Harris County’s youngest learners are the future of our community. They will soon make important decisions, lead local businesses and eventually change the world. However, those realities are only possible with a strong academic foundation and healthy emotional and mental health skills.  

This year, more than 100 people gathered in the Irvington Conference Center on Oct. 25 to celebrate a decade of strengthening minds and families at the 10th Annual Healthy Minds, Healthy Families Conference. Harris County Department of Education’s Head Start division partners with the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health to host the daylong event that provides early childhood educators, community partners and parents with resources and professional development to support their mental health and that of their students. 

“Mental health is tricky. Just because you see somebody at work and recognize how well they’re doing, doesn’t mean that person isn’t struggling mentally,” Senior Director Venetia Peacock said during her opening address. “You’re going to hear from several mental health experts today, but what I know to be important and encourage you to do – is celebrate your accomplishments, regardless of how small, move your body and find joy in your life, because it’s what keeps us alive emotionally.”  

Keynote speaker Angelina Brown Hudson from NAMI Greater Houston led a discussion about the aftermath of challenges and how a family’s outlook can change the response of everyone involved. Her presentation, titled “Social Connection: The Greatest Factor of Healing and Well-being,” explored the importance of quality connections versus the quantity of connections and how maintaining current relationships and re-connecting to prior ones can heal the body, spirit and mind. Conference attendees were engaged, as they inquired how to extend those tools from their own families into the classroom. Hudson’s answer – be your true, authentic self.  

Healthy Minds, Healthy Families offered nearly a dozen diverse sessions on topics such as social-emotional learning, maternal health, creating positive nutrition practices and hands-on wellness activities.   

To learn more about HCDE Head Start, visit hcde-texas.org/head-start.