60-unit permanent supportive housing community marks a major milestone in advancing stability, health, and wellbeing across Travis County
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Munji Nfor, Ext. Affairs and PR Manager
Email: Munji.Nfor@integralcare.org
October 27, 2026 | Austin, Texas — The 2026 Awareness in Action Summit, hosted by Kids Living Well and sponsored by Integral Care, brought together over 100 healthcare professionals, social workers, educators, certified peer specialists, family partners, and other youth-serving leaders for a day of learning focused on supporting children and youth with neurodevelopmental disabilities and mental health needs.
Attendees received practical strategies for creating more inclusive, trauma-informed, and supportive environments where young people can thrive. Participants examined how systems, organizations, and communities can work together to improve wellbeing and belonging for children and families across Travis County.
Kids Living Well is a collaborative network of social workers, peer support specialists, healthcare and behavioral health providers, educators, and community advocates working together to promote the mental health and wellbeing of children and youth in Travis County. In addition to hosting the annual summit, the organization convenes monthly meetings to raise awareness of emerging issues affecting children and families and to advance implementation of the Travis County Plan for Children’s Mental Health and Substance Misuse.
“The summit combined clinical expertise with the practical knowledge of people with lived experience. We learned the importance of understanding each person’s behavior within the context of their individual needs and experiences, including the impact of disability,” said Integral Care Program Manager, Ellyn Eisenberg.
A variety of experts in child and adolescent mental health, disability services, trauma-informed care, and peer support presented and connected with the audience.
Attendees learned about the mental health needs of youth with neurodevelopmental disabilities from Young Shin Kim, MD, MS, MPH, PhD, Professor of Psychiatry at Dell Medical School and Division Chief of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at Dell Children’s Medical Center.
Afterwards, a multidisciplinary panel discussion, “Belonging, Wellness and Mental Health: Supporting Youth with Developmental Disabilities Across Systems,” explored how healthcare, education, arts, and community organizations can foster inclusion and wellbeing. Moderated by Katie Mitten, LMSW, of the Texas Center for Disability Studies at The University of Texas at Austin, the panel featured:
- Adrian Heston, Youth
- Rachel Alhanti, LCSW, APRN, PMHNP-BC, Pediatric Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, UT Health Austin Pediatric Psychiatry at Dell Children’s Medical Center
- Jessica Arjet, Owner, Hideout Theater
- Jon Lasser, Ph.D., Regents’ Professor & University Distinguished Professor, Department of Counseling, Leadership, Adult Education, and School Psychology, Texas State University
Attendees also received training on trauma-informed care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities from Holly Fulmer, MS, CDCOR, Trauma-Informed Policy and Training Specialist with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. Finally, Jordan Smelley, a Certified Mental Health Peer Specialist, shared insights on recognizing sensory-related factors that may influence behavior and how adopting a sensory-informed perspective can improve support for youth and families.
The event also included the presentation of the Henry McMahon Award to Seanna Crosbie in recognition of her contributions to improving outcomes for children, youth, and families.
The summit was held less than two weeks after the one-year anniversary of Generation ATX, a citywide child wellbeing initiative dedicated to making Austin “the best place in America to be a kid.” Through a five-year roadmap and 47 data-informed indicators, Generation ATX focuses on helping children grow up healthy, safe, connected, and thriving.
By bringing together professionals from multiple sectors, the Awareness in Action Summit reinforced a shared commitment to ensuring that every child and family in Travis County has access to the support, understanding, and opportunities needed to succeed.
About Kids Living Well
Kids Living Well is a network of dedicated social workers, peer support specialists, health and behavioral healthcare providers, educators and others working together to promote the mental health of Travis County children and youth.
About Integral Care
Integral Care improves the lives of adults and children living with mental illness, substance use disorder and intellectual and developmental disabilities in Travis County. Our services include a 24-hour helpline for anyone who needs immediate support, ongoing counseling to improve mental health, drug and alcohol treatment to help with recovery, and housing to regain health and independence. As the Local Mental Health and Intellectual and Developmental Disability Authority, Integral Care has pioneered high-quality, community-based care since 1967, collaborating with partners to build a supportive network and combat mental health stigma in Austin. To learn more about Integral Care, visit our website at: www.integralcare.org
MEDIA CONTACT:
Munji Nfor, External Affairs and Public Relations Manager, Munji.Nfor@integralcare.org