African American Mental Health and Wellness (AMEN) team is collaborating with KAZI FM 88.7 in producing a radio series to highlight the importance of addressing mental health and physical wellness in the African American community. The monthly series will feature AMEN team members from the School of Nursing, leaders from Mt. Zion Baptist and Rehoboth Baptist churches, and community organizations who provide mental health resources and support in Travis County.
Central Texas African American Family Support Conference
January 12, 2022 Podcast: Audio file
| January 26, 2022 Podcast: Audio file
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Co-moderators Shannon W. Jones and Jacki Hecht interviewed Kimberly Holiday - Philanthropist, Author, Motivational Speaker, and KAZI Radio Personality Lady Joy to discuss the Central Texas African American Family Support Conference (CTAAFSC).
Kimberly Holiday shares that the Central Texas African American Family Support Conference was established in Austin in the year 1999 by several impassioned leaders. The conference was designed to be family-oriented and for individuals who have lived with previous trauma and/or mental health challenges. The CTAAFSC had its 22nd annual conference and strives to “model the potential to live with more joy despite life’s circumstances.” Objectives of the conference included mental health, substance use, intellectual, and developmental disorders. Holiday notes that it is an amazing opportunity to come together, share resources, and reduce the stigma of seeking help.
The CTAAFSC was held virtually for the first-time last year and was virtual once again this year. Holiday highlights the great success from last year’s conference and although it was held online, it created an opportunity for everyone to get involved and come together. This year, the CTAAFSC was held on February 8th and 9th and participants could expect the conference to transform their lives physically, mentally, and spiritually. Click here to learn more about the Central Texas African American Family Support Conference.
The discussion continued on January 26th as Jacki Hecht and Shannon Jones spoke with Kimberly Holiday and Dr. Calvin Kelly, a certified clinical trauma professional, to discuss the upcoming Yes2Best Youth Summit. This year’s Yes2Best Youth Summit will be the third annual conference for teens and young adults and is designed to bring the same awareness as the CTAAFSC conference. The Yes2Best conference will be held on February 12th from 10:30am-1:00pm CST. Holiday rates the conference as, “E for everyone,” and recognizes the important impact these conferences have on local and national communities. Click here to learn more and register for the Yes2Best Youth Summit.
Jacki Hecht also notes that the Yes2Best conference is a wonderful opportunity for young individuals to come together and talk about what they have been going through, especially during these difficult times impacted by COVID. Coping is not a one size fits all approach. Creating a safe space where young individuals can come together, share their experiences, and get support is an important step towards building strength and healing. The goal of these conferences is to promote mental health and wellness in an integrated way, while reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation. This is best done by building community interaction and support through personal connections with one another.
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