August 2025

We Hope You Had a Blessed Feast!

May Christ strengthen us and bless us through the intercessions of the Theotokos.

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Agape Wellness Collective exists to connect and support people with Orthodox Christian mental health professionals across the United States. AWC supports them through cost-effective initiatives, and through raising funds to supplement their care while ensuring sustainability for our therapists.

Who you choose to see for therapy matters; your faith and values make you who you are, and informs how you understand yourself and the world.

Our therapists not only understand your faith - they live it.

Learn more about us here.

Summer 2025 Key Updates

• "Root & Table" - Support Groups Launch: AWC is launching group programming called “Root & Table Circles”. These Circles are not therapy, but designed to keep you Grounded in Christ, and Gathered in Communion. Each Circle is led by an AWC-Affiliated therapist, and run in such a way as to foster connection, community, and ready to give general mental health tips, while being attuned to the needs of the members present

  • College Circles (In collaboration with OCF) - Stay tuned for a formal roll-out in the coming days!

  • Women’s Circles

  • And coming soon: Recovery Circles

  • Sign-ups are open on our website! https://agape-wellnesscollective.org/groups

  • Follow us on social media to make sure you’re up-to-date on everything going on: IG @agape.wellnesscollective

• OCAMPR Conference 2025: AWC will be in attendance at the OCAMPR Conference in October in beautiful Mundelein, Illinois!

  • We'll be an exhibitor at the conference, come visit the Agape Wellness Collective booth and say hi!

  • Friday, October 3, we will also be in the Lodge Living Room for an informal Meet-and-Greet beginning at 7:30pm - come hang out and learn more about AWC!

  • AWC's Megan Bonynge will be presenting a workshop on Friday with Pres. Krista Fedorchak (check out her IG! @theorthodoxdietitian) at the conference - they'll be speaking on an Orthodox response to disordered eating (It will be recorded and posted on our website in the Fall!)

• The St. Dymphna Fund: AWC established this fund to subsidize treatment for the highest-need clients that come to Agape Wellness Collective, typically being unable to afford $20/session.

  • As of July 31, 15% of the clients coming to AWC are eligible for funds from St. Dymphna

  • Please consider joining in the mission of showing agape and supporting the mental health of fellow Christians by fasting from just one cup of coffee each month and becoming a recurring donor here: www.giving.agape-wellnesscollective.org

  • Whether you give to our General Fund or the St. Dymphna Fund, you will be making a tangible impact on the lives of people you worship next to every week - thank you!

• Outreach: Want to help us spread the word in an easy way?

  • COMING SOON - We are working to put together packets introducing the work of AWC to parishes, along with kits for people to host coffee hours at parishes across the country to benefit Agape! More information to come!

• Thank YOU!!: We are grateful for the collaboration and partnership with our friends at:

  • The Assembly of Bishops Mental Health Ministries,

  • National & Local Philoptochos Chapters

  • Orthodox Christian Association of Medicine, Psychology and Religion (OCAMPR)

  • San Francisco GOA Family Wellness Ministries,

  • Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF)

  • Orthodox Christian Attorney Network (OCAN)

  • St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church (Irvine, CA) Parishioners - For hosting us for a successful Coffee Hour Fundraiser in May!

  • Thank you to our FIRST TIME Donors!: Fr. Steve T., George & Rama D., Kevin & Maria G., Christina K., Selene L., Ben R., Robert & Laura H., Chris K., Jennifer C.

  • Thank you to our THREE SUMMER INTERNS!: Dimitri C., Anastasia F. (who wrote this newsletter but doesn't know she's being acknowledged in the final draft!!), Alex V. -- Your selflessness and dedication this summer has meant so much to our small team, and we are truly grateful for all you have done for us! THANK YOU!

  • All of you for spreading the word about Agape through word of mouth!

Here's What Else We've Got Going On...

1. Agape By the Numbers

   • As of July 31, 2025, we have served over 70 clients in 22 states.

   • ~8.5 days from inquiry to referral, depending on the region of the US

   • How people find us:

     • 15% on social media → Are there any HS students or college students at your parish interested in marketing or graphic design? We’d love to ramp up our social media campaigns & fundraising! Have them reach out to contact@agape-wellnesscollective.org

     • 53% word of mouth → This speaks to a great need within the Orthodox community, AND a growing willingness to recognize and talk about mental health! THANK YOU for spreading the word about AWC!!

2. Future Directions

   • Expand our thriving network of diverse, pan-Orthodox therapists

   • Continued commitment to pay-what-you-can therapy

   • Expand our Board of Directors

   • Expand our pan-Orthodox visibility and outreach

   • Presence at Orthodox conventions, assemblies, and conferences

3. Ways to Get Involved

   • We have plenty of opportunities to volunteer, just send us an email!

   • Therapists interested in partnering with us can click here to get started!

   • Please prayerfully consider becoming a donor and giving financially to Agape. For just $20/month, you can make a life-changing difference for a brother or sister in Christ in your community or have an impact for someone across the country. (You can also set an amount or frequency that works better for you!) Learn more or donate.
     

­Click to Donate

When you see anxiety, know that it's the Devil's work.
When we feel anxious in our struggle, let us know that we are not moving in the space of God.

- St. Paisios of Mount Athos