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 11, 2023 Podcast: | January 25, 2023 Podcast: |
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Co-moderators Shannon W. Jones and Jacki Hecht interviewed Kimberly Holiday and Dr. Calvin Kelly. Kimberly Holiday is a philanthropist, author, motivational speaker, KAZI Radio Personality Lady Joy, and Marketing and Outreach Chair for the Central Texas African American Family Support Conference. Ms. Holiday is also a Pflugerville City Council Member, Place 3. Dr. Calvin Kelly is a certified clinical trauma professional and owner at Dr. Calvin Kelly & Associates.
It is once again time to get ready for the Central Texas African American Family Support Conference! This support conference offers much-needed conversations about mental health, substance use disorders, and intellectual and developmental disabilities and is a great opportunity to come together to lift one another up and move towards a healthier future in 2023. The 23rd annual conference will be held on Feb. 7-8 in a hybrid model where attendees can come together in a safe manner at the Palmer Event Center or join virtually. Kimberly Holiday shares that the conference is “rated E for everyone” and participants can gain mental and spiritual health by attending this conference.
Dr. Calvin Kelly informs listeners about this year’s My Mind Matters Youth Summit for teens and young adults. The conference will be held on Feb. 11 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in person at the Millenium Youth Entertainment Complex. Individuals ages 12-24 years old are invited to attend the My Mind Matters Youth Summit. This conference is co-led by youth and provides opportunities for young people to talk about the psychological and emotional challenges they face, along with strategies that help them feel better. A key message is that "you are not alone,” and that there are practical ways to manage anxiety and depression.
Our country has faced a significant amount of loneliness and isolation within the past several years. It is important to continue this conversation about mental health beyond the conference to bring awareness and reduce stigma. Kimberly Holiday and Dr. Kelly share that this Family Support conference and Youth Summit provide an opportunity to come together, share our struggles, make new connections, gain support and learn from one another. Jacki reminds listeners that “Health Happens through Connection with Others … and Your Health is our Community Wealth.”
“Life is slippery. Here, take my hand.” -- H. Jackson Brown, Jr., American Author
Upcoming Events:
Central Texas African American Family Support Conference
Date: February 7-8, 2023
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Venue: Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Click here to register.
My Mind Matters - Youth Summit (for ages 12 – 24)
Date: Saturday, February 11, 2023
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Venue: Millenium Youth Entertainment Complex, 1156 Hargrave Street Austin, Texas 78702
Click here to view the event flyer.
Click here to register.
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