Austin News

The first of its kind in Texas, the Harvest Trauma Recovery Center (HTRC) opens to the public on November 1 with a grand opening celebration from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. The center has been created in partnership with the City of Austin and the African American Youth Harvest Foundation (AAYHF) to provide comprehensive support and healing to survivors of violence in Austin-Travis County at no cost to the patient.

“The Harvest Trauma Recovery Center will stand as a sanctuary for survivors of violence in Austin-Travis County, where they will not only receive top quality mental health care, but a full array of wraparound support including basic needs, case management, substance abuse intervention, workforce assistance and a host of social and educational programs to elevate the whole family,” said AAYHF’s CEO Michael Lofton.

“The Harvest Trauma Recovery Center joins 50 Trauma Recovery Centers (TRC) nationwide implementing the TRC model,” said Office of Violence Prevention Manager Michelle Myles. “The TRC model provides mental health trauma treatment for survivors of violent crime that effectively promotes survivor-centered healing and removes barriers for survivors and their families to receive cost-effective treatment.”

Working from an evidence-based intervention model promoted by the National Alliance of Trauma Recovery Centers (NATRC), HTRC clients have access to a range of tailored services designed to meet their unique needs including:

• Trauma-informed clinical case management
• Evidence-based individual, group and family psychotherapy
• Crisis intervention
• Legal advocacy and more.

“Survivors deserve a safe space where they can share their stories, process their experiences, and find solace among others who understand,” said licensed psychiatrist Dr. Calvin Kelly. “From trauma-informed therapy and counseling to support groups, educational workshops and holistic practices, our offerings encompass a holistic approach to healing the mind, body and spirit, serving as a beacon of wellness for survivors to connect, heal and embark on their path towards recovery with a strong support network by their side.”

The center is staffed by a team of dedicated professionals including therapists, counselors, social workers, and outreach personnel who are passionate about helping survivors regain their strength and rebuild their lives.

"Individuals, families and communities are safer when they're taken care of. By serving individuals and our community at large, the Harvest Trauma Recovery Center will quickly become an invaluable resource for Austin-Travis County's most vulnerable residents. I can't wait to see how those helped by the HTRC go on to positively impact their communities in the future," said Austin City Council Member Vanessa Fuentes.

In addition to providing individualized care, the HTRC is committed to raising awareness about trauma and its impact on individuals and communities. Through partnerships, outreach events and educational initiatives, the HTRC aims to reduce stigma around trauma and ensure survivors have access to the resources they need to heal and thrive.

“I believe we need to take a public health approach to violence,” said Austin City Council Member Alison Alter. “By tailoring and targeting interventions to help survivors of violent experiences to heal and thrive, the Harvest Trauma Recovery Center will foster resilience in our community.”

Survivors of violent crime can contact the Harvest Trauma Recovery Center by:

Phone:  844-428-HTRC (4872)

Email:  hello@harvesttrc.org

In-person: 6633 E Hwy 290 #300, Austin, TX 78723 (Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.)

About the Office of Violence Prevention

Founded in 2021, Austin Public Health’s Office of Violence Prevention was conceived as a strategic and equitable investment to increase public safety in Austin by taking interventions upstream in the cycle of violence. By taking a public health approach to address environmental causes of violence, heal the trauma caused by violence, and equip change-agents to serve their communities, more Austinites can experience the benefits that come from safety. 

About the African American Youth Harvest Foundation

Our mission is to advocate for, strengthen, and provide culturally competent, family-centered educational, health, human services and economic development opportunities to African Americans and other at-risk youth and families that reside in the Greater Austin area. We seek to improve our community by focusing on supporting and strengthening the family unit and addressing preconceived notions of minority youth.

Original source can be found here.