About Us

Mission: To cultivate a responsive system of care that inspires, empowers, and supports children, families, and individuals in recovery to realize their potential to lead healthy, productive, self-directed lives in their community.

Vision: A Harvest of Hope and Health

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead

The Llano Estacado Alliance for Families (LEAF) originated in June 1998 and has developed over time. In the beginning, community stakeholders made the decision to be more proactive and organized in “working better together.” Joint meetings led to the development of a workgroup, then an advisory group with representation from the various community agencies. The grassroots joint efforts evolved and the advisory group developed into our present collaborative entity with more dynamic representation including families, peers, and individuals in recovery. LEAF has established bylaws and formal memorandums of understanding and, in July 2007, acquired the status of a 501(c) 3 nonprofit. LEAF was awarded Outstanding Health Program by the Texas Rural Health Association in 2010.

 

Serving Our Communities

"Alone we can do so little: together we can do so much." -Helen Keller

History

Texas Integrated Funding Initiative (TIFI): In May 2000, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission published a Request for Proposals (RFP) to implement the expansion of a TIFI pilot project for developing a SOC approach in Texas for minors experiencing emotional and behavioral disorders. Our collaborative was 1 of 4 pilot sites selected. We successfully served, and had positive outcomes for, 10 children and their families per year over the course of 6 years and in 2006 LEAF was selected as 1 of 2 sites for additional funding.

Texas Mental Health Transformation Incentive Grant: In 2005, Texas was awarded one of SAMHSA’s Mental Health Transformation State Incentive Grants, a program established in response to the President’s New Freedom Commission’s final report. Texas Health Institute (THI) published a RFP for “communities to join the state in its efforts by addressing local priorities.” Our collaborative was 1 of 8 selected to partner with THI in activities focused on transforming the Texas mental health service delivery system. The state transformation team also provided leadership and technical assistance to our local collaborative.

SAMHSA Cooperative Agreement: Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services for Children and Their Families Program: In 2008 the County of Hale was the lead applicant on behalf of the LEAF community collaborative and was awarded the opportunity to implement comprehensive services and activities to expand on our TIFI efforts in using a system of care approach.

Mental Health First Aid – In 2010, Central Plains Center’s Chief Executive Officer and CPC Director were certified as instructors for Youth and Adult Mental Health First Aid and have co-facilitated 39 classes in the Texas Panhandle-Plains region.

Texas Recovery Initiative (TRI): In 2014, after responding to a Department of State Services request for proposals as a part of the TRI, CPC and LEAF was selected as a pilot site to develop Recovery Support Services in the community, enhance the recovery environment, facilitate entry into the treatment process, prevent relapse, and promote sustained recovery.