This February marked the 9th anniversary of the Central Texas African American Family Support Conference. The Conference looks to raise awareness of behavioral health and other issues in the African American community;  a community where sometimes stigma becomes a large hurdle discouraging some from seeking and getting the help they need.

The Conference was a success. Over 550 conference attendees, volunteers, workshop presenters and keynote speakers from across the nation gathered for the two-day event.

Cenpatico was very proud to be a major sponsor of the event and to send some of our own to be at the Conference. Here are some of their thoughts and experiences from the two-day event.

“This was my first time attending the Central Texas African American Family Support Conference, and will not be my last. I met a lot of intelligent, funny, caring and dedicated people who all came together to share and support this wonderful cause. It was such a great experience to educate the African American Community about how mental illness affects everyone no matter what your ethnic background is. So many times in the community, African Americans are embarrassed to seek help when we need it. We choose to seek counseling through our church pastors. At the conference, it was rewarding to be able to offer a member counseling from a professional counselor who also has religious affiliations.  Just being able to offer these services opened the door for so many people. I gained so much from this conference. I made friendships and contacts in the community. I met people who feel as passionately about helping others as I do. Most importantly I met those members of our community who we serve everyday, who motivate me to get out of bed daily and inspire me to do what I do everyday. I felt honored and blessed to be apart of a wonderful event.”  – Michael Burnett, Care Coordinator

“It was very exciting to be a part of the Central African American Support Conference. Having more than 10 years of behavioral health experience, I’ve witnessed first hand the barriers some African Americans experience when attempting to obtain needed behavioral health services. It’s wonderful being affiliated with a healthcare organization that recognizes theses barriers and provide opportunities to help link individuals to needed services within the community.” – Bertina Rice, Trainer

To learn more about the Conference check out their website www.ctaafsc.org

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