McDonald Hope Ministries

I was one of four children blessed to be raised by both  biological parents. My parents met in the local church, courted, and were married in the church. However, when my father was in his late twenties, he started showing symptoms of sickness. His behavior changed drastically and in ways I could not comprehend. My father did not drink or use drugs. Something more sinister was changing him from the  inside out. My most vivid memory was seeing him urinate in  the middle of the living room floor. These were  not symptoms related to physical disease. My dad began  showing symptoms of schizophrenia. 

If he had suffered physical symptoms in our African American faith-based community, those surrounding him would have rushed to support him. But when the mind  becomes unwell and behaviors are affected, the common reaction is rejection. The church who championed healing in so many other instances demonized my father’s affliction. Without ever hearing the term, I witnessed and became a  participant of implicit bias. Implicit bias not only affects how certain people are perceived, policed, treated as patients, or taught as students. It also affects how we  pray for and come to the aid of others. 

Bias further victimizes the victim. I was no more than four years of age when  my social conditioning began to be established. As a child I believed what was assumed by the adults I trusted—that my dad was evil. In reality, my dad had no more control over his sickness than a cancer patient does theirs. No one wakes up and says, “I want to be lonely, homeless, addicted, marginalized, or depressed.” Certainly no one  rises in the morning to a fresh cup of coffee and says, “I  want to exhibit extremely bizarre behavior.”

I learned my father had several Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) which put him at greater  risk for a mental health disorder. The greater the number of ACEs, the  greater the likelihood of physical, educational, economic,  emotional, behavioral, and social problems. And yet, through longsuffering, my dad still holds onto his faith.  Yes, a man with schizophrenia and a man of faith. Just as there are people of faith with diabetes, addictions, in poverty, or wealthy, there  are people of faith with various mental health disorders. The man I vilified is still living and enjoying life in spite of every adverse childhood experience, current illness, and past rejection. He still suffers, especially when he does not take his prescribed medication. However, daily he fights, desires to be loved, and shows his love for his family. 

McDonald Hope Ministries was created to bring mental health awareness to those suffering from mental illness and their families.  We are committed to empowering individuals through education, fostering resilience, and breaking down the barriers surrounding mental health. At McDonald Hope Ministries, we believe in the power of education, support, and community to address mental health issues. Together, we strive to create a world where mental health is openly discussed, understood and supported.