Dr. Rose Jackson-Beavers has dedicated her career to breaking down mental health stigma in faith-based communities. She has spoken to over 4,000 congregants, empowering churches to establish behavioral-health ministries. In 2015, she was hired by The Behavioral Health Network of Greater St. Louis to develop a pioneering model for their Bridges to Care & Recovery Program. This initiative provided twenty hours of mental health education to pastors and their designees in over 114 congregations across St. Louis, Missouri during her tenure.
The success of the Bridges Program led to its adoption in San Antonio, Texas, showcasing its effectiveness beyond Missouri. After retiring as the Director of Faith-based Initiatives from the Behavioral Health Network on December 31, 2022, Rose initially planned to focus on family, cherishing moments with her grandson, Isaiah. However, the persistent need for mental health ministry in her Illinois hometown prompted pastors to call her back to training churches.
Despite retirement, Rose’s commitment to mental health advocacy persisted. In January 2023, she launched her newest program, expanding her reach beyond St. Louis to train churches nationwide in more advanced topics. Through her unwavering dedication, Rose continues to make a profound impact in the field of mental health ministry.
Why is the faith-based community so important in this ministry?
Dr. Beavers states that it is essential for pastors and churches to get involved and help educate their communities about the importance of mental health and taking care of themselves. The community seeks out the church to offer services like after-school programs, food pantries, funerals, weddings, and much more. Why not seek out the church for mental health education, resources, and information?
As of June 2023, Beavers began providing further consultation through the Breaking Behavioral-Health Barriers (BBB) Faith Project. She emphasizes the importance of congregations participating in behavioral health training to ensure churches understand how to support people in an emergency and are ready to respond and assist before they are in crisis. In addition, Beavers’ program trains individuals to understand how to reduce the mental health stigma and connect people to local resources. Beavers is certified as a professional Christian mental health coach.
Recognitions
Rose has received many recognitions as a leader in behavioral health advocacy:
- North County, Inc. – Community Development Leadership Award (2022)
- National Council of Negro Women – East St. Louis Chapter (2019)
- East St. Louis Proclamation – Unsung Hero (2017)
- Volunteer Recognition – San Francisco Temple Church for Mental Health Awareness (2017)
- Wise Owl – Delta Sigma Theta (2016)
- Inspiring St. Louisan Award – NAACP (2011)
- Phenomenal Woman – Center for Racial Harmony (2011)
- Entrepreneur Award – Phi Delta Kappa, Alpha Nu Chapter (2010)
- Torch Light Award for Working with Teens (2010)
- Grace Hill Settlement House Patch Center – Volunteer (2007, 2008)
Testimonials
“Rose has been a mentor, consultant, colleague, coach, and friend. We met her over a year ago, and I consider our relationship a blessing. When I was ready to level up as an entrepreneur, she was right there as an advisor. She coached me to step out on Faith as I built the platform to serve others in the Faith-based community as it relates to mental wellness.“
– Neva Brooks, MBA, BSN, RN
Certified Life Coach CTA, ICF Accreditation
Diamond Sharp Coach, LLC – Nurses’ Coach
Mental Health Advocate
“This past year, I was able to self-publish my first book and I couldn’t have done that without Rose. She is a wonderful mentor, coach, speaker, and an extremely accomplished author. She does everything in excellence and I highly recommend others to utilize her services.”
– Dr. Brandy S. Peoples, Ph.D.
Psychologist, Minister, and Author
“Rose shared with her staff that as a child, she was interested in the welfare of others, their mental being, and stability. Her mother introduced the concept of counseling to her family early on, so she had life experiences to channel her expertise in knowing that counseling can be good medicine for everyone. Her mother also took her to church, and it was there she learned the church is a hospital for folks who can be saved. I am thankful for her life experiences and creativity to produce this program for the faith-based community. We are truly saved by her work.”
– Geraldine Smith First Lady
New Beginning MB Church President
First Ladies Network-FAVOR: Connecting Families
Family of Love Divine Church
“From the day I met Rose, I could tell she believe in what she does. She has a great passion for helping pastors and their congregations get the training they need to help deal with mental health challenges. The training has equipped me as a pastor to better serve our members with mental health diagnoses and those with other mental health challenges.”
– Pastor Rose Mary Jackson-Moore
Family of Love Divine Church