MENTAL HEALTH
The holidays can be a tough time for many in the community, and the SMTX Mental Health Coalition has found a way to spread a little cheer.
The SMTX Mental Health Coalition — through a partnership between Community Action, Inc. of Central Texas, the Core Four Partnership and the Texas State University Translational Health Research Center — has launched its inaugural Kindness Campaign. The coalition was created to address availability of mental health services for youth, according to the Community Action website.
Cristal Lopez, Community Action, Inc. of Central Texas youth services director, said the campaign is meant to expose the compassion and benevolence already present in the community, particularly when times are tough.
“As the holidays approach, many people experience added pressure, loneliness or sadness,” Lopez said. “By launching this campaign between the holidays, we hope to remind everyone that even one small act of kindness — toward a neighbor, the community, the environment, or yourself — can create a powerful ripple effect.”
The Kindness Campaign has a toolkit, available to whomever requests it, with a digital booklet that outlines resources and practical activities centered on kindness — for oneself, others and the environment. It also has graphics for social media posts and flyers with quotes and calls to action that promote generosity.
“The Kindness Campaign is more than a social media effort — it encourages real, everyday actions. The toolkit provides simple ideas you can try at your own pace. We suggest starting small with two or three practices and setting aside time each week to explore what feels natural for you,” Lopez said. “These activities can complement each other, whether it’s volunteering with a community or environmental group, spending time with animals for self-care, or choosing thrift shopping as a kinder option for the environment.”
Lopez said incorporating kindness can be simple.
“The campaign invites you to practice kindness in ways that fit your life — online, in your community and in your daily routines,” Lopez said. “We hope residents, local businesses and community partners embrace the spirit of kindness — whether toward themselves, their community or the environment. No act of kindness is too small.”
Anne Halsey, San Marcos CISD board president and SMTX Mental Health Coalition Steering Committee member, acknowledged that the holidays are difficult for many and applauded the coalition’s efforts.
“It’s great to see the SMTX Mental Health Coalition taking a proactive approach to fostering kindness, compassion and gratitude in our community,” Halsey said. “Hopefully the campaign reminds us to take time to check up on our friends and neighbors and let them know they are valued and appreciated. These kinds of actions help strengthen our collective resolve, remind us that we’re all stronger when we work together, and they don’t cost a thing.”
Lopez called kindness “compassion in action.”
“It grows from empathy and is strengthened by gratitude, helping us connect with others and appreciate the good in our lives. Acts of kindness also support our well-being by reducing stress, boosting mood, and fostering a sense of belonging,” Lopez said. “By choosing compassion — for others and for yourself — we strengthen our community and support one another through meaningful everyday actions.”
Lopez urged everyone to commit to one kind action to create “a community where compassion isn’t just an ideal, but a lived reality that touches every life.”
The campaign toolkit can be obtained by emailing [email protected].
