Hamburgers and hot dogs will be served. There is no charge. Area businesses and individuals are sponsoring the event. Everyone who has a mental disability is invited. The event is a great opportunity for the community to better understand the obstacles people with mental disabilities face and the contributions they make to our community. Reservations must be made and can be done by calling 903-957-4865.

Destination Dignity is a statewide effort by the Texas Council of Community Mental Health and Mental Retardation Center, Inc., a statewide association of the 41 community MHMR centers that offer public services in every county in Texas. The campaign will focus on: 1. educating the general public about individuals with mental disabilities, 2. helping gain independence and dignity for the individuals we serve by reducing the stigma associated with mental disabilities, and 3. acquainting the public with the services available through local community MHMR centers.

Mental Health Mental Retardation Services of Texoma was established in 1974 and serves Cooke, Fannin, and Grayson counties. The MHMRST mission is to provide services that improve quality of life and support self-determination for persons with mental and developmental disorders. MHMRST services help people stay in the community where they can be productive individuals living with independence and dignity. Many of these individuals can hold employment and make worthwhile contributions to the community. Person with mental illness can do well on new medications and live normal lives. Individuals with mental disabilities can enrich the lives of others. Community inclusion is best for the individual and his family and much less expensive than institutionalization.

Services offered at MHMRST are: Mental Health Program- Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team, Case Management, Counseling for Depression/Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Community-Based Assessments, Crisis Intervention, Emergency Services -24 Hours, Medicaid Eligibility, Medication-Related Services, Respite Services, Skills Training, Small Groups, Supported Employment, Supported Housing, and Transportation; Mental Retardation Program- Continuity of Services, Eligibility and Diagnostic, Service Authorization, Service Coordination, Waiver Programs, Client Worker Program, Community Support, Day Habilitation, In Home and Family Support, Medicaid Waiver Programs, Respite, Supported Home Living, Transition Planning, and After School Program; Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services- Case Management, Community Support Services, Counseling, Crisis Intervention-24 Hours, Family Support Services, Medication Services, Screening, Assessment and Evaluation Services, and Skills Training for children under 17 years of age with mental health problems; Early Childhood Intervention (ECI)- The ECI program serves children (birth to three years of age) who are developmentally delayed by providing screening, assessment, and developmental services.

With eleven service locations, MHMRST provided services to over 4,000 individuals in fiscal year 2005-2006. The center provides a variety of services for people of all ages with mental illness and mental retardation. Those who would like more information about obtaining services can contact:

Grayson Mental Health Center---903-957-4701

Cooke Mental Health Center---940-957-4766

Fannin Mental Health Center---903-957-4751

Child & Adolescent Mental Health---903-957-4820

Mental Retardation Authority Services-903-957-4796

Early Childhood Intervention---903-957-4810

Administration-903-957-4700