Royal Oak Residents Receive 2013 OCCMHA Achievement Awards

Royal Oak residents, Yvette Thomas and Adam Laird received a 2013 Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority (OCCMHA) award during the organization’s annual Keys to Total Health Conference on Monday, April 15, at The Troy Marriott. 

The OCCMHA Achievement Awards honor the successes and accomplishments of individuals who have disabilities, including adults with mental illness, children with serious emotional disturbances, adults and children with developmental disabilities, and persons with substance use disorders.

In 2006, Thomas was homeless. Her search for solutions led her to Community Housing Network’s (CHN) permanent supportive housing program. Before long, she not only had resolved her housing crisis, but she became a valuable member of the CHN staff. She currently works in a position that provides her with the opportunity to train and support persons with disabilities.

Serving as the current chair of the OCCMHA Consumer Advisory Committee, Thomas demonstrates her continued commitment to working with others and representing the community. She is also active in the BEST (Begin Ending Stigma Today) program at OCCMHA, actively working with CHN’s internal staff and community partners, as well as program participants, to debunk stigma in all facets of the community.

Laird was awarded with OCCMHA’s “Helping Hands Award,” recognizing his efforts to enhance the rights of people with a mental illness or a developmental disability, and is considered by his peers and professionals as an advocate for people with disabilities. In the last 6 months, Laird has spoken at many different venues, including Oakland County’s Self-Determination Conference. His speeches have drawn in large audiences and it is estimated that approximately 400 people have benefited from Laird’s encouragement of self-advocacy and empowerment.

Laird promotes empowerment and self advocacy and encourages others to exercise their civil rights and to advocate for what they want in their lives. He gives encouragement for people with disabilities to say “yes I can!” and never let others dampen their self-confidence and belief in their ability to accomplish their dreams. 

Source: Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority