Nonprofit Mental Health Training
Nonprofit staff are the heart of every mission, yet the demands of the work often place them at risk for burnout, compassion fatigue, and stress. Our workshops are designed to address the realities of frontline service—equipping staff with tools to recognize mental health needs, care for themselves, and build resilience. By focusing on trauma-informed practices, cultural responsiveness, communication, and sustainable self-care, this program empowers nonprofit professionals to thrive personally while strengthening their ability to serve clients effectively and with compassion.
Behind every strong nonprofit is a team of caring and passionate staff who give their all to serve the community. However, even the most dedicated teams need support and care. Nonprofit Mental Health Training helps equip nonprofit professionals with the tools, resilience, care and knowledge they need to thrive, so they can continue making an impact where it matters most.
The program focuses on six major areas:
- Mental Health Foundations for Nonprofit Staff
- Burnout, Compassion Fatigue, and Vicarious Trauma
- Self-Care Beyond the Buzzword
- Trauma Informed Practices in Nonprofit Work
- Cultural Responsiveness & Inclusive Service Delivery
- Effective Communication & Conflict Management for Teams
Presented by Dr. Marisol De Jesus-Perez, Staff Psychologist
Dr. De Jesús-Pérez is a bilingual, bicultural Latina psychologist with over a decade of experience supporting high-risk children, adolescents, and families, with a special focus on immigrant communities and trauma recovery. She has provided services in major children’s hospitals, offering both therapy and bilingual psychological assessments for infants through adolescents, including youth with complex medical conditions. She has also served as a preschool mental health consultant and leads workshops for parents and community leaders. In addition to her clinical work, she is an ordained minister in the Free Methodist Church and helps equip church leaders to address pastoral care and counseling needs.
MENTAL HEALTH FOUNDATIONS FOR NONPROFIT STAFF
This session introduces staff to common mental health challenges they may encounter among clients and colleagues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and stress-related concerns. We will explore how mental health affects daily functioning and workplace dynamics, while highlighting the importance of reducing stigma within organizational culture.
Key Takeaways:
- Understand common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges
- Gain confidence in recognizing when to provide support or referrals
- Learn strategies to create a more open, supportive workplace culture
BURNOUT, COMPASSION FATIGUE, AND VICARIOUS TRAUMA
Nonprofit staff often carry the weight of their clients’ stories and struggles. This session helps staff identify signs of burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious trauma, while learning strategies to sustain their energy and passion for their work.
Key Takeaways:
- Identify early warning signs of burnout and compassion fatigue
- Understand the impact of vicarious trauma on staff well-being
- Build resilience through intentional practices and organizational supports
SELF-CARE BEYOND THE BUZZWORD
Self-care is more than spa days and coffee breaks—it’s a set of intentional, sustainable practices that keep staff healthy and effective. This session moves beyond the clichés to introduce evidence-based strategies for reducing stress, managing workload, and maintaining balance in high-demand environments.
Key Takeaways:
- Redefine self-care as a professional competency, not a luxury
- Explore practical techniques for physical, emotional, and social well-being
- Create an individualized self-care plan that fits real-life demands
TRAUMA INFORMED PRACTICES IN NONPROFIT WORK
This training introduces the principles of trauma-informed care and shows how they can be applied to nonprofit settings. Staff will learn how trauma impacts brain, behavior, and relationships, and how to adjust service delivery to ensure safety, empowerment, and trust for clients.
Key Takeaways:
- Define trauma-informed principles and their relevance in nonprofit work
- Recognize how trauma may show up in client interactions
- Apply practical strategies to create safer, more supportive environments
CULTURAL RESPONSIVENESS & INCLUSIVE SERVICE DELIVERY
Equitable service delivery requires understanding the cultural and systemic factors that shape client experiences. This session explores cultural humility, bias awareness, and strategies to create inclusive spaces that affirm and support diverse populations.
Key Takeaways:
- Define cultural humility and its role in client-centered care
- Increase awareness of implicit bias and its impact on service delivery
- Gain tools for building trust and respect across cultural differences
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION & CONFLICT MANAGEMENT FOR TEAMS
Strong communication skills are essential for collaboration, especially in high-stress nonprofit environments. This session equips staff with tools to communicate clearly, listen actively, and navigate conflict in healthy, productive ways.
Key Takeaways:
- Strengthen team communication through active listening and clarity
- Learn practical techniques for managing workplace conflict
- Build stronger, more collaborative staff relationships
Your staff deserve the same care and investment they pour into your community. By partnering with us, you’ll be equipping your team with practical tools to prevent burnout, foster resilience, and strengthen the impact of your mission. Together, we can create a healthier, more sustainable workforce that continues to serve with passion and purpose. Certification will be provided upon completion.