Bryce River Foundation to Host Soul Shop Training for Faith Leaders at First Baptist Church Westlake
Eight-Hour Workshop Equips Faith Leaders to Address Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Directly Within Their Communities
WESTLAKE, LA – The Bryce River Foundation will present Soul Shop for Faith Leaders, a comprehensive training program designed to equip faith leaders, staff, and lay leaders from all denominations to engage directly with congregants in conversations about depression, mental wellness, and suicidal ideation. The training will take place on Monday, March 2, 2026, from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM at First Baptist Church Westlake, located at 2617 Westwood Road, Westlake, LA 70669.
Soul Shop represents a transformative approach to mental health ministry, moving beyond traditional referral models to empower faith communities to address suicide prevention as a core aspect of their congregational life. The eight-hour workshop is built on the understanding that suicidal desperation stems primarily from loss of hope and loss of social connection—two areas where faith communities are uniquely positioned to make a difference.
"We believe that faith communities have untapped potential to be part of the public health solution to suicide," said Scott Waldrop, Executive Director of the Bryce River Foundation. "Rather than simply referring people elsewhere, this training equips church leadership with the tools and confidence to engage in these critical conversations themselves, creating truly soul-safe communities where no one loses hope and no one is alone."
The training addresses the reality that an estimated 6 percent of adults and 20 percent of youth are thinking about suicide at any given time. Participants will learn to recognize that suicidal desperation can affect anyone, regardless of their mental health history, and will gain practical skills for fostering compassionate responses within their faith communities.
Soul Shop challenges the common practice of treating suicide prevention solely as a mental health issue, instead recognizing the various life situations that contribute to desperation—including relationship challenges, financial stress, identity issues, illness, shame, and social isolation. The program emphasizes that many of these contributing factors are areas where faith communities already possess expertise and resources.
Training Registration Details:
Date: Monday, March 2, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: FBC Westlake, 2617 Westwood Road, Westlake, LA 70669
Cost: $35 per participant (includes participant book and lunch)
Registration: Visit bryceriverfoundation.org/soul-shop
Questions: Email info@bryceriverfoundation.org
The Bryce River Foundation presents this training to fulfill its mission of ending the stigma associated with open and compassionate conversations about suicide and mental health. The Soul Shop curriculum has been adapted for various contexts and communities across the United States and internationally, training faith leaders from all theological backgrounds united in their commitment to saving lives.
Participants will leave the workshop equipped with practical tools for creating what Soul Shop defines as "soul-safe communities"—congregations that address suicidal desperation as a regular aspect of their life and work, fostering environments where hope is maintained and meaningful connections are cultivated.
About Soul Shop Soul Shop is a national organization that equips faith leaders and congregations to minister to people impacted by suicide. Founded in the 1990s, Soul Shop has trained thousands of faith leaders across the United States and internationally, providing culturally adapted curricula for diverse communities and denominations.
About the Bryce River Foundation Bryce River Foundation is born from a family’s journey through suicide loss, and guided by hope and healing. We break the silence around mental health by encouraging open conversations and equipping our community with suicide prevention training. Through postvention programs, we stand alongside suicide loss survivors and their families. By forging partnerships with coalitions, professionals, and organizations, we ensure no one walks their path alone—and empower everyone to ask for help. Learn more at: bryceriverfoundation.org.
We can all help prevent suicide. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States. Call or text 988 for help.
Media Contact:
Scott Waldrop, BRF Executive Director
info@bryceriverfoundation.org
337.302.4938
bryceriverfoundation.org