Building resilience and strength through connection and community.
Knowledge is power, and at Native Strength, we are committed to empowering communities through education. Our community education initiatives provide valuable information on mental health, substance use, and overall wellness. By raising awareness and promoting understanding, we equip community members with the tools they need to support one another and foster a healthier, more resilient community.
Community Education
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We believe that accountability is key to personal and communal growth. Our programs emphasize the importance of mutual accountability, encouraging community members to support each other in maintaining wellness goals and making positive lifestyle choices. Through structured support systems, we help individuals stay on track and achieve lasting change.
Accountability
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At Native Strength, we understand the power of connection and shared experiences. Our peer support program trains community members to provide empathetic, relatable, and culturally sensitive support to those facing mental health and substance use challenges. By fostering a network of peers, we create a safe space where individuals can share their journeys and find strength in their community.
PEER Support
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Native Strength was created to equip communities to support one another through...
Pastor
John Holtz
God connects with us through Word and Sacrament. At that very same time – through those very same means - we connect with one another. Native Strength Network aspires to see more connections made as Native community members emerge as leaders, service providers, and helpers.
Founder Missionary Daniel Rautenberg
“Oftentimes when we’re going through a difficult time someone will tell us, “Be strong.” That’s
not always comforting. The truth is we don’t have enough strength on our own. But God does.
He is our strength. And when we connect to Him and connect with each other in a network we
are stronger together.”
Native Strength Network (NSN) seeks to address the mental health crisis in Native American communities by re-establishing peer recovery groups that offer culturally relevant support and foster community resilience. These groups will provide a safe space for individuals to share experiences, receive peer mentorship, and engage in activities that promote mental well-being. Additionally, NSN will offer community education on resilience, suicide prevention, and overall wellness.
Native American communities face unique challenges that significantly impact mental health, including historical trauma, social determinants of health, and the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. These challenges contribute to higher rates of mental health issues and substance use disorders compared to other populations.
NSN aims to address these issues through culturally tailored peer support and community education, leveraging the strengths of Native peoples and communal bonds to foster mental wellness.
However, Native communities HAVE STRUGGLED TO RECOVER IN MANY AREAS SINCE THE PANDEMIC.
