I have known the pain of caring for a loved one who is mentally ill. Our daughter struggled with mental illness most of her life, and was diagnosed with ADHD, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. I have also experienced the impact of mental illness professionally. I worked as a school nurse/nurse practitioner for 36 years and watched as mental illness became rampant among students. I provided care for countless students who struggled with Anxiety, Depression, Eating Disorders, Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder. I counseled grieving parents who were at a loss as to how to meet their child’s needs. I have experienced the impact of mental illness both personally and professionally.

When I retired, I started praying for God to show me my next chapter. He revealed to me that He wanted me to start a support group for families who are caring for loved ones with mental illness. There are few support groups out there for families, especially faith-based ones. I also discovered that there were no published Study Guides for this type of support group. So, I stepped out in faith and asked God to guide me in not only starting a new ministry, but also in writing the Study Guide. The Support Group is called “Hope Keepers,” and we are claiming Hebrews 10:23 NKJV, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” This study guide can be done individually or in a group setting and provides practical information, guidance, and most of all hope from our Heavenly Father.