Question 1

Why the name Arms Stretched Wide?

Accepted Answer

It’s more than a name—it’s an invitation.
An invitation to live with arms stretched wide in praise, surrender, gratitude, and embrace.
An invitation to welcome others with love, compassion, and open hearts.
Most of all, it points to Jesus, whose arms were stretched wide on the cross—showing the greatest love the world has ever known.
That’s the heart of Arms Stretched Wide: living with open hearts, open hands, and open arms.

Question 2

Who do we serve?

Accepted Answer

ASW serves a wide range of individuals and communities who support or care for others, especially in underserved or rural areas. This includes church leaders, farmers, caregivers, educators, ministry teams, small business owners, and community members seeking emotional and relational health tools. If you are walking with someone who is hurting or if you are carrying the weight of others, ASW is here to support you.

Question 3

Where is Arms Stretched (ASW) located?

Accepted Answer

ASW is based in Amarillo, Texas, and serves the greater Texas Panhandle region, with a special focus on rural and underserved communities. We are actively working to expand into more areas as we see the need outside of the Texas Panhandle. We exist to build a bridge to care, especially in places where access to relational and mental health resources are limited or awareness is low.

Question 4

Do I need to travel to Amarillo, Texas, to participate in your services or training opportunities?

Accepted Answer

No. You don't need to come to Amarillo. We bring our services and training opportunities to your community. Our goal is to meet people where they are, making it easier to access support and resources wherever you are.

Question 5

Who can request a training or outreach event?

Accepted Answer

Any church, organization, business, community leader, or individual can request information about setting up a training or outreach event. Whether you're in a rural town, a church, or a corporate setting, we'll work with you to bring relational and mental health tools to your group.

Question 6

Do you provide counseling or coaching services?

Accepted Answer

No. ASW does not provide direct counseling or coaching services. Instead, our referral network connects individuals and communities to qualified providers. ASW has a licensed professional counselor on our executive staff who helps guide our approach with clinical insight. If you are looking for a counselor or a coach, we can help you connect with someone who fits your needs though our trusted network of providers and partners. 
ASW empowers and equips individuals, organizations, churches and communities with the skills to help others with mental health support and resources. 
If you are reaching out to get help, please see the attached decision map to assist you through the process.

Question 7

Does ASW offer faith-based services?

Accepted Answer

ASW provides both values-based and faith-informed training options, depending on the audience's needs and preferences. Our focus is on offering support and education that is respectful and relevant to a wide variety of settings. Everyone is welcome, regardless of their personal beliefs.

Question 8

How is ASW funded?

Accepted Answer

The majority of our support comes from generous individuals who believe in our mission. We are also funded by businesses, churches, bequests and grants. Operational funding helps sustain the heart of our work: building relationships, providing support to local leaders, creating educational resources, equipping volunteers, producing outreach materials, organizing community connections and maintaining responsive communication. These essential efforts ensure ASW can meet real needs, deepen community impact and expand access to care.

Question 9

What are mental health resources?

Accepted Answer

Mental health resources can include a wide range of tools, supports and services that help individuals better understand, manage and improve their emotional, psychological and relational well-being. This can involve access to professional referrals, educational materials, support groups, training events and community-based support that promote relational and mental health.

Question 10

What is the difference between mental health and mental illness?

Accepted Answer

Mental health refers to a person's overall emotional, psychological and relational well-being. It affects how we think, feel, relate to others and handle stress. Mental illness, on the other hand, refers to specific diagnosable conditions such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder that affect a person's thoughts, emotions or behavior. Good mental health doesn't mean the absence of mental illness and individuals living with mental illness can still experience mental well-being with proper support.

Question 11

How can I get involved?

Accepted Answer

There are many ways to help:
Become a donor or sponsor
Share about ASW in your church or workplace
Host a training event
Volunteer with outreach
Refer others who could benefit from our services

Question 12

Who will I be speaking to if I call your office?

Accepted Answer

You will be speaking with our Executive Directors of Programs & Innovation. She is trained and skilled in answering your mental health questions or concerns. Your information will be kept private and confidential.

Question 13

Are you a mental health crisis hotline?

Accepted Answer

No. If you are in a mental health crisis, we recommend that you go to your nearest hospital emergency room, call 911 or call 988 (suicide and crisis lifeline) if you are having suicidal thoughts or concerned about your safety or the safety of others.

Question 14

If I email or call your office, how long will it take for someone to respond?

Accepted Answer

We typically respond within 24 to 48 hours. Office hours are by appointment.

Question 15

How do I contact ASW?

Accepted Answer

Email: connect2asw@gmaill.com 
Office: 2001 S Polk St, Amarillo, TX 79109
Mailing Address: PO Box 545  Canyon, TX 79015
Phone: 806-437-1281
Website: www.armsstretchedwide.com

Frequently Asked Questions