The Garnet F. Coleman "Eternal Flame" Award
This award is given to commend the continuous support of Health and Human Services for citizens of Texas in honor of Texas State Representative Garnet F. Coleman. The lifelong contributions of Representative Coleman have kept mental health issues and other related health disparities on the forefront in the State of Texas and on a national level.
Ashton G. Cumberbatch, Jr.
Ashton G. Cumberbatch, Jr. is the Vice President of Advocacy and Community Relations for Seton Family of Hospitals. Mr. Cumberbatch also provides counsel at Cumberbatch & Associates, where he focuses on employment law and mediation. Prior to joining Seton, Mr. Cumberbatch served as Police Monitor for the City of Austin and was a partner in the law firm of McGinnis, Lochridge & Kilgore, L.L.P. A long-time supporter of the CTAAFSC, Mr. Cumberbatch has been heavily involved with his community in a variety of ways. As an associate pastor at Agape Christian Ministries and at Austin Bridge Builders Alliance, he works directly on initiatives that influence the community to break down cultural and religious barriers. He is one of the co-authors of the Austin Pastoral Covenant for Racial Reconciliation and the Commitment to Racial Reconciliation. Mr. Cumberbatch has been a board member for more than 20 organizations in his career and encompasses the greatness that this award recognizes.
The "Griot" Award
The “Griot” Award is given to honor individual journalists and media institutions in Central Texas that utilize journalism to improve and promote the importance of mental health and health related disparities in the African American community.
Damita Miller-Shanklin
Damita Miller-Shanklin was born and raised in Austin, Texas. A graduate of John H. Reagan High School, she went on to pursue a B.A. in Social Work from St. Edwards University. Ms. Miller-Shanklin was employed by Austin Travis County Integral Care (ATCMHMR’s new brand) for 17 years as a Service Coordinator Supervisor in the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities division. She is the founder and publisher of Ujima Magazine, a prominent local publication that enriches the lives of African Americans through education and resources. Ms. Miller-Shanklin has been a major supporter of the CTAAFSC. She is married and has three dogs, Solomon, Tanner and Mia.
The "Spirit" Award
The “Spirit” Award honors African American faith-based organizations and initiatives that embrace, practice and demonstrate the importance of mental health, substance use, developmental and physical health education and intervention.
Samuel Price
Samuel Price founded the Black Faith-Based Health Initiative, which strives to increase awareness and build capacity in the African American community by addressing issues about HIV/AIDS and other serious health disparities. Mr. Price believes the church is a trusted source for information among the African American community and created ways to educate and motivate individuals about health issues in many faith-based communities. Through his experience as a disease investigator, he learned prevention is imperative. Today, the Black Faith-Based Health Initiative continues to offer support and resources to hundreds of pastors and ministers and congregations. In total, they have assisted more than 5,000 African Americans through community health fairs, public events and mobile testing centers. The principles set forth by Mr. Price have helped spread important information and have developed into model examples of federal public health policy.
The Richard E. Hopkins "Torch" Awards
The Richard E. Hopkins “Torch” Awards are given in four categories: Consumer, Professional, Family Member, and Community Leader to acknowledge individuals’ efforts to improve the lives of persons affected by mental health or other health related issues within the Central Texas community. The “Torch” Awards are named in honor of ATCIC Board of Trustees Vice-Chair, Richard E. Hopkins, one of the CTAAFSC founders.
Torch Consumer Award – Pamela McCarthur
Pamela McCarthur is living testimony of how persistence and determination can make a difference. After battling drugs, serving time in jail and being estranged from her loved ones, Ms. McCarthur realized things had to change. Knowing the road ahead would be difficult, she relied on the support of community advocates, friends and family. Now a tireless advocate, Ms. McCarthur learned to understand her illness and how to use it to help others at the Self Help and Advocacy Center, where she received tremendous motivation from staff and friends. Today she shares a beautiful home with her son, has been steadily employed for over a year and continues to motivate others. In her words, "Today I walk with my head up; my shame is now assurance. I used to believe I was nothing, no one. But now I believe I am something, I am someone. I'm a daughter, a sister, a mother. But most of all I'm Pamela McCarthur, certified peer specialist (CPS)."
Torch Family Member Award – Georgia Hartman
Georgia Hartman has spent a lifetime caring for her loved ones. The youngest of nine children, Ms. Hartman has been caring for her sister Blanche since she was a little girl. As a young child, she remembers taking her sister to school, protecting Blanche from “bullies” and hurtful comments. Blanche had her first “break down” at the age of 18 and since then, has continued to struggle with mental illness. Ms. Hartman works daily to make sure Blanche is cared for and is committed to helping her with finances, housing and guiding her to an independent life. Ms. Hartman is very involved with her church. She is the president of the Usher’s Board, a Sunday school teacher and still drives the church van. She attends church with her nine grandchildren and says her life is blessed and full. Those who know her say she is an inspiration to families, never complains about her work and has provided the love and support her sister has needed all her life.
Torch Professional Award – Judge David Crain
Judge David Crain has presided over criminal cases as judge of Travis County Court-at-Law #3 for almost 20 years. He is widely respected for his hard work, efficiency and fairness. He pioneered and presides over Travis County’s misdemeanor mental-health docket, through which many mentally-ill offenders get treatment that helps them learn how to lead productive, law-abiding lives. As the Administrative Judge of the Travis County courts, Judge Crain helped establish Travis County’s Driving While Intoxicated Court. Committed to both public safety and justice, Judge Crain is esteemed by defense and prosecution alike. He has presided over hundreds of jury trials and continues to be a source of professionalism and leadership for our community.
Torch Community Leader Award – Willie Williams
Willie Williams is the Liaison and Contract Manager for the City of
