The Suicide Prevention Resource Center has included the “Soul Shop for Black Churches Curriculum” in its Best Practices Registry for 2025. This workshop, designed for clergy and faith-based clinicians in the Black Church, is developed by Black and African American faith leaders specializing in suicide prevention. Westchester County clergy and community members played a key role in developing the program and becoming Soul Shop trainers.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins expressed pride in the county’s involvement: “We are so proud that Westchester County is consistently at the forefront of bringing about a national program, that truly helps people.” He acknowledged several local leaders and organizations for their contributions to this initiative.
Michael Orth, Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health (DCMH), highlighted Soul Shop as an example of effective partnerships aimed at mental health support: “Soul Shop is just another example of the great programs that DCMH is partnering with… Having the ability to meet people where they are… helps us to better connect.”
Reverend Erwin Trollinger, Senior Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church and Co-Chair of the Westchester County Faith-Based Mental Health Initiative, described Soul Shop as transformative: “Soul Shop For The Back Church is a revolution that is occurring within the Walls of the Black Church.”
The Suicide Prevention Resource Center operates from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center with support from various U.S. government agencies. It evaluates programs nationwide focused on suicide prevention.
Soul Shop workshops address issues contributing to rising suicide rates specific to Black communities by training participants in awareness and conversation skills while fostering supportive congregational environments.
The Westchester County Faith-Based Mental Health Committee was formed in 2020 to provide resources for hope and healing within faith communities. Partnering with Soul Shop, it aims to reduce stigma around mental health.
Michelle Snyder, Director of Soul Shop Movement, praised Westchester’s collaborative efforts: “When people ask how governments and faith communities can collaborate on mental health, I always point to Westchester County as a model.”
The next workshop will be held on September 13, 2025, at Union Baptist Church in Greenburgh, NY.
