Doretha Williams is a preacher, pastor, activist, mental health advocate and
collaborator. She is the Senior Pastor and Executive Director of A Church For All, MCC
in North Highlands (suburb of Sacramento CA), ordained clergy and serves as a
thought leader to local government and community based organizations.
In 2020, she concluded a four-year post as President and CEO of the California Black
Health Network, a statewide legislative advocacy organization where she led the
development of a Black Health Agenda for African Americans to reduce health
disparities across the state.
Rev. Williams has witnessed the impact of trauma experienced by individuals marginalized by discrimination, racism, homophobia, transphobia, sexism, poverty, crime, violence, homelessness and mental illness. As ordained clergy, called to nurture communities toward healing and recovery, she has walked along side these individuals; she has been transformed by their testimonies and tutored on what it takes to: navigate services, raise community awareness. and advocate on behalf of those unable to do so for themselves.
MY MINISTRIES
The Ripple Effect launched in 2015 by A Church For All (ACFA) ; The Ripple Effect, a mental health respite center which provides support to individuals suffering from an emotional or mental health crisis. It is run by people who have lived experience with mental health challenges that impact the heart and the psyche; they understand what it takes to engage in recovery and how stick with it. The Ripple Effect serves over 700 individuals a year offering shelter, food, resource referral, counseling, street outreach and transportation. During the height of the pandemic, when churches closed, this program remained open offering support to people in need.
“The Ripple Effect, our response to the mental health needs of those in the pews and the community that surrounds them.”
ACFA expanded services in 2019, to include The Living Room, an African American Suicide Prevention Project . This program began with a community needs assessment allowing individuals who would potentially be served to shape the outcomes and strategies relevant to where and how they live their lives. It is also peer run and provides counseling, crisis intervention, linkages to mental health services and community training that enhances the community’s ability to serve as first responders during a mental health crisis.
ACFA’s programs are funded through individual donations and the Sacramento County Department of Behavioral Health Services, Mental Health Services Administration Fund (MHSA). This is a unique strategy that helps to support the vision and mission of A Church For All.
“My best work inspires change and rebuilds systems that shape policy, improves service delivery, and enhances the everyday experiences of people living in the thick of it…”
Doretha Williams has influenced the vision and expanded the purpose of every organization she has touched, resulting in more resilient staff and effective policies and interventions. Her influence has forced organizations to become more relevant to the communities they serve, integrating their influence at both the micro and macro levels, creating opportunities for cross collaboration with new partners, resulting in more powerful outcomes.
Below are just a few of the organizations Rev. Williams has served:
President/CEO of California Black Health Network
Chief Operations Officer, California Institute of Behavioral Health Solutions
Program Director for The California Medical Association Foundation
CEO of Lyon Martin Women’s Health Services
CEO of AIDS Project East Bay
“I believe in the power of relationships.”
At the heart of consulting is the ability to blend the vision of the client with innovative, relevant strategies that stretch the goals and energizes those served.”
Throughout her career, Doretha Williams has collaborated with leaders and
organizations to improve cultural competence, local and statewide HIV/AIDS initiatives, mental health, and primary medical care services, as well as policies and legislative initiatives. Her portfolio includes expertise in the provision of statewide technical assistance training programs, strategic planning, fiscal oversight and management, human resources, which includes recruitment, retention, staff supervision and training.
She is also a professional grant writer and fund development consultant.
“I am grateful for a family who tolerates the late nights and missed birthday parties for the greater good. I am proud to be the mother and grandmother of the next generation of powerful change makers.”
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