Violence Project of Warren and Washington Counties
35 Broad Street
Glens Falls, NY 12801
(518) 793-6212, ext. 132
Jeanne Noordsy
Assistant Program Director
Domestic Violence Project of Warren and Washington Counties
35 Broad Street
Glens Falls, NY 12801
Office: (518) 793-6212, ext. 130
24-hour hotline: (518) 793-9496
Wellspring
Relationship Abuse & Sexual Assault Services
Wellspring victim services are always free & confidential.
24/7 hotline (518) 584-8188 – language translation available.
Online live chat & walk-ins – available during business hours.
Wellspring’s Prevention & Education
Ending relationship & sexual abuse takes a whole community, and we know it starts with education.
How do you recognize a healthy or unhealthy relationship?
How do you make sure your workplace is safe?
How do you know if you’re in an abusive situation?
How do we hold offenders accountable?
How do you help someone in an abusive situation?
Wellspring offers trainings to churches, schools, organizations, and businesses across Saratoga & Washington County, New York.
Kathy
Counselor and Outreach Manager
Wellspring
2816 U.S. Route 9
Malta, NY 12020
Office: (518) 583-0280
24-hour hotline: (518) 584-8188
Trauma-informed care does not mean church leaders become counselors or investigators. It means leaders learn how trauma can affect memory, emotion, trust, decision-making, and a person’s sense of safety. It also means leaders learn to respond in ways that reduce shame and avoid adding pressure.
A trauma-informed church response often begins with simple but important practices:
Listen without rushing the story
Thank the person for sharing
Avoid blaming questions
Offer choices whenever possible
Respect privacy within safety and reporting limits
Connect the person with trained advocates
Do not pressure someone toward immediate forgiveness or reconciliation
Keep careful boundaries around pastoral care and counseling
For survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault, a rushed or poorly informed response can increase danger. For example, telling a person to confront an abuser, return home, or disclose details before they are ready can create real risk.
Churches can offer spiritual care while also recognizing the need for trained community partners. Pastors and ministry leaders do not have to carry every role. The stronger path is often a team approach that includes advocates, counselors, law enforcement when needed, child protection when required, and trusted church leaders who understand their limits.
Creating or Strengthening a Safe Church Protocol
Many respondents said they need assistance creating or strengthening a safe church protocol.. Karen Laing is available to assist churches that would like help creating or strengthening their safe church policies and protocols.
Karen Laing Apple of HIS Eye Services AppleofHISEyeServices@gmail.com
A safe church protocol gives leaders a shared plan before a crisis happens. Without a plan, churches may respond based on instinct, convenience, or fear. With a plan, leaders can act more calmly and consistently.
A strong protocol should answer practical questions such as:
Who receives concerns about abuse, misconduct, or unsafe behavior?
What happens when a child discloses harm?
How does the church respond when domestic violence is reported?
When must outside authorities be contacted?
How is confidentiality handled?
Who communicates with the survivor?
What boundaries apply to the accused person?
How are children, youth, and vulnerable adults protected?
Where are local advocacy and counseling referrals kept?
How often does the church train staff and volunteers?
A protocol should not sit in a folder unused. It should be known, reviewed, practiced, and updated. Staff, elders, deacons, youth workers, children’s ministry volunteers, small group leaders, and care teams all need clarity for their roles.
The goal is to create readiness.
A church that prepares well sends a clear message: survivors will be taken seriously, children will be protected, and leaders will not handle abuse in isolation.
Support for Pastors and Ministry Leaders
Renewal Prayer Network
Renewal Prayer Network is honored to walk alongside pastors, ministry leaders, and congregations through prayer and support.
Pastor Jay Richmond
Renewal Prayer Network
P.O. Box 11316
Albany, NY 12211-0316
Cell: (518) 330-7403
Pastoral Respite at Silver Bay YMCA
Silver Bay YMCA’s Pastoral Respite Ministry offers pastors, missionaries, others involved in ministry, and their immediate families an opportunity for rest and renewal.
Qualifying participants may receive a donor-supported stay at Silver Bay, including accommodations, meals served in the Dining Hall, and access to available activities and programs. Respite stays are offered from September 1 through June 15 and are subject to availability and program requirements.
The peaceful setting can provide time for prayer, reflection, study, sabbatical rest, and spiritual renewal. Members of Silver Bay’s Spiritual Life staff are also available for spiritual direction or pastoral support.
Silver Bay YMCA Spiritual Life Office
(518) 543-8570
A closing word of gratitude
To everyone who joined Faith Rising: North Country Edition, thank you.
Thank you for showing up for hard conversations. Thank you for caring about survivors. Thank you for wanting churches to become safer, wiser, and more compassionate places. Thank you for giving feedback that helps shape what comes next. Thank you to volunteers Lauren Cunningham and Colleen Coleman for their faithful service to this endeavor.
The work ahead will take training, prayer, humility, and partnership. It will also take courage. Survivors need churches that listen well, respond safely, and walk with them beyond the first disclosure.
Faith Rising will continue working toward that vision, being likeminded, having the same love, and being one in spirit and purpose.
In Christ,
Rikki Shaw
Founder, Roses From Ashes
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