Westchester County Hails "Soul Shop for Black Churches" Designation to National Best Practice Registry

Curriculum Developed with Assistance of Westchester County Leaders

The Suicide Prevention Resource Center has announced the inclusion of the “Soul Shop for Black Churches Curriculum” to their Best Practices Registry for 2025. This one-day workshop is designed for clergy, staff, lay pastors and faith-based clinicians in the Black Church. It is developed and delivered by Black and African American faith leaders who are experts in suicide prevention. Members of the Westchester County clergy and community were instrumental in helping to develop the program, and becoming Soul Shop trainers. 

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “We are so proud that Westchester County is consistently at the forefront of bringing about a national program, that truly helps people. The church plays a prominent role in the Black community, and training our clergy to be able to address suicide and foster support for individuals and families has been essential to providing a sense of hope and recovery. I want to thank the leaders of our Faith-based Mental Health Committee, our Department of Community Mental Health and Commissioner Michael Orth, as well as Convener of the Westchester County Faith Based Mental Health Group Patricia White. Special thanks also goes to Reverend Erwin Trollinger of Calvary Baptist Church for hosting and Co-Chairing the Soul Shop programs, and Reverend Daphne Swinton for her role in developing the curriculum used today.”

Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health (DCMH) Commissioner Michael Orth said: “Soul Shop is just another example of the great programs that DCMH is partnering with, as well the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, to deliver to the people of Westchester. Having the ability to meet the people where they are, in their community and in their houses of worship, helps us to better connect and show that seeking help for mental health issues is nothing to be ashamed of, but rather a step in the direction of getting well.”

Senior Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church and Co-Chair of the Westchester County Faith Based Mental Health Initiative Reverend Erwin Trollinger said: “Soul Shop For The Back Church is a revolution that is occurring within the Walls of the Black Church. As a community, we were losing to the struggles and conflicts hidden in the hearts and minds of many. Now, with the advent of Soul Shop For The Black Church, the fight is front and center for the holistic salvation of our community. Faith = Mental Health.” 

The Suicide Prevention Resource Center is a nationally recognized organization located at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, and is supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS). The Resource Center collects and evaluates programs and services working toward suicide prevention across the country.

Soul Shop believes churches should play a crucial role in mental wellness. The Soul Shop workshop addresses complex issues contributing to rising suicide rates that are specific to Black communities. Participants learn to create worship resources and train congregation members in suicide awareness and basic conversation skills. The workshop also explores how to cultivate a soul-safe culture within the congregation, fostering an environment of support and understanding.

Formed in 2020, the Westchester County Faith-Based Mental Health Committee brings together multi-denominational faith leaders, mental health providers and community members to equip them with resources to foster hope and healing in Westchester’s faith communities. Partnering with the national program, Soul Shop, the committee has worked to reduce the stigma associated around mental health and suicide. 

Director or the Soul Shop Movement Michelle Snyder first came to Westchester in March of 2020 to present the first Soul Shop workshop in the County.  She remarked about how quickly partners came together – NAMI, AFSP, WJCS, local faith leaders and the County government. 

Snyder said: “When people ask how governments and faith communities can collaborate on mental health, I always point to Westchester County as a model of innovation and teamwork. I am so grateful to be part of such an impactful partnership.”

The next Westchester County Soul Shop is scheduled for September 13, 2025, at Union Baptist Church in Greenburgh, NY.