Bienvenido

Bienvenido (“Welcome”) is a strengths-based mental health promotion program that focuses on building the emotional and behavioral health of Hispanic immigrants and helps reduce the risk of reliance on maladaptive coping strategies.

Program Details

youth & adults served since 2005 in Bienvenido programs

%

of participants are Hispanic

Program Highlights

Structured through the Bienvenido currriculum developed by Gilberto Perez, Bienvenido Community Solutions, LLC (Northeastern Center and Goshen College)

Offered in Spanish in community centers and during the day in middle and high schools

Interactive lectures on mental health and coping strategies led by a trained facilitator

Hands-on and group activities to explore good mental health, acculturation, communication, and goal-setting

One-on-one counseling sessions facilitated by a licensed bilingual social worker

Pre and post evaluation surveys and mental health assessments

Participants Learn



Stress management techniques



Self-esteem development



Approaches for overcoming depression and anxiety



Communication skills



Acculturation strategies

Program Goals



Take ownership of thoughts and daily routines



Learn to respond positively to stressful situations



Learn techniques to overcome depression and anxiety



Improve self-esteem



Improve overall communication skills



Embrace own culture while adapting to life in the United States

Program Results

23%

Increase in understanding mental health terms

32%

Decrease in viewing alcohol and drugs as practical coping mechanisms

95%

Increase in understanding that worrying over things can lead to depression

13%

Increase in knowledge regarding acculturation

19%

Increase in self-esteem

Barriers to Mental Health Resources that Hispanics Face

\

Lack of linguistic and cultural competence

\

Lack of health insurance coverage

\

Fear about legal issues

\

Social stigma and negative perception surrounding mental health care

\

Lack of bilingual therapists and education in Spanish about mental health

\

Lack of access to or knowledge of technology

\

Increased rate of underlying conditions among Hispanics

{Amazingly, these students, who have lived and are living through challenging times, express a will to overcome and succeed. This can only be possible with support, guidance, and for many, professional intervention such as the Bienvenido program provides.{

Nancy Rodriguez-Lora, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Bienvenido Program Partners

Thank you to our partners actively making a difference in the lives of our community members.

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