Why Attend? Uplift Communities is designed to support churches and faith communities in helping people struggling with Mental Health & Substance Misuse.
Who Should Attend? This event is ideal for pastors, lay leaders, youth leaders, Sunday School teachers, and those involved in women’s or men’s ministries.
What to Expect? Uplift will feature local resources and presentations on mental health and recovery to equip you with practical tools for serving your community.
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Dale Tompkins
Dr. Dale Tompkins is the Lead Pastor of Church on The Way in Lake City, Florida, where he has served for more than two decades, leading people toward spiritual growth, personal transformation, and community impact. A native of Lake City, Pastor Dale is deeply committed to serving his community and helping individuals and organizations thrive through faith-based leadership, counseling, and coaching. [minorprophet.com], [linkedin.com]
In addition to his pastoral ministry, Dr. Tompkins serves as Executive Director of ShiftForward, Inc. and is a Certified Biblical Counselor. He holds advanced theological and counseling degrees, including a Doctor of Educational Ministry degree from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Throughout his career, he has been a sought-after speaker known for his engaging, practical, and encouraging presentations that inspire personal and professional growth. [linkedin.com], [daletompkins.com], [daletompkins.com]
Attendees may recognize Dr. Tompkins from previous Uplift events, where he shared practical strategies for building resilience, embracing change, and moving forward with purpose. Drawing from his experience as a pastor, counselor, coach, and community leader, he brings a unique blend of wisdom, authenticity, and encouragement that equips audiences to navigate challenges and lead with confidence. [daletompkins.com], [daletompkins.com]
Speaker: Sarah Schulmeister
After facing unimaginable trauma—including domestic violence, addiction, and a near-death experience where she was shot and left fighting for her life—Sarah cried out to God with everything she had. What happened next is nothing short of a miracle. From flatlining twice to surviving against all odds, her story doesn’t end in pain—it begins there. Through prison, loss, and rebuilding from the ground up, God continued to pursue her. Today, Sarah is walking in healing, purpose, and faith, proving that no life is too far gone for redemption. ✨ “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” – Romans 8:28 This is more than a story of survival—it’s a story of transformation, restoration, and hope. If you’ve ever felt broken, lost, or beyond saving, this testimony is for you.
Trainer: Samantha Lawson Davis
Training: Responding In Crisis: Narcan, De-escalation, and Youth Homelessness – 1pm
Samantha Lawson Davis is a seasoned behavioral health leader with more than 20 years of experience in training, workforce development, and organizational leadership. As Senior Director of the International Training Academy of Excellence at LSF Health Systems, she leads the development of evidence-based, trauma-informed training programs that strengthen Florida’s behavioral health workforce. She holds advanced degrees in Organizational Leadership, Industrial Psychology, and Business Administration and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education at the University of Florida. A certified instructor in crisis intervention, suicide prevention, de-escalation, and Mental Health First Aid, Samantha is recognized for building collaborative training networks, advancing workforce excellence, and improving systems of care through education, innovation, and advocacy.
Your investment in Uplift Communities goes directly to serving the people of Hamilton, Suwannee, and Lafayette Counties — funding event production, speaker honoraria, resource materials, and the follow-up outreach that connects attendees to ongoing care. Every level of support is honored and meaningful.
Powerful partners came together in Suwannee and Hamilton County to host the Uplift Suwannee Hamilton event on July 25th. The event was held at the fun and dynamic rec room of Melody Christian School in Live Oak. A big thank you to Greg and Laura Player of Recovery Church and Chrissy and Nick Polovich of Mountains to the Sea Ministries for all their help and dedication to setting up, prepping, cleaning up, inviting so many partners and faith leaders in the community, and praying for the Lord to have his way. Also, a big thank you to the planning team and Jarred Pfeffer and Natalie Hebison for their help. Lastly, not to forget our sponsors that made everything so nice for the day; The Suwannee Valley Community Foundation for our BBQ lunches, Hamilton Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention Coalition for breakfast, Circle of Life for our handy swag bags, Recovery Church for drinks for all day, Arise Coffee for our caffeine, and Living Well Therapy for our door prizes.
During the event, we heard from powerful presenters like Pastor Eliut Alicea from St Augustine who talked about the Intersection of Faith & Mental Health; he shared how we as the church can support and assist those with mental health needs. He pointed out, many times we have people in our congregations who are licensed and trained to help in these situations, or are retired from the field and willing to lend a hand. Zach Zedar from Canvas Church Alachua shared his personal recovery story and how his faith and the church played a role in his journey. He now runs a recovery ministry at Canvas Church and shared how to start a similar ministry at your church. We also heard from great programs, ministries, and resources in the community like Recovery Church, The Pregnancy Center, Embrace Grace Ministry, Care Portal, and Living Hope. Lastly, the day was ended with an Adverse Childhood Experiences Training from LSF Health Systems. Uplift Communities is proving to be a blessing to each community it is activated in.
Here’s what others are saying:
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- What a wonderful and uplifting event! We walked away with new information, new friendships, and a strong desire to be involved and available to other organizations within our communities. Thank you so much for inviting us and giving us the opportunity to share. Together, making a difference.
- Engaging speakers, interesting topics, great tools and programs to learn about, good networking with people in the community.
- Overall, I just loved this event, strengths were God first, everything really ran smoothly, connection in the entire event with everyone.
