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Awards

Do you know someone who is working hard to improve the health and well-being of our community?

Each year, the Central Texas African American Family Support Conference (CTAAFSC) presents several awards honoring persons with lived experience of mental health issues, substance use challenges, and intellectual and developmental disabilities in our community. The CTAAFSC awards recognize family members, professionals, and community leaders who are making a difference for people living with mental health issues, substance use challenges, and intellectual and developmental disabilities in our community.

Review each award below and find submission information in each section.

 

Garnet F. Coleman 'Eternal Flame' Award

The Garnet F. Coleman 'Eternal Flame' Award was created to honor Texas State Representative Garnet F. Coleman. The award acknowledges his lifelong local and national work as well as achievements in health and human services. Nominees will be judged on the following three criteria: Involvement in state, local government and community - May be employed by any governmental entity - May be active in local community affairs in the Central Texas area - Is a highly respected person in the community - Volunteers or has volunteered on a board or in the community - Demonstrates commitment and dedication to the African American community Committed to expanding health care access to all - Has changed attitudes about the value of contributions made by people with disabilities - Develops new and exciting activities that draw community interest and participation - Acts as a team player and encourages teamwork in others Works to reduce health disparities in mental health - Advocates for mental health and wellness in the Central Texas area - Shares their knowledge and skills to promote the positive welfare of others with mental health issues. - Serves on committees that promote mental wellness in our community. - Has created an original idea or adapted an existing program, which resulted in a long-term benefit to African Americans.

Richard E. Hopkins 'Torch' Awards

The Richard E. Hopkins “Torch Award” acknowledges an individual who works to improve the lives of individuals living with mental health or other health-related issues. The individual must work within the Central Texas community. This award honors the work and advocacy of Richard E. Hopkins. Mr. Hopkins is a longtime conference supporter and past vice-chair of the Integral Care Board of Trustees. Individuals can be nominated in the following categories: Person with Lived Experience: An individual living with a mental health issue, substance use challenges, or intellectual and/or developmental disability. They work to help others affected by similar issues. Family Member: An individual with a family member or friend living with a mental health issue, substance use challenges, or intellectual and/or developmental disability. They advocate or work to help everyone living with these issues, other health challenges, or disparities. Professional: A clinician, social worker, or other individuals. They work professionally to raise awareness and help everyone living with these issues, other health challenges, or disparities. Community Leader: An elected official, faith leader or other community leader. They use their position to help everyone living with these issues, other health challenges, or disparities. Nominees will be judged on the following three criteria: Advocate Fosters the mission of people with lived experiences of mental health issues Fights for the rights of people living with mental health issues through planning, participating or presenting in health-related areas in the Austin community. A known supporter of the Central Texas African American Family Support Conference. Demonstrates wisdom, courage, and compassion. Determined A courageous leader who is an ambassador for mental health Willing to make decisions based on community values Skills that may affect individuals living with mental health issues and their families Works well with individuals with mental health issues. Identifies and develops ways to yield positive results for this conference Role Model Serves as a positive source of inspiration for the African American community Demonstrates a high commitment to ethics A trustworthy person in the community Knowledgeable about the needs of individuals living with mental health issues.

Community Champion Award

The Community Champion Award recognizes individuals or organizations invested in the health and wellness of African Americans in Central Texas, particularly, people living with mental health challenges, SUD and IDD in any of the following areas: 

  • strengthening the health and well-being of African Americans
  • improving conditions for and attitudes toward mental health, SUD and IDD
  • offering culturally-relevant education and awareness opportunities

The Community Champion Award is sponsored by The Austin Area Mental Health Consumers, Inc., a peer-run non-profit located at the Self Help Advocacy Center (AMHC).

The RR Coleman-Calahan Scholarship

The RR Coleman-Calahan Scholarship is provided to individuals or family members with lived experience of mental health, substance use, and intellectual and developmental challenges who would like to attend the Central Texas African American Family Support Conference. The 2023 RR Coleman-Calahan Scholarship will sponsor an individual with lived experience in mental health, substance use, and intellectual and developmental challenges to attend CTAAFSC. This Scholarship is presented on behalf of the Rev. H. Ed Calahan Family.

Stephany June Bryan Scholarship

The Hogg Foundation for Mental Health is offering two $5,000 scholarships, in honor of Stephany June Bryan, to support the financial impact of living with a mental health challenge and/or caring for a person with a mental health challenge and the need for financial aid to advance education or training. Who Was Stephany? Stephany was a beloved Senior Program Officer and Consumer & Family Liaison at the Hogg Foundation for over 12 years, until her passing from COVID-19 and other health complications. She brought incredible insight, transparency, and humor to her work and to everything she touched. Stephany spent over 20 years fighting for equitable services, supports, and systems change for persons historically denied a seat at the table. Click HERE to apply. DEADLINE: November 28, 2023.

Central Texas African American Healthy Minds Project

The Hogg Foundation believes that mental health is not solely an individual responsibility but is a product of community conditions. The places where people live, learn, work, play, and pray can have a significant impact on improving mental health. With this funding opportunity, the foundation plans to invest $100,000 to award $10,000 each to ten eligible Central Texas organizations who support the mental health and wellness of African Americans. The Central Texas African American Healthy Minds Project focuses on African American school-age children, youth, adults and/or their families. The project seeks proposals that offer education and awareness opportunities, provide resources, services, and support, and/or address the impact of trauma and/or COVID-19. Click HERE to apply. DEADLINE: November 28, 2023.