Central Texas African American Family Support Conference

The tenth anniversary of the Central Texas African American Family Support Conference (CTAAFSC) was the largest to date, drawing more than 650 attendees, presenters, volunteers, community leaders and exhibitors at the free two-day event!

Attendees heard from three nationally-recognized speakers: Nancy Carter, Dr. Rahn Bailey and Jennifer Ayers-Moore. On Thursday, Carter spoke candidly about her personal journey with her son who lives with a mental illness and the cultural, racial and ethnic complications they have faced. Bailey began the day on Friday by providing a comprehensive overview of behavioral health risk-management strategies for the African American community. Moore followed with a profoundly touching account of her experience living with her brother Nathaniel, whose story was portrayed in the film “The Soloist.” Her openness and experiences lifted spirits in the room and helped end the conference on Friday afternoon.

Also featured, was the premiere of the CTAAFSC Commemorative Video, produced by an award-winning Austin production company, Arts + Labor, who graciously committed their time to create this special film. Special highlights included Pastor A.J. Quinton’s powerfully moving testimony on the cultural stigma of mental health. Beautiful luncheon performances featured jazz vocalist Pamela Hart and the Travis County Honor Choir. Thirteen workshop sessions were offered, which included a youth panel and ranged in topics from depression, eHealth online training, faith-based communities and personal recovery. Click here to view session presentations.

Especially moving were the award ceremonies, where recipients were honored for their leadership, encouragement and advocacy in the community in the following categories presented by Reverand Callahan, Rep. Garnette Coleman and Diane Hopkins in honor of her husband, Richard Hopkins, ATCIC vice chair (click here for full award descriptions):

The Garnet F. Coleman "Eternal Flame" Award

• Ashton G. Cumberbatch, Jr., Seton Family of Hospitals

Richard E. Hopkins "Torch” Awards

• Willie Williams,  Community Leader Award;
• Pamela McCarthur, Consumer Award;
• Georgia Hartman, Family Member Award; and
• Judge David Crain, Professional Award

Other Categories

• Griot Award for Media and Communications: Damita Miller-Shanklin, Ujima Magazine
• Spirit Award for Faith-Based Initiatives: Samuel Price, Black Faith-Based Health Initiative

The CTAAFSC garnered national attention from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) as a 2010 grant recipient and from the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare with the Excellence in Consumer and Family Advocacy Award.

The 2010 CTAAFSC was hosted by Austin Travis County Integral Care (ATCIC) and sponsored by partners including the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), New Milestones Foundation, the Office for the Elimination of Health Disparities, Seton Family of Hospitals, Mr. & Mrs. Willie Williams and The Wood Group.

ATCIC’s Board of Trustees has maintained their commitment, as a local mental health authority, to provide resources and support the continued success of this conference. Many thanks to the CTAAFSC volunteer planning committee who dedicate their time and energy on planning this event. We look forward to planning for next year and thank each of you who attended this year’s conference. To view conference photos, click here.

A special thanks  to community supporters who provided in-kind and various other contributions for the conference: African American Chamber of Commerce, Agape Baptist Church, American Academy of Crisis Counseling, Any Baby Can, Arts + Labor, ATCIC Consumer Council, Austin Area Mental Health Consumers, City of Austin, Ginny’s Printing, Hogg Foundation for Mental Health, KAZI 88.7 FM, National Alliance on Mental Illness, Soulciti.com, Texas Dept. of Aging and Disability Services, Texas Dept. of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services, Texas Dept. of Family and Protective Services, Texas Dept. of Insurance, Texas Dept. of State Health Services, Travis County Health and Human Services & Veterans Services, Ujima Magazine.

Check back soon for information about the 2011 CTAAFSC!