AUGUSTA, Ga. () — Mental health affects every part of our lives, and one local church is leading the way in providing resources and support. The fourth annual Mental Health Fair is coming to Tabernacle Baptist Church. “Every May is our family month and I actually did a sermon series where we kind of deal with grief and mental health and I really was amazed at the response to it,” Pastor Charles E. Goodman shared.

The fair began four years ago, and since then, it’s become a key initiative at the church, focusing on mental health and wellness. “I think every church has an opportunity and responsibility to kind of do what they do,” he added. “One of the areas that we think we can really help to foster help in our community is through mental health and wellness.”

Pastor Goodman says the event has grown to meet the needs of the community, especially in the wake of COVID-19, which brought more attention to mental health struggles. “I think as we get more people comfortable to talk about mental health and mental wellness, that’s what is so significant,” Pastor Goodman said. “We want to make sure that it is not a taboo issue, especially within our community.”

The fair will take place on May 17th, offering a range of services and resources. “We’ll be there. We’re excited. It’s gonna be wonderful facilitators. We have some really counselors on deck.”

He also says it’s important to bring young people into the conversation, “People in elementary, primary school and those things, they wrestle with anxiety and other things as well,” he added.

This year’s event is free, but organizers are asking for people to register in advance. “You need Christ and a counselor. I believe that God empowers people with the educational ability, but also the sensitivity that can help us navigate through some very thorny patches of life,” Pastor Goodman said.

The fair will be held Saturday, May 17th, from 10 to 2 at Tabernacle Baptist Church in the Family Life Center on Laney Walker Boulevard.

To register, visit tbcaugusta.org.