Join the inaugural "Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, Healthy Faith Community" Cohort!

 
I have a dream for every faith-based organization to become a health promotion hub for its congregation and the community it serves.

I know of no greater power for lasting physical health than the strength that comes from healing the mind and spirit together.

Discover the power of integrated health and healing by joining the inaugural cohort of the Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, Healthy Faith-Communities program.
— Mirna Puesan, MD, MPH Internist and board certified in lifestyle medicine
 

Are you a faith leader or a dedicated volunteer passionate about nurturing the well-being of your congregation and broader community? Do you dream of seeing your faith community thrive with vibrant, impactful health initiatives?

The Institute for Spirituality and Health is thrilled to invite your faith community to apply for the "Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, Healthy Faith Community" Cohort – a transformative two-year capacity-strengthening program designed specifically for diverse faith communities in the Greater Houston region.

 
Just as the parts of the human body rely on each other to function well, we must care for all aspects of our health, including our minds.

If you’ve ever wondered how our faith community can better support families, then joining the Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, Healthy Faith Community Leadership Cohort with Cities for Better Health is an excellent place to start.

Many who participate in health programs often wish they had started sooner and are eager to see others benefit as well. Remember, health improvement is not accidental, but intentional. A healthy body and a healthy mind lead to a healthy faith community!

I strongly encourage you to consider
signing up for this opportunity.

Together, we can build a stronger, healthier community.
— Gwen J. Sims, MEd, RDN, LD Community Health and Wellness Division Manager, Fort Bend County Health & Human Services
 

Why Join This Empowering Journey?

This unique cohort, part of Cities for Better Health - Houston, offers a powerful opportunity to:

  • Elevate Your Health Programs: Receive comprehensive training, dedicated support, and vital resources to significantly expand and deepen the effectiveness of your faith-based health programs.

  • Build Lasting Capacity: Measurably enhance your community's internal ability to lead and sustain health initiatives, focusing on overall health and well-being.

  • Empower Your Community: Equip your community to implement impactful health prevention strategies, helping to maintain health, foster well-being, and prevent or delay the onset and complications of chronic diseases.

  • Address Health Disparities: We prioritize communities facing health inequities, low health literacy, and limited healthcare access, ensuring our collective efforts reach those who need it most.

  • Forge Powerful Partnerships: Co-create a platform for effective collaborations with clinical providers, public health, and community organizations, strengthening your reach and impact.

  • Receive Financial Support: Participating faith communities will receive a $5,000 annual stipend to support their health programming efforts.

 
Faith communities often have more influence over the health and wellness decisions of their members than they realize.

The “Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, Healthy Faith Community” leadership program is a wonderful opportunity for faith groups to access resources and support to improve access to care and empower individuals to lead healthier lives.
— Kim Mabry, M.Div. Manager of Interfaith Engagement IM Houston (formerly Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston)
 

Ready to Make a Deeper Impact?

We are competitively selecting ten faith communities annually to be part of this impactful journey. If your faith community is ready to embrace a future of enhanced health and holistic well-being, we encourage you to learn more!

Application Deadline: August 15, 2025, 11:59 pm CT
Successful applicants will be announced in late August.


Join us at an Upcoming Information Session: 

Date: Tuesday, August 5, 2025
Time: 12:00 - 1:00 PM CT


Date: Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Time: 6:30 - 7:30 PM CT


Date: Saturday, August 9, 2025
Time: 10:00 - 11:00 AM CT


 

Together, let's cultivate healthy bodies, healthy minds, and healthy faith communities for all!

Get most of your questions answered here:


What to Expect: A Collaborative & Supportive Experience

Over two years (August 2025 – June 2027), your team will engage in an intensive, supportive journey, including:

  • Monthly Group Learning Sessions: Connect, share, and learn alongside other passionate faith communities.

  • One-on-One Technical and Consulting Assistance: Receive personalized guidance tailored to your community's unique needs.

  • Community Health Worker (CHW) Mobilization: Learn how to integrate and empower CHWs within your programs.

  • Experiential Learning & Field Trips: Gain practical insights and witness successful models in action.

  • Clinical Linkages & Resource Dissemination: Build crucial connections and access valuable health resources.