Mar. 29, 2012
12:00 pm - Faith Community Nurse Networking Coalition Meeting, Palm Healthcare Pavilion, 5205 Greenwood Ave. , West Palm Beach

April 20, 2012
Annual Faith Community Nurse Awards Luncheon  click here for FCN Nomination Form

June 18-22, 2012
Faith Community Nurse Basic Preparation Curriculum Retreat, Delray Beach, FL

Read Articles on Faith- Based Nursing

Interfaith Health and Wellness Association (IHWA) provides support and education for registered nurses who are serving our community through their affiliation with churches, synagogues, mosques and other faith-based initiatives.

Taking a holistic approach to wellness--focusing on the body, mind and spirit--Faith Community Nursing practice, also known as Parish Nursing, provides critical health promotion and maintenance within the context of the values, beliefs and practices of a faith community, and healthcare assistance by assisting individuals who might not be receiving the care they need.

Interfaith Health and Wellness Association was conceived through the efforts of three partnering Palm Beach County foundation personnel who sought a solution to a perceived need – support for faith-based nursing practice. After initial strategic planning, underwritten by the Community Foundation of Palm Beach and Martin Counties, Mary Cleary (President of the Board of Directors) led the efforts to establish Interfaith Health & Wellness Association as a 501(c)(3) organization. 

The organization was initially incorporated on June 23, 2003. Under the direction of the founding Board of Directors - Martha Alligood, Abbi Bentz, Gae Faraone, Marge Sulllivan and Terri Touhy- the organization moved quickly to establish itself as a positive force within Palm Beach County.  On September 1, 2006, the organization became a program of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm Beach, Inc. which expanded outreach to five counties in Florida.  Since beginning, the Advisory Board of Directors has expanded; Faith Community Nurse Basic Preparation curriculum retreats have been held; parish nurses programs have been established; and an expanded strategic plan has been initiated through the organization’s vision and mission statements.

Vision

IHWA envisions faith-based communities where all individuals, across boundaries and diverse populations, have access to healthcare and basic support services, irrespective of religious affiliation, age or income, with the outcome of physical, mental and spiritual health that ultimately embraces individual and community wellness.  

Mission

Interfaith Health & Wellness Association (IHWA) is committed to the support and education of registered nurses who serve their congregations and communities, by promoting care of the body, mind and spirit for healing and wellness.  Catholic Charities, inspired by God's love for all, serves people in need, advocates for justice, and collaborates with others to build just, compassionate communities.

SUPPORT

• community referral services
• information on funding resources
• program development information and mentoring for Faith Community Nursing practice
• library of resources related to the community and faith-based nursing practice
• a network within Palm Beach County for practicing Faith Community Nurses to communicate

• surveying needs
• offering the Faith Community Nurse “Basic Preparation” curriculum to registered nurses
• offering conferences, workshops and seminars on area-specific topics of faith-based nursing practice

IHWA Services

• Assessment for initiating or continuing a Faith Community Nursing practice
• Resource Center Library 
• Guidance and support for the nurse through a mentoring network
• Networking meetings for nurses that provide:
  • Sharing of information
  • Best practices
  • Support forums for professional speakers & discussion 
• Communication materials offering:
  • Up-to-date faith based nursing practice
  • Meetings, retreats, networking opportunities
  • the Faith Community Nurse Basic Preparation Course
  • Educational workshops & seminars
• Educational programs & materials for nurses, volunteers, clients/families, clergy and the general public
• Community relations programs that assist in building awareness and understanding of faith-based nursing practice
• Support in financial development
• Recruitment assistance for both nurses and volunteers

Sources of funding