Moving Towards Wellness

by Linda A. Thornton

Mental Health Expo Spotlights Community Resources

It’s not often that Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Angela Williams sees a smile on the face of a juvenile offender in her courtroom. But thanks to her Mental Health Expo, several of them are excited to have a chance to complete their community service requirements by attending a fun, interactive event.

Justices of the peace adjudicate truancy cases and a common response from her juvenile defendants is that they are dealing with mental health issues. “I'm allowing those juveniles to earn credit toward community service hours if they attend the Mental Health Expo,” she says.

More than 40 businesses and organizations that focus on mental health and wellness will participate in the second annual come-and-go event.

Attendees will have the chance to discover ways to enhance their health through activities like boxing and therapeutic drumming, aligning with the movement theme of May 2024's Mental Health Awareness Month. “It’s beneficial to engage in activities that promote mental well-being like exercise, healthy habits, and connections with friends and family,” Judge Williams says. “Most people think mental health is about going to a doctor or psychiatrist, and we should seek professional help when needed, but I’m trying to think outside the box and provide resources and organizations that focus on our well-being in other ways as well.”

Thursday, May 16 • 6-8pm Cedar Park Recreation Center

1435 Main Street in Cedar Park

Among the resources that will be available at the event are:

• Bluebonnet Trails Community Services: mental health and special needs support

• Hope Alliance: support and services for victims of domestic violence

• Operation Liberty Hill: local nonprofit providing assistance for basic needs

• Seeds of Hope: provides therapy services

• Soulshine Rhythm Experience: drumming exercise

• Gracie Humaita Cedar Park: Local jujitsu business will provide a martial arts demonstration.

• Teen Court: A youth program in which teen students are given the opportunity to experience the justice system firsthand by assuming various roles, from juror to judge. Juvenile offender participants can have their cases dismissed by completing community service.