Raices Sagradas Community Mental Health

Our accomplishments this year have been significant. More than 175 individuals, couples, and families have received professional Mental Health care at no cost, mainly in spanish. That translates to over 4,000 sessions yearly and 37 psychological evaluations for court immigration purposes. At an approximate market rate, $685,900 worth of Mental Health services. Empowering our team:a pivotal accomplishment has been converting a contractor to a full-time clinical therapist. This transition strengthens our core team and reinforces our commitment to providing consistent, accessible Mental Health support. In addition, we've welcomed a part-time intern who, under clinical supervision, has already amassed an impressive 140 hours of experience. This integration of fresh perspectives enriches our therapeutic approach and ensures that we're continuously evolving to serve our Community better.fostering dialogue and learning:our commitment to education and awareness has led us to host 12 impactful Mental Health Community conversations. These sessions, where 195 latino leaders came together, ignited discussions on the fundamentals of trauma and its profound effects. This knowledge exchange equips these leaders with tools to support themselves and extend that support throughout their networks, fostering a culture of healing that ripples through our community.extending our reach, expanding our impact:we embarked on an exciting new chapter and expanded our Mental Health services to the west side of saint paul. This strategic move opened doors to countless individuals who require our transformative support, enabling us to bridge the gap in Mental Health services. Through this expansion, we are writing a new narrative of accessibility, inclusivity, and empowerment for those in need.we presented a purpose-driven finance class to a dozen bright young minds Raices Sagradas' commitment to holistic well-being and Community upliftment. By promoting financial literacy, our goal is to inspire these young leaders to learn, earn, and skillfully navigate the realm of personal finance. Financial well-being plays a crucial role in reducing stress and anxiety. Economic stability directly correlates with decreased financial stress and anxiety. For hispanic families facing economic challenges, the strain of financial insecurity can manifest as chronic stress, which, if prolonged, can negatively impact Mental health.beyond our Mental Health therapy services, Raices is steadfast in its commitment to holistic well-being and Community empowerment through dance and financial literacy, fostering creative expression and positive transformation.fifteen years of resilience and dedication:in 2023, we celebrated a milestone - 15 years of tireless dedication to eliminating healthcare inequities in underserved communities. This remarkable journey has been marked by unwavering commitment and the unbreakable spirit of our team, supporters, and the Community we serve. Reflecting on our achievements fuels our passion for the work that lies ahead.the power of unity:raices Sagradas stands as a unique beacon of hope for spanish-speaking immigrants in the twin cities. By offering therapy entirely in spanish, free of cost, and in partnership with churches, we dissolve the barriers of finance, language, and culture. Our collaborative model ensures that those in need find a welcoming space to access vital support without reservation.partnerships: supported by the kingfield neighborhood association (kfna) and the boston scientific foundation, Raices initiated a pilot project in the incarnation church. Staffed by a part-time clinician, this project aims to offer short-term therapy and cost-free Mental Health referrals to lower-income residents, particularly spanish-speaking individuals. The outreach to local institutions, including venture academy, kfna newsletters, and the harvest from the heart food shelf, has been instrumental in raising Mental Health awareness within these organizations.memberships:we are affiliated with essential memberships: mn council of nonprofits, nonprofit financial group, and nami ramsey county and have become a member of nami Minnesota and the national organization.community engagement:the collaboration with the Minnesota twins, offering complimentary tickets to our staff, clients, and their families, emphasizes the significance of Community engagement. Our presence in culturally significant locations, communication through platforms like kfna's newsletter, and media outreach have increased awareness and gratitude for our support.raices' cultural outreach strategies, communication platforms, and media presence have played a crucial role in amplifying Mental Health awareness. Engagements with consulmex saint paul and la patrona radio, a growing spanish-speaking radio station, have provided platforms to discuss the importance of Mental Health care within the hispanic Community, breaking down stigma and barriers.healing circles:in collaboration with un pueblito counseling, Raices delivered alma ritmica, a four-session empowerment dance healing program. This initiative, focusing on individuals facing complex trauma and recovering from domestic violence and abuse, used movement as a vehicle for positive transformation. The success of these sessions, drawing up to 20 participants per session, underscores the Community's eagerness to engage and learn about the crucial aspects of physical and Mental Health awareness.health fairs and Mental Health awareness:participation in three Health fairs dedicated to the latino Community marks a significant milestone in Community involvement. These events, including tu salud hosted by telemundo Minnesota, the covid-19 recovery resource hosted by Raices latinas, and the year-end celebration in partnership with embracing Community balance, collectively drew over 850 attendees. At these gatherings, there were over 100 tables, facilitating access to healthcare professionals, offering 150+ on-site free Health screenings, administering over 330 flu and covid vaccinations, and providing platforms to disseminate essential information on physical Health, wellness, and Mental Health awareness.election of new trustees: reflecting Community diversity:raices' commitment to enhancing Community impact is reflected in the election of new trustees, with 90% representation from the latino Community. This commitment ensures that our leadership mirrors the demographic we serve, fostering trust, empathy, and a nuanced approach to decision-making.as we move forward, we carry the stories of transformation, the strength of unity, and the unyielding hope for a brighter future. The seeds of healing that we plant today will grow into forests of resilience, capable of weathering any storm. Your support makes this vision possible.