2024 was a banner year for the Hogg Foundation. In this blog post we take a look back at some of the year’s many highlights.
Highlighting Our 2024 Impact Report
November marked the release of our 2024 Impact Report, an in-depth look at what we’ve accomplished from 2022-2024. The report highlights our efforts to foster resilience, promote community well-being, and amplify the voices of those impacted by mental health disparities. Featuring stories from grantee partners, policy updates, and a By the Numbers snapshot, the report showcases the collective impact of our partners, staff, and supporters.
If you haven’t yet, we encourage you to explore the 2024 Impact Report for a comprehensive look at how we are shaping a future where mental health thrives for all.
2024 Month-by-Month Highlights
January: A Day of Racial Healing
Guided by a focus on love, healing, and connection, the National Day of Racial Healing celebration was a day of engaging dialogue, healing circles, and creative activities that explored the community drivers of poor mental health and well-being.
February: Promoting Cultural Mental Health Perspectives
For Black History Month, we feature an archival interview with Dr. Melvin Sikes, a former member of the Hogg Foundation’s National Advisory Council and founder of The University of Texas at Austin’s Center for Improvement of Intergroup Relations.
March: Thrauma: From Surviving to Thriving
In this insightful blogpost, Dr. Sandra Smith, PeerFest 2024 keynote speaker, guides us through an exploration of Thrauma, which looks at trauma as an experience rather than a one-time event.
April: My Day at PeerFest
The highlight of April was PeerFest 2024, an educational and celebratory event for Texans who have faced mental health challenges and are on a journey to wellness. These short but powerful testimonials from PeerFest attendees capture the spirit of the event.
May: Digital Well-being for Youth
This podcast explores how young people navigate our increasingly networked world and how we balance safety, empathy, and technology in response.
June: Announcing 2024 Ima Hogg Scholarship Recipients
We awarded 19 $5000 scholarships to master’s level social work students at accredited colleges and universities across Texas. Learn about these deserving recipients.
July: A Look at the Texas Mental Health Workforce Shortage
This deeply reported story from the Texas Tribune is a must-read. Reprinted on our blog, it features a quote from our policy director, Alison Mohr Boleware, LMSW.
August: Hogg Foundation Receives National Leadership Grant to Address Management of Historical Public Mental Health Records
The Hogg Foundation was awarded a $149,295 National Leadership Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to develop and host nationwide convenings focused on historical public mental health records.
September: From Struggle to Strength: Exploring Journeys of Recovery
For Recovery Month, we shared a poignant podcast episode featuring experts and lived experience advocates discussing the importance of hope and help.
October: My Conversation with Steve Appleton, Part 1
Exploring issues like funding models, disparities in care, and the importance of community-based services, Hogg Foundation executive director Dr. Octavio N. Martinez, Jr., in conversation with Steve Appleton, CEO of Global Leadership Exchange, provide valuable insights into how we can improve mental health systems around the world.
November: The Purpose of Policy Work in a Divisive Time
Alison Mohr Boleware, LMSW, director of policy at the Hogg Foundation, and Lyssette Galvan, policy director for National Alliance on Mental Illness Texas, discuss navigating the challenges and complexities of their work in the mental health policy field.
December: Transforming Lives at the Border: How a Rural Library in San Elizario is Changing the Game
Closing the year in a spirit of gratitude, Hogg Foundation senior program officer Rick Ybarra shares a poignant example of how one rural library is making a tangible difference in a small border community by prioritizing people and harnessing existing community assets.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we move into the new year, we remain committed to promoting mental health at the community and systems level and amplifying the voices of those at the forefront of change. Thank you to our supporters, grantee partners, and readers for making 2024 a year to remember. Here’s to continuing this journey together in 2025.