Established in 2022, The Rev. Dr. George M. Clifford Pastoral Care Assistance Fund subsidizes mental health counseling for clergy and lay ministers with limited financial resources.
The Fund is named in honor of The Rev. Dr. George M. Clifford, who served as President of Samaritan Counseling Center of Hawaii’s Board of Directors from 2018-2022. He is an Episcopal priest who served twenty-four years as an active duty U.S. Navy chaplain, retiring at end of 2005 with the rank of Captain. Assignments included duty at Marine Corps’ Officer Candidates School, the Naval Academy, the Naval Postgraduate School, the staff of the Chief of Chaplains, Pearl Harbor (twice), at sea, and two years in London on exchange with the British Royal Navy. In retirement, he has served as an interim and supply priest, coached/mentored clergy, taught at the Naval Postgraduate School as a Visiting Professor of Ethics and Public Policy, and volunteered as a mediator for the Mediation Center of the Pacific.
“The Rev. Dr. Clifford has truly been a blessing to the Center, and I am honored to have worked along-side him,” says The Rev. Dr. Bert Sumikawa, Interim President of the Board of Directors of Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai‘i. “Under his leadership, the Center established the Jolene Gerell Memorial Endowment Fund, created a fully-funded three-month Operating Reserve, increased Board membership and diversity, and embodied the love and service of the Good Samaritan.”
Why was the Pastoral Care Assistance Fund created? Many pastors believe that self-care is selfish, and may not take the time or have the financial resources to take care of their mental, emotional, and spiritual needs. Half of church leaders are not finding time for personal spiritual development, according to Barna’s 2022 State of the Church report; 70% of pastors do not feel well-equipped to help congregants deal with matters of mental or emotional health; and 38% of pastors indicate they have considered quitting full-time ministry within the past year, according to Barna’s State of Pastors 2021.
Who is eligible? Clergy and lay ministers may be eligible for the Pastoral Care Assistance Fund if they are uninsured, under-insured, low-income, or elderly. Subsidies are also available if their health plan will not cover counseling services or if they cannot afford sliding scale fees, high deductibles, or high copays.
What services are provided? Individuals and families will be offered an initial 6 (six) 50-minute sessions with a licensed, professional counselor. Additional sessions may be offered based upon need and availability of funds.
Is there a copay? To be an active participant in their care, we encourage people to pay an amount they can afford. This will help replenish the Pastoral Care Assistance Fund and ensure that more people can receive mental health care.
How is the Pastoral Care Assistance Fund funded? The Fund is supported by donations from individuals, churches and temples, organizations, community fundraising campaigns, and grants.
To make a donation to The Rev. Dr. George M. Clifford Pastoral Care Assistance Fund, visit www.samaritancounselingcenterhawaii.org/giving.
For more information and to schedule an appointment, please call us at 808-545-2740.
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