The James L. West Center for Dementia Care, a regional, national and global leader in providing care and resources for those journeying with dementia, has received three awards from LeadingAge Texas.
Following an announcement from the senior living advocacy organization, the West Center was honored in three unique areas:
Excellence in Direct-Care: Linda Mayfield|Assistant Director of Nursing
The Excellence in Direct-Care Award honors those individuals in direct service, who demonstrate extraordinary talent, expertise, and dedication in provision of exceptional service and life enrichment to residents.
Excellence in Community Impact:
Cerebro Sano | Bilingual Dementia & Caregiver Education Program
The Excellence in Innovation Award recognizes organizations that exemplify pioneering approaches and forward-thinking strategies, fostering innovation across their operations and practices.
Excellence in Advocacy: Cathy Neece Brown, CFRE, CSPG | Chief Strategy Officer/VP Mission Support
The LeadingAge Texas Excellence in Advocacy Award recognizes outstanding individuals or organizations advocating tirelessly for aging services at local, state, or national levels while upholding the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and ethical conduct.
Cheryl Harding, CEO of the West Center, said they are honored to be recognized by LeadingAge.
“I am so proud of these three unique distinctions and of the people who are being recognized,” she said. “We’ve long been members of LeadingAge and appreciate their continued support. While individual and organizational recognition is always appreciated, these honors speak volumes about our continued commitment to leading in the dementia care space for years to come.”
Current Texas Christian University student and founder of nonprofit, Once Upon A Room, Siena Dancsecs, announced the opening of the organization’s 36th chapter at the USA Women and Children’s Hospital in Mobile, Alabama.
Once Upon a Room is a nonprofit that aims to bring positivity to chronically ill pediatric patients through personalized hospital room decorations. “We are so proud to see how the organization has grown throughout the years and has brought joy to the lives of so many patients. Making a patients room feel a more like home through warm and colorful decor can have an incredible impact on their emotional health and experience in the hospital. Through our work, we hope to enrich the lives of these strong, hopeful, and inspiring patients.”
Once Upon a Room was founded in 2014 by Jenny Hull, Josie Hull, and Siena Dancsecs at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). Josie Hull, Co-Founder and Visionary, was the inspiration for the organization as her mother Jenny, and friend Siena, would decorate her hospital room when she was a patient. The personalized decorations transformed Josie’s hospital room into a space filled with positivity and reminders of home. Jenny and Siena saw the joy this brought Josie and started Once Upon a Room.
The organization started at a local level, but has grown nationally. Josie’s story has inspired many of her friends and contacts across the country to do the same at nearby hospitals.
Annually, Once Upon a Room spends an average of $500,000 across its chapters on decorating 2,500-3,000 rooms. On average, it costs around $300 to decorate a room, making the nonprofit reliant on donations and sponsorships of rooms.
Jewish Family Service of Greater Dallas (JFS) held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Feb. 29 for its new JFS Northpoint Health Center, meeting a critical need for health care for low-income residents in North Texas. Located at 12606 Greenville Ave., Dallas, 75243, approximately five miles from JFS’ offices, the new health center welcomes anyone in need.
Jewish Family Service of GreaterDallas is a nonprofit organization providing comprehensive health services that address physical, emotional, nutritional, and financial well-being. Their mission is to provide effective and accessible whole-person care that promotes lifelong self-sufficiency and well-being for the Greater Dallas community. JFS Dallas offers programs to the community such as primary medical care, individual age-appropriate counseling and group support, career and financial coaching, a food pantry, support for older adults, and a Clubhouse for adults with mental illness. Since 1950, they have served anyone, regardless of age, race, religion, or ability to pay.
“We have been working toward this moment for four years,” shared Deizel Sarte, COO, JFS. “The families we serve at JFS are disproportionately impacted by a lack of access to healthcare, and most go without taking care of their medical needs, which only worsens many treatable conditions over time. This was the driving force on the journey to opening this clinic and adding primary care services to our comprehensive care.”
The 5,500-square-foot facility will have ten examination rooms along with dedicated spaces for behavioral health and counseling. Primary care providers will offer adult and pediatric annual physicals, cancer screenings, routine women’s and men’s health exams, sick visits, behavioral health, chronic disease management, and other medical services. JFS was the first recipient of the North Texas Food Bank Hope for Tomorrow Grant, which was directed toward the opening of this health center. The new health center will not only meet immediate medical needs, but it will also provide preventative care. JFS is pursuing status as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC).
Texas has the highest rate of residents without healthcare coverage – at 16.6% according to the Census Bureau’s American Communities Survey published in September 2023. This first clinic location was selected based on significant JFS research, which suggests approximately 793,007 low-income residents in the JFS service area lack a medical provider, and many rely on hospital emergency rooms or go without care.
Board Chair Eric Goldberg welcomed the more than 40 attendees at the grand opening. “This new health center is a huge accomplishment for the JFS team and an incredible resource for the Greater Dallas community,” said Goldberg. “Adding medical services to the many offerings currently provided by JFS will ensure our clients have wraparound care.”
Anyone coming to the new Northpoint Health Center will have access to all JFS services, which include a robust mental health component, a food pantry, and numerous other auxiliary services. JFS’ mission is to provide effective and accessible whole-person care, promoting self-sufficiency and well-being.
Goldberg thanked the JFS Board of Directors for going on an 18-month journey to learn, understand, and evaluate the idea of adding medical services, and recognized JFS CEO Cathy Barker for her vision and commitment which have moved JFS forward in unimaginable ways.
JFS CEO Cathy Barker credited COO Deizel Sarte for her wisdom and forethought which moved the team forward in this endeavor. She also thanked Les and DJ Weisbrod, special donors and longtime supporters who saw the potential in an idea and provided funding to make the concept possible.
“From our research and supporting our community through a pandemic, we knew that less than 5% of those who needed access to healthcare (Medicaid, Medicare, uninsured and underinsured) had a medical home and that 86% of clients we surveyed indicated they would use these services if JFS offered them,” stated Barker. “Finally, we knew this model would enable JFS to become financially self-sustainable within three years of opening this clinic.”
Jewish Family Service of Greater Dallas is the first Jewish social service agency to provide medical services to its clients using this model for expanding services and improving financial sustainability that could be replicated in many of the 150 Jewish nonprofit human service agencies in the United States.
Due to the mission to provide a “patient-centered” approach to care, JFS selected Dr. Heather Esquivel as its chief medical officer and the first primary care provider at the JFS Northpoint Health Center. With more than 14 years in community health, Dr. Esquivel is a board-certified family medicine physician whose career includes providing high-quality healthcare to underserved communities including preventive medicine, chronic disease management, women’s health, and adolescent medicine. Dr. Esquivel received her medical degree through Brown University’s program in liberal medical education.
Throughout her career, Dr. Esquivel has served as both a treating physician and chief medical officer at Federally Qualified Health Centers around the country. She is also bilingual in English and Spanish. She embodies a patient-centered philosophy and understands all elements in her patients’ lives that contribute to their health.
“Over the years as I have worked in community health centers like this one, there were many times I wished I had the ability to provide a warm handoff for my patients to services like the JFS food pantry, career and financial coaching, and a robust roster of behavioral health providers,” said Dr. Esquivel. “When a patient comes in for medical treatment, there are often other factors impacting their health. The fact that JFS provides services in all these areas – physical, emotional, nutritional, and financial – offers a continuity of care for our patients and their families.”
Also attending the ribbon-cutting were community and faith leaders, including Texas Senator Nathan Johnson; Anne Readhimer, vice president of community impact, North Texas Food Bank; Andrew Krause, representative from the office of Congressman Colin Allred; Ali Alirezaieyan, representative from the office of Councilwoman Jaynie Schultz; Igor Alterman, CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas; Dr. John Burruss, CEO, Metrocare Services; Leonor Marquez, CEO, Los Barrios Unidos Community Clinic; and Abbie Kauffman, president & CEO, Network of Community Ministries. The agency’s wraparound services impacted over 16,500 lives last year. By 2028, JFS expects to serve approximately 55,000 individuals across all agency services. The Northpoint Health Center is open to anyone who calls to schedule an appointment.
Two Dallas nonprofit organizations have partnered to help North Texas children battling cancer. Carson Leslie Foundation and Grant Halliburton Foundation, neighboring tenants at Pegasus Park, are teaming up to deliver smiles to kids battling cancer and their caregivers at Children’s Health Children’s Medical Center Dallas.
Grant Halliburton Foundation was established in 2006 in memory of a Dallas teen who battled depression and bipolar disorder for several years before his suicide death at the age of 19. The Foundation that bears his name works to help families and young people through education, resources, and support. Since 2006, the Foundation has provided mental health and suicide prevention education and training to more than 325,000 students, educators, parents, and professionals. The Foundation also offers Here For Texas, which includes HereForTexas.com and the Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line. These free community tools, available in English and Spanish, aim to offer easy access for North Texans seeking mental health and substance use information and resources.
Carson Leslie Foundation (CLF) was established in 2010 to honor Carson’s dying wish, “Make sure they study those tumors in my brain because if those tumors can help some kid someday not die from cancer like I am, I’d like that, it’s hard to have cancer, and help the next kid with cancer.” To honor his wish, CLF works across three pillars: Research, Mental Health of Teens Battling Cancer, and Advocacy. CLF has invested and directed millions of dollars into medulloblastoma research and helped advance five laws benefitting the overall state of childhood cancer. Our Founder serves on the $6B Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) Advisory Council for Childhood Cancers and has advocated to make childhood cancer research a priority. These efforts have resulted in CPRIT increasing its investments in childhood cancer research from 3% to over 12%. CLF supports the mental health struggles of teens and kids battling cancer with monthly gifts of encouragement. And, with the support of the Jordan Spieth Family Foundation, CLF provides Under Armour backpacks, filled with comfort items and necessities, to newly diagnosed teens battling cancer at major institutions in Texas.
This collaboration was made possible by a $25,000 grant program available to the 35 nonprofit tenants of Water Cooler at Pegasus Park to encourage impactful collaboration in the social sector. Through a competitive application process managed by Lyda Hill Philanthropies and The Dallas Foundation, collaborating tenants can apply for grants.
Both organizations, Carson Leslie Foundation and Grant Halliburton Foundation, are joining forces to align existing projects. Pediatric cancer patients at Children’s Health Children’s Medical Center Dallas receive the following:
● Each month Carson Leslie Foundation acts like the Tooth Fairy by delivering unexpected surprises to each child on the oncology floor at Children’s Health Children’s Medical Center Dallas. (HEARTS of GOLD Hootenannies:CarsonLeslieFoundation.org/hootenannies-support)
● A Hope Care Kit by Grant Halliburton Foundation are tote bags filled with mental health resources, self-care items, items to provide comfort and a note of encouragement to the recipient. (Hope Care Kits: GrantHalliburton.org/hopecarekits)
● A handmade lap quilt donated by Modern Quilt Guild of Dallas
Carson Leslie Foundation’s team of National Charity League, Mockingbird volunteers along with Grant Halliburton Foundation staff assembled unexpected surprises, which were distributed to Children’s Health Children’s Medical Center Dallas on January 23, 2024. The collaborative program will continue throughout 2024.
A 2019 study by Warmerdam found that family members of children with cancer experienced elevated rates of mental health-related doctor’s visits for up to 20 years after the initial diagnosis. Mothers of children with cancer had a 40 percent higher rate of outpatient visits for mental health issues compared to the general population, while siblings had a 10 percent higher rate.
“Combatting the psychological effects is critical to helping children with cancer live normal lives now and in the future,” Annette Leslie, chief mission officer of Carson Leslie Foundation, said. “Similar to ‘chemo brain’ in adults, childhood cancer and its treatment may harm brain development, causing problems with attention, memory, and language, and leading to depression and anxiety. Our organizations have joined forces to provide much-needed mental health support to children with cancer and their families.”
By partnering, both organizations aim to provide surprises and mental health support to address the critical need for children battling cancer as they may also face depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions. The collaboration further emphasizes the importance of these programs to support the mental health and well-being of children facing a cancer battle.
“Both of our organizations believe that positive change can be achieved through collective efforts and a commitment to compassion,” Kevin Hall, president of Grant Halliburton Foundation, said. “The powerful combination of our organizations encapsulates the spirit of unity we aim to instill within our collective Water Cooler community.”
The Water Cooler at Pegasus Park, sponsored by Lyda Hill Philanthropies in partnership with J. Small Investments and Montgomery Street Partners and managed by The Dallas Foundation, was envisioned as a social impact hub with a mission to foster community and improve productivity. In line with this vision, the partnership between Carson Leslie Foundation and Grant Halliburton Foundation stands to positively impact local children battling cancer.
“We are thrilled to see Grant Halliburton Foundation and Carson Leslie Foundation partner together to accelerate their respective missions, which is exactly what the Water Cooler is all about,” Margaret Black, managing director of Lyda Hill Philanthropies, said.
Hope Cottage, a North Texas nonprofit with a 106-year history of transforming lives by uniting and strengthening families, opened a new maternal medical clinic today to provide affordable, comprehensive healthcare for underserved pregnant individuals. Located at Hope Cottage in East Dallas near downtown, CeCe’s Place operates through a strategic partnership between Hope Cottage and HHM Health, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and nonprofit that provides cost-efficient medical services. Funded by a gift from The George and Fay Young Foundation, the clinic is named after the Youngs’ late daughter, Carol Young Marvin, who they adopted through Hope Cottage.
Leadership from Hope Cottage and HHM Health celebrated the clinic opening with a ribbon-cutting and tours alongside friends, funders and community representatives.
“Texas is in a maternal health crisis. We hope that CeCe’s Place can be a model, bringing affordable prenatal and postnatal care, along with comprehensive support for mothers, under one roof. Our goal is to create a loving and supportive environment where women can easily access the services they need to have healthy pregnancies and give their children strong starts in life,” said Stephanie Bohan, Chief Executive Officer of Hope Cottage.
Texas ranks 49th in the nation for women’s health, according to a study from the Commonwealth Fund analyzing publicly available data. Thirty percent of women received no early prenatal care in the first trimester, putting Texas last on this measure. The 2022 Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee report estimated that 90 percent of maternal deaths in Texas may have been preventable and named increasing access to health services during pregnancy as a top recommendation for improving outcomes for mothers and babies. Additionally, KFF published research stating that Medicaid covers about half of all births in Texas, demonstrating the significant need for affordable care.
“HHM Health recognizes the need for better women’s healthcare in the great state of Texas. So many of our patients are part of vulnerable communities, lack sufficient resources and often don’t know where to turn. We have made a commitment to continue to step up and be that resource for women in Dallas. Partnering with Hope Cottage allows us to reach more mothers and help them deliver safely,” said Brian Hawkins, Chief Executive Officer at HHM Health.
CeCe’s Place is located at Hope Cottage’s location at 609 Texas Street in the Wilson District, adjacent to Deep Ellum and downtown Dallas. On-site, HHM Health will offer low-cost pregnancy testing, Medicaid enrollment and prenatal/postnatal care. In coordination, Hope Cottage will provide mothers with parenting education, case management and referral to community resources during and after their pregnancies, as well as adoption information and counseling for those who wish to explore that option. Women served at the clinic will be referred to Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas for labor and delivery. After delivery, HHM Health will continue to care for mothers at its Women’s Health Center in Vickery Meadow or CeCe’s Place and babies at its Pediatric Clinic off Walnut Hill Lane.
Prenatal care appointments at CeCe’s Place can be made by calling (972) 354-8713 or emailing info@cecesplace.org. The clinic is open Mondays from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and plans to expand its hours and days in the future based on demand. HHM Health accepts Medicaid and a number of private health insurance plans, plus provides assistance with Medicaid enrollment.
The new clinic is HHM Health’s seventh location, with other clinics in East Dallas on Greenville Avenue, in Vickery Meadow off Pineland Drive, a pediatric office off Walnut Hill Lane, a clinic in Oak Cliff at Trinity Basin Preparatory Jefferson Campus, and two DISD locations at DISD Kiosco Youth & Family Clinic and DISD Redbird Youth & Family Clinic. HHM Health’s nine service lines include women’s health, pediatrics, adult/family medicine, diet/nutrition, vision, dental, behavioral health, imaging and 340B pharmacy.
CeCe’s Place will feature unique pieces of art from award-winning Dallas-based artists and founder of DAUM Gallery, Taylor Daum, and internationally-recognized artist Leah Ellermeier, whose original acrylic on canvas titled “The Power of Love” will hang in the clinic lobby.
In an ongoing effort to improve access to and consumption of fresh produce and other healthy foods in underserved communities, Texas Health Resources, in conjuction with Gallup, is launching a first-of-its kind nutrition security study in Tarrant, Dallas and Collin counties. Nutrition security is having consistent access to affordable foods and beverages that promote well-being and prevent disease, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The goal of the study is to better understand the challenges around healthy food access to guide the health system’s expansion of current programs; engage the community in long-term solutions; and increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables in North Texas. The research effort supports the health system’s overall mission of improving the health of the people in the communities Texas Health serves.
“Access to healthy foods is a critical social determinant that can greatly affect long-term physical and mental well-being, especially in children,” said Texas Health CEO Barclay Berdan, FACHE. “By working with a world-renowned research organization such as Gallup, we hope gain a better understanding of the issues our communities are facing in creating equitable access to healthy foods and learn more about the needs of the individuals we seek to support.”
The study will kick off in February when researchers begin conducting interviews with community members in the three counties. Their focus will be on ZIP code areas that have the greatest need for interventions, as identified in the most recent Texas Health Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA).
Next, Gallup will conduct focus groups and interviews with key stakeholder groups, including a diverse sample of retailers; elected officials; federal, city and county staff; farmers and food producers; healthcare organizations; local foundations; food service suppliers; nonprofit organizations; and community activists.
Results are expected later this year, including a visual representation or map that depicts how respondents think about their opportunities and challenges related to healthy foods and how they interact with, and make decisions, in their food environment. Such graphical maps can help identify and visualize gaps in knowledge or experience among groups, according to Gallup senior researcher Ellyn Maese.
“This approach offers a window into the minds and lives of respondents that other types of data might obscure,” Maese said. “Through mental landscaping, we can assess how potential changes such as new programs or policies may impact the community to determine where resources might be best spent.”
Texas Health supports a broad range of community health initiatives with programs focused on nutrition security. They include the Good For You Pantry and Fresh Access efforts, which provide free produce and healthy foods in schools and community centers, and Double Up Food Bucks in select grocery stores and farmers markets. In addition, the health system supports urban farms and school and community gardens. In June 2023, Texas Health hit a major milestone, marking the donation of more than 1.1 million pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables, serving more than 157,000 individuals in Tarrant County since 2020. Texas Health also began to expand its efforts to include areas of Dallas County and beyond.
“If we want to make a lasting impact on community well-being, we need to get a deeper understanding of the needs of the people we are serving and make sure that the systems and interventions we put in place truly address those needs,” Berdan said. “This study will play a pivotal role by helping us structure, refine and coordinate our efforts in the years to come.”
Prism Health North Texas (PHNTX) announced it has received three grants totaling $340,000 dedicated to implementing equipment upgrades and investment in preventive care services in its three dental care offices.
The first grant was awarded in July of 2023 by the Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT) as part of a larger grant consortium supporting 23 local health nonprofits. The 23 grantees were selected by CFT because of their work providing access to preventative and therapeutic services in areas including dental care, vision care, audiology care and financial assistance.
Prism Health North Texas Dental Care was awarded $40,000 to support its work providing comprehensive oral healthcare to children, pregnant women and people with HIV to improve equity in outcomes and reduce the total cost of care. The funding has been implemented to support PHNTX as it provides quality preventive dentistry interventions for children and adult patients.
“Preventive care is our biggest tool to address the overall oral health of our patients and community and these grants help us sharpen that tool and utilize it in our network,” said Dr. Luis Sanchez-Febres DMD, Dental Director at PHNTX Dental Care. “Improving oral health awareness and preventative measures not only boosts patient confidence but also reduces the cost of dental care, allowing us to treat more North Texans.”
PHNTX Dental Care was also awarded two $150,000 grants from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), one for fiscal year 2022-2023 and a second served consecutively for fiscal year 2023-2024 to allow its three dental clinics to expand and fortify their services as part of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Part C Capacity Development Program.
The first grant was used to upgrade, repair and replace equipment to increase the clinic’s capacity to serve HIV+ patients. The second HRSA grant was used to purchase new technology designed to improve the efficiency of dental prosthetics fabrication and delivery to increase the capacity to serve these patients.
The three PHNTX Dental Care clinics are located in East Dallas, Farmers Branch, and in Central Dallas at Vickery Meadow. All three of the clinics are currently accepting new patients.
Southwest Transplant Alliance (STA), a nonprofit organ procurement organization (OPO) with a mission of saving lives through organ and tissue donation, announced that Fibbens Addo Koranteng has joined its C-suite leadership as General Counsel.
Koranteng joins STA’s team of more than 350 members across Texas. STA is one of the largest OPOs in the country, serving a diverse population of over 10 million Texans across 89 counties.
“Our ability to achieve STA’s lifesaving mission hinges on how we serve our donor heroes and their families,” said Brad Adams, CEO and President of STA. “Fibbens is a humble and empathetic leader with a strong passion for our work, and we are thrilled to have him join STA. With more than 15 years of legal expertise as a trusted business advisor and dedicated advocate, he adds a wealth of experience to our organizational leadership.”
Koranteng has specialized in business and healthcare law for more than 10 years between his private practice and as an in-house attorney in both Missouri and Texas.
“It’s an honor to join an organization with a group of professionals dedicated to the passionate pursuit of its lifesaving mission,” said Koranteng. “Throughout my career, I’ve understood the vital role legal counsel plays in advancing an organization’s objectives and understand how legal advice and decisions impact my clients’ contractual relationships, federal and state regulatory compliance obligations, employer-employee relationships and resource efficiency. This insight is even more crucial as STA works toward fulfilling the gift of life for its donor heroes and recipients.”
Koranteng holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Missouri School of Law and a Bachelor of Science degree from William Woods University. He is licensed to practice law in Missouri, Illinois and Texas.
Koranteng formerly served as an officer and committee member in several St. Louis, Missouri bar associations and as a mentor in the Big Brother Big Sisters program. He has been an invaluable mentor, providing guidance and ongoing support to numerous law students and newly admitted attorneys. Koranteng was born and raised in Ghana, West Africa, and moved to the U.S. in 1997.
Laughter League marked its Sweet 16 anniversary on Saturday, December 2. The festive celebration, hosted by board members Rhonda Thompson and Kathy Beazley, was brought together supporters, partners, and friends to toast to the incredible journey of this laughter-filled organization.
Founders Tiffany Riley and Dick Monday took center stage to welcome guests and provide an update on the nonprofit’s growth across the United States. The duo announced a groundbreaking initiative: the launch of the Joy Family. Leveraging their skills in physical comedy and music, this new project aims to bring lightness and laughter to people living with dementia.
Exciting news echoed as it was revealed that in Spring 2024, Humorology Atlanta, HA!, is set to join forces with the Laughter League. The merger promises to amplify the impact of these laughter ambassadors, expanding their reach and influence to bring laughter to even more communities.
Laughter League, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, has been on a mission to improve the lives of families through the transformational power of laughter for more than two decades. Their impact is far-reaching, touching the lives of more than 100,000 children and families annually through initiatives in pediatric healthcare, schools, libraries, and family-friendly performances.
The organization’s partnerships with esteemed institutions like Bath House Cultural Center, Arts Mission Oak Cliff, Big Thought, Moody Fund for the Arts, City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture, The Dallas Children’s Theatre, Galleria Dallas, and the Texas Commission on the Arts underscore the widespread recognition and support for their mission.
In the healthcare sector, Laughter League has pioneered professional Healthcare Clown programs at Cook Children’s Hospital in Ft. Worth, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital, Parkland Burn Unit, Camp John Marc, Seattle Children’s, Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Hasbro Children’s Hospital. Their commitment to spreading joy knows no bounds.
Circo Metropolis, a free neighborhood circus presented by Laughter League, exemplifies their dedication to community engagement. Collaborating with teachers, medical staff, and other theater groups, they discover that the true magic of laughter lies in these partnerships.
NAMI North Texas recognizes the unique struggles that veterans and their families endure and is committed to providing support. Mental health conditions can affect anyone, regardless of their background or life experiences. In the case of veterans, the challenges they face during and after their service can sometimes lead to mental health issues. The mental health organization is launching its fall Homefront Program on Thursday, October 12, a six-week program aimed at addressing the specific needs of family members, caregivers, and friends of veterans who are dealing with mental health conditions. For the convenience of veterans and their families, it is offered virtually only currently.
Understanding Veterans and Mental Health
The men and women who have served in our armed forces have made immense sacrifices for our country. While their service is greatly respected and honored, it’s crucial to recognize that the challenges they face, both during and after their service, can take a toll on their mental health. Common mental health issues among veterans include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.
The transition from military life to civilian life can be particularly challenging. Many veterans grapple with feelings of isolation, the loss of their military support network, and difficulty adjusting to a different way of life. These challenges can sometimes lead to mental health conditions that require support and understanding from loved ones.
The Role of Caregivers and Family
Family members, caregivers, and friends play a critical role in the recovery and well-being of veterans facing mental health challenges. They often provide emotional support, help with daily tasks, and serve as a lifeline during tough times. However, caregiving for a loved one with a mental health condition can be emotionally and mentally taxing.
NAMI North Texas’ Homefront Program
Recognizing the significance of supporting those who care for veterans with mental health conditions, NAMI North Texas is launching its fall Homefront classes virtually. This program, which begins on Thursday, October 12, is designed to provide valuable resources and a supportive community for family members, caregivers, and friends of veterans. With a capacity of 20-25 participants, the six-week program aims to offer an intimate and focused learning environment.
One of the standout features of the Homefront Program is that it is taught by trained family members who have personal experience caring for veterans with mental health conditions. This peer-led approach brings a unique perspective to the program, as the instructors can offer firsthand insights and empathetic guidance.
Through a series of virtual classes, participants in the Homefront Program will learn valuable skills and strategies for supporting their loved ones. Topics covered include understanding mental health conditions, effective communication techniques, crisis intervention, and self-care practices for caregivers. These resources can help caregivers better understand their loved ones’ experiences and provide them with the support they need.
Supporting veterans with mental health conditions is a vital mission, and it extends beyond just the individuals who have served. Family members, caregivers, and friends play a crucial role in the recovery and well-being of veterans. NAMI North Texas’ Virtual Homefront Program, starting on Thursday, October 12, provides an excellent opportunity for these caregivers to receive the guidance, education, and support they need to navigate the challenges of caring for their loved ones.
By addressing the unique needs of family members and caregivers, NAMI North Texas is making a positive impact on the mental health and well-being of both veterans and their support networks. This initiative exemplifies the importance of community organizations like NAMI in ensuring that no one faces mental health challenges alone, particularly those who have served our country.
