423: If the Ensign Peak Fund isn't Your Donation Destination of Choice...

Send us a Positive Review!In this episode Valerie introduces you to Mark Crego, fellow Latter-day Saint seeker, whose own many-decades-long faith journey led him to create a not-for-profit organization to help those in faith crisis in the LDS church get the resources they need.  In the episode Mark's passion to help others is fueled by the memory of being a young man with questions and nowhere to take them and no community to normalize (or even celebrate) his growth.  Those who do not have resources or a supportive community while on the LDS faith journey often suffer from mental health issues, relationship distress, isolation, and shame.  Learn how to be a part of a movement that makes sure that NO ONE experiences their most vulnerable spiritual awakening moments alone and concurrently supports professionals who have devoted their careers to creating communities of healing for the Latter-day Saint seeker.Timestamps:00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 01:43 Mark’s Faith Journey Origins 04:00 Why Faith Journey Foundation Exists 05:22 Susan Hinkley and Related Projects06:11 Valerie on Normalizing Faith Growth 10:20 Finding Neutral Support Beyond Church Systems 15:40 Faith Crisis as Identity Formation 18:59 How Valerie and Mark Met 19:18 Valerie's Origin Story with Latter Day Struggles23:20 The Miracle of Finding Faith Journey Foundation26:52 Scholarships and How to Get Help 30:54 Funding Model and Supported Projects 35:20 Sustainable Care and Paying Professionals 37:01 Other Communities and Projects FJF Supports38:28 Valerie on Criticism of Paid Faith Work40:14 Compassion Doesn't Mean Free Labor44:14 Closing Invitation and Final ThoughtsSupport the showSupport the showListen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODESFriday Episodes Annual Access $89Friday Episodes Monthly Access $10Valerie’s Support & Processing GroupsGift a ScholarshipDownload Free ResourcesVisit our Website