Texas Council of Community Centers

Today we honor service. Our system of care keeps working to make sure every veteran has the tools, care, and community they need to thrive. If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out by calling or texting 988 (Press 1 for Veterans). You are never alone.

Communities across Texas are facing the devastating impact of the Fourth of July weekend floods. Many are dealing with fear, loss, and displacement, and our hearts are with everyone affected.

We’re deeply grateful to the first responders, volunteers, and local leaders, including many from our system of care who have stepped up to provide support in this time of crisis.

Want to help? Click the link to explore resources, support efforts, or share with someone in need. https://www.texastribune.org/2025/07/05/texas-hill-country-flooding-how-to-help/.
Note Texas Tribune’s cautionary tale about avoiding scammers by double-checking organizations via Charity Watch and Guidestar.

Hill Country flooding: Here’s how to give and receive help Flooding in Central Texas and the Texas Hill Country has killed at least 100 people, with 161 still missing in Kerr County. Rescue crews are still searching for missing people as more rain is expected. Here is a guide on how to help those affected.

Congratulations to Jason Vaquera from MHMR Concho Valley, our May 2025 Koalafied Outreach Worker Star Award (KOWSA) recipient!

Jason may be new to the MHFA community, but he’s already making a big impact by asking thoughtful questions, spreading positivity, and going the extra mile to support his peers and class participants.

Thank you, Jason, for your dedication and passion as a Mental Health First Aid Outreach Worker!

Burnout is a signal it's time to reset. This Mental Health Awareness Month, take time to recognize the signs of stress - and know that help is out there. Find resources here: https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/stress/burnout-prevention-and-recovery

This Memorial Day, we honor the strength, courage, and dedication of those who served our country. We carry their legacy forward by building stronger, more resilient communities. Wishing you a peaceful and grateful Memorial Day from all of us at the Texas Council of Community Centers.

Early bird registration ends May 22! Secure your spot now and save. We're excited to announce the 2025 Texas Council Conference, happening June 25-27 at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel. This event gathers experts in community-based mental health, IDD, recovery-based care, Mental Health First Aid, and more.

Enjoy sessions across multiple disciplines, networking with peers, and opportunities for continuing education credit.

Learn more and register here:

2025 Texas Council Conference Community-Driven Solutions for IDD, Mental Health, and Recovery in Texas System of Care

This Mental Health Awareness Month, we recognize the importance of mental well-being for all, including our veterans. The Military Veteran Peer Network (MVPN) offers peer support to veterans and their families navigating the effects of military trauma. Learn more: https://veteransmentalhealth.texas.gov/military-veteran-peer-network/

Congratulations to Amy Anderson from Hill Country MHDD Centers, for her fourth KOWSA win! Her leadership, professionalism, and commitment to supporting fellow Outreach Workers, reflect the true spirit of a Koalafied Outreach Worker. We are proud to recognize Amy for her outstanding contributions!

Texas Council is pleased to announce that Miracle Akortha, Peer Specialist Supervisor at The Center for Health Care Services (CHCS), will be recognized as Peer Specialist of the Year at NatCon25!

With more than 12 years of experience in human services, Miracle brings a deep commitment to supporting others through both her professional background and lived experience. Since joining The Center in June 2023, she has led the development of a strong team of peers and family partners who walk alongside individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges, offering guidance, understanding, and hope.

Join us in congratulating Miracle on this well-deserved recognition!

Texas Council spotlights Krystal Cantu from Border Region Behavioral Health Center as our January KOWSA Award winner! Krystal is a remarkable Mental Health First Aid outreach worker who always asks the right questions and brings heart and dedication to her role. Congratulations to Krystal for her achievement!

Mental Health First Aid is a training program that teaches people how to recognize, understand, and respond to signs of mental health or substance use challenges in others. Visit MHFA.org to learn more.

The Texas House will hear invited testimony about Home and Community-based services for people with IDD this month. Learn more about intellectual and developmental disabilities at https://timetocaretx.org/what-is-idd/

WHAT IS IDD? - Time to Care Texas The IDD population can be the most complex to support and the most rewarding. Approximately 475,000 Texans have an intellectual or developmental disability. Intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are lifelong conditions that uniquely affect the trajectory of theindividual’s physical, in...

Thank you to Representative Drew Darby for hosting the Community Intellectual & Developmental Disability (IDD) Service System Lunch & Learn at the Capitol this week.

Co-hosted by the Texas Council, Private Providers Association of Texas (PPAT), Providers Alliance for Community Services of Texas (PACSTX) and The Arc of Texas, the event brought together leaders of IDD services in the state.

Participants discussed 88th Regular Session outcomes for community IDD services; workforce crisis providers face in maintaining group homes; declining access to care and group home options for individuals with IDD; and how to support an emergency appropriations request to address the workforce crisis.