The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD

Our Capeable Coffee program offers individuals with IDD an empowering way to build valuable skills for the workforce. Samor Sherrod-Haynes, Residential Services Manager, and Auketria Roberts, Capeable Coffee employee, recently visited with KPRC2 about the program and how it's transforming the lives of participants. Watch here: https://ow.ly/38I750VrFbU

Edgar Pagan, Director de nuestro programa de Intervención Temprana en la Infancia (ECI), fue destacado en Univision para hablar sobre los recursos vitales que ofrecemos a niños pequeños con retrasos en el desarrollo. El programa ECI brinda apoyo a niños desde el nacimiento hasta los 3 años, ayudándolos con el desarrollo del habla, las habilidades motoras y el procesamiento sensorial. Edgar destacó lo crucial que es la intervención temprana para darles a los niños la mejor oportunidad de prosperar. Mira: https://lnkd.in/gzV5vCFe --- Edgar Pagan, Director of our Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) program, was featured on Univision to discuss the vital resources we provide for young children with developmental delays. The ECI program offers support for children from birth to age 3, helping with speech, motor skills, and sensory development. Edgar emphasized how critical early intervention is for giving children the best chance to thrive. Watch: https://lnkd.in/gzV5vCFe

In recognition of Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) Awareness Month, The Harris Center's ECI Director Kenyonika Johnson joined Angelica Sullivan, a parent from the ECI program, to discuss the important work that ECI is doing for young children with developmental delays on KPRC2. Watch here: https://lnkd.in/gxv2KTi5

Earlier this week, we had the honor of hosting the UK’s Lord Chancellor—the head of the Ministry of Justice and a key figure in the British legal system—along with her delegation for a meaningful discussion on how our programs bridge the mental health and justice systems. Their visit included a tour of our Respite, Rehabilitation, and Re-Entry location, the Sheriff's Office, and the courthouse. This exchange was more than just a tour—it was an opportunity to share ideas, explore best practices, and strengthen global partnerships in justice and community support.

Tiffanie Williams Brooks from The Harris Center recently appeared on CW39 to share the importance of creating safe spaces for open conversations about mental health—especially in the Black community, where mental health often gets overlooked or misdiagnosed. -Have brave conversations with loved ones showing signs of distress. -Encourage openness about depression and mental health struggles. -Support group spaces at work, in churches, and within communities. Breaking the stigma starts with talking, listening, and supporting. Watch the full segment here: https://lnkd.in/gGtcD459

Thank you to all the volunteers, presenters, and participants who helped make our very first EmpowerHER Conference a huge success! Take a look at some highlights from this amazing event presented to those we serve.

Mental health and heart health are more connected than you think! Chief Medical Officer Dr. Luming Li recently joined KPRC2 to discuss how conditions like depression and anxiety can impact heart disease—and vice versa. Taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your heart. Watch the full segment here: https://ow.ly/FbrH50V31A1

Sponsorships are now available for the third annual Hope Connection Art Extravaganza! This event gives our clients and staff the opportunity to share their art while raising money for suicide prevention efforts. Your sponsorship will directly fund art supplies and suicide prevention training and resources. Why Sponsor? Show your commitment to mental health and the arts Gain recognition in online and printed event promotion Make a tangible impact on individuals in need If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for the Hope Connection, please visit: https://ow.ly/B35e50V1Zop Questions? Call Lesley Hooper at 713-970-3865.

Check out March's FREE IDD Learning Opportunities! All classes are free, but registration is required. To register, call 713-970-7617. Share to spread the word about this important resource in Harris County! 🧡

As Black History Month continues, we want to highlight an important conversation about the stigma surrounding Black women and mental health. Tiffanie Williams-Brooks, a licensed counselor at The Harris Center, recently appeared on Fox26 to shed light on why Black women are less likely to seek mental health services—despite being at higher risk for mental health challenges. Black women often experience undiagnosed or underdiagnosed mental health conditions. While typical depression symptoms include sadness or hopelessness, Black women may express it differently—through irritability, headaches, body aches, or emotional suppression. The barriers? Stigma, distrust in healthcare, lack of culturally competent providers, and the pressure to always be "strong." It’s time to break the silence. We encourage open and judgment-free conversations with loved ones who may be struggling. Support groups and professional counseling can be life-changing, offering a sense of community and healing. Need support? The Harris Center provides services for children, adolescents, and adults. Contact 713-970-7000 or visit TheHarrisCenter.org for help. Watch the full segment here: https://lnkd.in/gtEv_-Ag