Nevada man among 3 to get state award
Three remarkable Missourians who have overcome mental health challenges to make life better for others and their communities have been chosen as 2013 "Mental Health Champions" by the Missouri Mental Health Foundation.
The Champions are Tim Boyd of Nevada, Bobette Figler of St. Louis, and Garrett Lawrence of Hannibal.
These champions will be honored Tuesday at the Sixth Annual Mental Health Champions Banquet to be held at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Jefferson City.
Boyd has worked tirelessly over the past several years to increase awareness and understanding of mental health conditions through his community involvement and presentations, according to a news release about the upcoming event.
He is a speaker and facilitator for RESPECT Institute, a program that provides him an avenue, through which he gives hope, educates and empowers others.
"Tim is passionate about telling his story and understands the importance of fighting stigma surrounding mental illness and other disabilities," the news release states. "He provides insight into life with bi-polar disorder and major depression.
"Each time he shares his story, he provides an opportunity for others to know they are not alone and not to be afraid to seek help."
Boyd also volunteers at the Nevada Regional Medical Center, serving his third consecutive term as auxiliary president. He is actively involved with fundraisers to purchase needed equipment for the hospital. He currently works in the administration department of On My Own, Inc., a center for independent living. He continues to be an active volunteer and advocate for mental illness and other disabilities.
Figler is a role model for people struggling with alcohol and other drug addictions. She is open about her addiction experiences and passionate about helping others, the news release states.
She lives in the St. Louis area and has been a volunteer with the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse for many years. She is also an active volunteer and advocate in local efforts, forums and organizations that help those who suffer from Multiple Sclerosis and Myasthenia Gravis, having spent years as a board member for Paraquad, an advocacy organization for the physically disabled.
Figler coordinated the St. Louis area foundation for Myasthenia Gravis for the past 25 years. In addition, she has served on the Governor's Council on Disability and is also an active volunteer with Canines for Mobility. Currently, she works with the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse in St. Louis, where she is incredibly effective in assessing and motivating people to address their addiction and move toward wellness, the news release states.
She continues to be a committed community activist for healthcare and disability issues.
Lawrence has always made an impact wherever he goes. During the past few years, that impact has been felt in ever widening spheres, according to the release.
Lawrecnce lives in Hannibal and has been involved with Special Olympics since his high school years, where he first began to participate as an athlete and Global Messenger. He attended the 2006 USA National Games in Iowa and was named Missouri's athlete of the year.
He maintains his CPR and First Aid certifications so he can continue to coach athletes. Lawrence has been a Jaycee for many years and is active in raising funds for the community. He belongs to the Participants of Public Service club, Aktion Club (a Kiwanis organization) and served as president of the board of NEILS, the area independent living center. He also takes advantage of opportunities to develop his advocacy skills, taking a "Partners in Policymaking" class.
He was in the first Project STIR class offered in the Hannibal area and is interested in mentoring high school students to learn more self-determination skills. Currently, Garrett works for the Department of Mental Health and serves as a co-chair of the Real Voices, Real Choices Conference Planning Committee.
"He continues to take advantage of opportunities to develop his advocacy skills and dreams of being part of a community that recognizes the abilities of each person and uses those abilities to strengthen that community," the release states.