On March 25th, the St. Augustine Mental Health Ministry had the privilege of hosting Karen and Katie Kiely in the parish center for a profoundly moving evening. The event drew a capacity crowd of over 80 attendees, all gathered to hear a presentation titled, “Hope: The Journey Through Mental Illness and Substance Abuse to Mental Wellness.”
The atmosphere in the room was one of deep reflection as this mother-and-daughter duo shared their riveting personal history. Their message was characterized by a rare level of transparency, tackling the complexities of mental health and addiction with refreshing honesty. By shedding light on their private struggles, they provided a roadmap for others navigating similar paths toward recovery and stability.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Karen and Katie Kiely for their vulnerability and for taking the time to share such an intimate story. Their journey serves as a powerful reminder that while the road to mental wellness can be long, it is never one that has to be walked alone.
St. Augustine’s Mental Health Ministry was formed to serve those facing mental health challenges as well as their caregivers. We do this with compassion, support, education and spiritual accompaniment. We will work together to promote the reduction of mental illness stigma.