These awards honor the work and advocacy of Richard E. Hopkins, a longtime conference supporter and past vice-chair of the Integral Care Board of Trustees.
The “Torch Awards” acknowledge individuals dedicated to improving the quality of life for African Americans in Central Texas who live with mental health, substance use, intellectual and developmental challenges.
Individuals can be nominated in the following four categories. Awardees will only receive one award:
- A person with Lived Experience: An individual living with mental health, substance use, intellectual and developmental challenges who is working to improve their health and wellness, living a self-directed life and striving to reach their full potential.
- Family Member: An individual who supports a family member or friend living with mental health, substance use, intellectual and developmental challenges.
- Professional: A clinician, certified peer specialist, peer recovery support specialist, or other individual who works in a professional capacity to raise awareness and support individuals living with mental health, substance use, intellectual and developmental challenges.
- Community Impact: An elected official, faith leader, community member, community-based organization or media outlet that leads efforts and raises awareness to support individuals living with mental health, substance use, intellectual and developmental challenges.
These awards will be given based on the extent to which the nominee meets the following:
Advocate
- Promotes wellness among people with lived experiences of mental health, substance use, intellectual and developmental challenges.
- Champions the rights of people living with mental health, substance use, intellectual and developmental challenges through planning, participating or presenting in the Austin community.
- A known supporter of the Central Texas African American Family Support Conference.
- Raises awareness about mental health, substance use, intellectual and developmental challenges and promotes wellness within the African American community throughout Central Texas.
Determined
- A courageous leader, organization or media outlet who is an ambassador for mental health, substance use, intellectual and developmental challenges.
- Willing to make decisions based on values that impact the African American community.
- Partners with individuals with lived experience of mental health, substance use, intellectual and developmental challenges.
- Identifies and develops strategies that promote positive results.
Role Model
- Serves as a positive source of inspiration for the African American community.
- Demonstrates a high commitment to ethics.
- Knowledgeable about the needs of individuals living with mental health, substance use, intellectual and developmental challenges.