Houston, TX – February 12, 2026 – Family Houston has partnered with the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health to launch the Rural Mental Health Collaborative in Willis, Texas, an initiative designed to improve mental health outcomes and overall well-being for underserved residents in the region.
The Rural Mental Health Collaborative will bring together local leaders, residents, and organizations to develop a sustainable, community-driven response to mental health needs in rural Montgomery County. Through a phased approach—engagement and assessment, collaborative development, and implementation—the initiative will elevate community voice, address service gaps, and strengthen long-term cross-sector partnerships.
During the planning phase, Family Houston and its partners will host listening sessions, focus groups, and surveys to gather input from residents, with particular attention to individuals and families who have historically been excluded from decision-making. The collaborative will then co-develop an action plan and implement culturally responsive strategies designed to expand access to care and strengthen community connections.
Special emphasis will be placed on engaging youth, low-income families, communities of color, veterans, and older adults—populations that often face significant barriers to mental health services in rural communities.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to ensuring that people in every community—regardless of geography—can access the mental health resources they need,” said Ken Sheirr, President & CEO of Family Houston. “By working alongside residents and local partners, we can build solutions that are practical, culturally relevant, and designed to last.”
Family Houston will serve as the backbone agency for the initiative, providing administrative coordination, training, and facilitation to ensure sustained progress and shared leadership across all phases of the project.