Contact: Mark A Brown, 972-419-2704
DALLAS, Nov. 12 /Christian Newswire/ -- HOPE FOR THE HEART, a leading international Christian counseling ministry led by June Hunt, was the first-place recipient of the 2008 Lilly Reintegration Award in the Social Support category. Eli Lilly and Company established the awards 12 years ago to recognize mental health professionals and individuals with severe mental illness for their exceptional contributions and achievements. Specifically, the awards honor treatment teams, programs and services that assist those with severe mental illness as they re-enter the community, as well as individuals with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia who provide hope and support to their peers.
"I am deeply honored to receive this award on behalf of the dedicated staff family at HOPE FOR THE HEART, whose everyday ministry brings biblical hope and practical help to those of need of answers," stated June Hunt, founder, CEO & CSO (Chief Servant Officer) of HOPE FOR THE HEART.
To celebrate the achievements of all past honorees and to facilitate in the sharing of best practices, Lilly hosted a day-long forum for past winners in which participants learned from each other about topics related to supporting those with mental illness. Actress, author and mental health advocate Patty Duke also joined Dr. Ralph Aquila, M.D. to host a luncheon profiling the 2008 winners and their success stories.
The recipients in each category received grants for their particular programs in order to advance their success. First place recipients, including HOPE FOR THE HEART, received a $5,000 grant and second place recipients received a $2,500 grant.
When conferring the award, Aquila said, "Her advice draws on the tenets of true reintegration - stressing the importance of individuals connecting with the community for a sense of belonging, and encouraging personal accountability and responsibility. Perhaps most important, she does not quickly move from one caller to the next."
About HOPE FOR THE HEART
Based in North Texas, HOPE FOR THE HEART is a leading Christian counseling ministry that provides life-changing resources for biblical counseling and encouragement to church leadership, professional caregivers and individuals. The organization broadcasts programs on more than 162 radio outlets worldwide, offers training, and provides a wealth of print, web-based, and audio tools based on a library of 100 proprietary Biblical Counseling Keys.
