Thanks to all who attended this month’s Mental Health Town Hall in Forest Park, making it a great success! The event was an excellent time of discussion and illumination on a subject that needs our whole community’s attention. We had over 110 people in attendance who heard from a host of professionals representing the mental health community.

This event was the first series of our initial connection and the evening proved to be engaging and connections were made. We discussed how mental illness is colorblind and that we need to make sure everyone across our communities is educated on how to take care of our physical and mental health.

Please support Senate Bill 565, an effort to reduce mental health stigmas and improve the overall health of communities across the state.  I look forward to having your support on this legislation.

Join me for an evening to honor grandparents raising grandchildren as we recognize outstanding grandparents who, everday, are exemplifying the pure essence of "parenting the second time around." The event will have food, entertainment, information on available resources and, of course, an awards ceremony for these deserving grand parents.

Read the flier below for more details and click on the nomination form to nominate yourself (if you are a second-time parent) or another deserving grandparent to be recognized at this special event.

2015 has already brought some great memories and moments with it. Just since the beginning of this year, Senator Lightford has felt privileged to be a part of so many great causes and initiatives, and she has had the opportunity to meet many wonderful people along the way that have worked hard to improve our communities and nation as a whole. Luckily, we were able to capture some of these great moments and accomplishments in photos with the Senator and people like you who have largely been responsible for progressing our vibrant communities and our great state.

-              Earlier this month, the Senator stopped to talk with advocates from the Alzheimer’s Association in the Capitol and discuss the importance of Alzheimer’s research and awareness.

-              The Transportation Construction Apprenticeship Readiness Training program (TCART) is a crucial initiative sponsored by Senator Lightford through IDOT that creates transportation job opportunities for otherwise untrained job seekers. The Senator is pictured here with Austin People Action Center (APAC) Executive Director Cynthia Williams and some apprentices in the program as they advocate for funds at the Capitol after the governor's budget address.