Friday, November 28, 2014

Post 64

Clergy/Lay Ministers Certification Trainings:
Off and Running ... with More to Come!

Training is now in place - and going on - for the brand-new Clergy/Lay Ministers Certification in Gambling Addiction Prevention, Education, Awareness, and Spiritual Outreach Care!  This national Certification is a pioneering project of the American Compulsive Gambling Counselor Certification Board that specifically addresses the role of clergy and lay ministers, within faith-based settings, to provide the most effective first responder care to individuals impacted by problem gambling.

The American Board's vision for this program is nationwide in scope!  Imagine:  trained and certified faith leaders - of all faiths - who are bridging the gaps between those seeking help and treatment resources and support groups.  It's a huge vision ... but one that's not too large for the oldest national certifying gambling counselor certification board in the country!

The initial pilot training program is currently underway in New Jersey.  Modules 1 and 2 have already taken place and the final training Modules 3 and 4 are scheduled for December 2 and 3. The classes take place at St. James Church, 115 E. Delaware Ave., Pennington, NJ (in Trenton Area) from 8:45 AM - 4:00 PM. 

It is not too late to register for Modules 3 and 4!  Each Module is self-contained; and additional re-runs of these trainings will be scheduled in the future.  Contact the American Board for registration information at (609) 588-9338.

Furthermore, plans are in the making for the Trainings to come to Kentucky - in January!  In collaboration with the Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling, initial segments of the Clergy/Lay Ministers trainings will be scheduled during the Kentucky Council's Annual Education Conference in Lexington (Clarion Hotel) on January 29-30.  More information will be forthcoming so check GRM's December and January Blog Postings!  Also, contact the Kentucky Council's Director Mike Stone at (502) 223-1823 for details on the January Conference.

Then too, the Gamblers Anonymous/Gam-Anon Lexington Mini Conference will take place at the Clarion on January 31-February 1. This is an "Open" event, filled with information on recovery from compulsive gambling; and the welcome mat is extended to all!  The phone number for the Lexington GA Help Line is (855) 222-5542.

Join with me, please, in thanksgiving for this special clergy/lay ministers certification program ... for its expanding outreach, and the real difference trained and certified, faith-based first responders can make!

Blessings,

Rev. Janet Jacobs
Founding Director
Gambling Recovery Ministries

For more information on problem gambling and recovery issues, go to www.grmumc.org