In December 2021, Integral Care received a grant award totaling $7,000 from the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities for the Central Texas African American Family Support Conference (CTAAFSC) speaker stipends. The conference, which celebrated its 22nd anniversary in February 2022, focused on mental health and the African American community. The conference offered a series of workshops, poster presentations, panel discussions, and keynote addresses that aimed to destigmatize mental illness and eliminate health care disparities. CTAAFSC provides much-needed awareness and empowerment for a community that is disproportionately affected by mental illness.

TCDD, a longtime supporter of CTAAFSC, provided stipends for two guest speakers: Regina Louise, Author and Child Advocate and Mike Veny, Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist and Author. Louise’s presentation addressed the present state of the US foster care system, as well as likely outcomes for children and youth growing up in foster care. Her CTAAFSC keynote focused on the triumph of spirit and the importance of child advocacy.

Mike Veny’s presentation provided his audience with actionable steps they can take to change their lives and work environments. Mr. Veny’s keynote focused on transforming stigma and finding inner peace in times of uncertainty.