Building Connection: Beloved Community Coalition Confronts Loneliness Epidemic

Last year, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy declared loneliness and social isolation an epidemic in the United States, with nearly half of U.S. adults experiencing significant loneliness. As face-to-face interactions with family, friends, and neighbors decline, the impact on our mental, physical, and social health continues to grow.

On July 17, Community Advocates of Northern Indiana (CANI) hosted this quarter’s Beloved Community Coalition Meeting to confront this challenge head-on. The coalition, rooted in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s philosophy of justice, love, and belonging, brings together faith leaders and community advocates to address issues like loneliness through compassion, resources, and collective action.

The meeting opened with a personal testimony from Rev. James Williams Sr. of Beulah Missionary Baptist Church, who shared his journey of losing over 140 pounds to reclaim his health. “We have to sustain ourselves spiritually, physically, and emotionally,” Williams said. “When we do that, we can do more, do better, and inspire change to help others as well.”

This quarter’s discussion highlighted CANI’s partnership with Indiana University Health’s Congregational Care Network—a program that helps churches build networks of support to address social isolation. Dr. Jay Foster, Vice President of Spiritual Care for IU Health, emphasized the health risks of loneliness, equating its impact to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. “We wanted to engage the community,” Foster said, “to see if there’s a need to help people in Gary who are isolated or lonely and to show the connection between their health and spirituality.”

Dr. Lynel Beaty, Director of the Congregational Care Network, shared how local congregations play a vital role in this mission. Volunteers, called connectors, receive companion training to walk alongside individuals facing social isolation. “It’s not about giving advice,” Beaty explained. “It’s about listening—being a steady presence so that someone feels heard and understood. Sometimes, the power of simply being there is enough.”

As Beaty and Foster reminded attendees, “Nothing is more healing than to receive the full attention of another human being.” This simple yet profound truth underscores the Coalition’s work: fostering connection, listening deeply, and ensuring no one feels invisible.

CANI remains committed to building a unified, welcoming, and inclusive community where every individual feels seen, supported, and valued. Events like the Beloved Community Coalition Meeting are a living example of that mission—because in this community, you aren’t just a number.

Interested in joining the Beloved Community Colaition?

Email info@canihelp.org.in to join!