The New Milestones Foundation works
in partnership with the Austin Travis County Mental Health Mental
Retardation Center (ATCMHMR) to expand awareness, eradicate stigma,
and raise funding to address the needs of those in our community
affected by mental illness, developmental or intellectual disabilities
or substance use disorders.
The New Milestones Foundation was founded in 1982 to oversee fundraising
efforts to promote and support ATCMHMR programs. It is a separate
501 (c) (3) organization with an independent Board of Directors.
The bylaws state that four ATCMHMR Trustees are appointed by the
Chair to serve on the Board. The Executive Director of the Center
serves as Director of the New Milestones Foundation.
During the 1980’s the New Milestones Foundation expanded
its scope to include several important functions. Grants from the
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation provided housing for ATCMHMR consumers,
and the New Milestones Foundation oversaw the management of these
facilities, a task it has continued to this day. The Foundation
also purchased vehicles for ATCMHMR programs. In 2000 the New Milestones
Foundation became re-energized and expanded its membership to include
membership from across our community. The Champions’ Event,
featuring celebrity speakers, has been held annually since 2002,
and funding from this endeavor has supported a wide array of ATCMHMR
programs.
In 2000 the New Milestones Foundation became re-energized and expanded
its membership to include membership from across our community.
The Champions’ Event, featuring celebrity speakers, has been
held annually since 2002, and funding from this endeavor has supported
a wide array of ATCMHMR programs.
2007 Sixth
Annual Champions' Event Highlights
An audience of nearly 700 people attended the Sixth Annual Champions'
Event sponsored by the New Milestones Foundation on October 14.
The event was chaired by Janna and Mitch Jacobson and orchestrated
with the help of volunteer committees and individuals who champion
the Austin Travis County Mental Health Mental Retardation Center's
mission.
Keynote speaker Mariel Hemingway's began with an account of the
many persons in her family who died by suicide or were affected
by mental illness or substance use disorder. She also spoke about
her personal journey to achieve physical and spiritual balance in
her life. Honorary Chair Ray Benson and Emcee Michelle Valles, KXAN's
evening anchor, also made remarks. Champions' Awards were presented
to Beverly Seffel, Director of LCRA's Employees' United Charities:
Divine Canines and Vincent Calderon, Tonda Mueller and Daniel Russ
of the Peace Council. Susan Sager presented surprise awards to outgoing
Board President Matt Snapp, Ph.D., and longtime member Pamela Reeves
Malone. Funds raised through the Champions' Event fund the Austin
Travis County MHMR Center's programs.
| Did you know that... |
| |
- One in five individuals
experiences some form of mental illness in his or her lifetime.
In the United States mental illness is the second leading
cause of disability and premature death, just behind cardiovascular
disease and ahead of cancer.
|
- In Texas, the direct cost
of mental illness in both private and public sectors is
estimated to be nearly $6 billion a year.
|
- One in five children has
a diagnosable emotional disorder and one in ten has a serious
disorder. Less than one-third receive appropriate care.
|
- The incidence of autism
has tripled since 1980.
|
- Travis County has had the
highest suicide rate of any metropolitan Texas county for
the past five years.
|
- Although Texas is the second
largest state, it is ranked 48th in spending for community
mental health and retardation services.
|
- Approximately 10% of the
population abuses alcohol or illegal or prescription drugs.
Drug abuse significantly exacerbates mental illnesses and
mood disorders.
|
|
