Programs for the Latino Community
Caminando Hacia El Bienestar Mental
July 9, 2011
The Naomi Ruth Cohen Institute in partnership with NAMI-National, NAMI-Greater Chicago and The Center for Latino/a Mental Health co-sponsored an all-day Spanish Language conference: Caminando Hacia El Bienestar Mental (Walking toward Mental Wellness) on July 9th 2011; it was a wonderful success with 100 attendees and 10 exhibitors. The conference offered families and individuals' coping with mental health issues an opportunity to learn new ways to understand and manage mental illness and receive support.
Viviana Ploper, LCPC, associate director of the Community Counseling Center of Chicago and Hector Torres, Psy.D, director of the Center for Latino/a Mental Health addressed the stigma of mental illness and the role cultural variables can have in diagnosing, treatment outcome and recovery. NAMI peer leader Haydee Meza offered an amazing presentation reflecting on her mental health journey and acceptance, "My recovery is like a jig saw puzzle. I have to match and find the pieces that fit." Ms. Meza spoke to the important role NAMI support groups and spirituality played in her recovery and acceptance "It doesn't matter how many times I'm down, I know now that I will have good moment."
After the morning presentations and Q&A session participants enjoyed lunch and a performance by Brenda Arellano and Irene Patina; actors from Erasing the Distance, a professional theatre group dedicated to shedding light on the stigma of mental illness. Participants enjoyed both the educational and affirming aspects of the program, "This performance was my life growing up and I have recovered and continue to recover, it is possible."
NAMI peer leaders Israel Benitez, Carmen Najera, Rosa Laura Lepe lead the afternoon discussion group. They offered an engaging discussion of their mental health journey and recovery. The supportive power the peer lead panel and discussion groups provided the audience could be seen throughout the conference. The conference concluded with a memorable moment; following the closing address a hotel staff member (audio/ visual technician) approached a committee member, with tears in his eyes, and stated, "I have been doing this (audio visual support) for a long time and this is the best event I have ever seen, this was good for me and I'm glad I was here." NRCI is having a powerful effect on the community in ways that may not always be apparent!
Thank you to The Chicago School and NAMI volunteers for their support and dedication. This event could not have been possible if it were not for the leadership of the planning committee: MaJose Carrasco, M.P.A. director of the Multicultural Action Center (MAC) at NAMI- National Office, Susan Andriukaitis, executive director of NAMI- Greater Chicago, Virginia Quinones, Ph.D. Chair of the Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling at The Chicago School, Hector Torres, Psy.D. director of The Center for Latino/a Mental Health and Nancy Curotto, Psy.D., director of the Naomi Ruth Cohen Institute for Mental Health Education.
NRCI looks forward to collaborating with all our partners in developing innovative ways of decreasing the stigma of mental illness in our global community.
El Arte de Sentirse Bien 2009
Sunday October 25, 2009 2:15 - 4:30pm
This conference on Well Being is for all Latino families and individuals who want to learn more about issues that affect us all.
Share and discuss effective coping strategies related to acculturation, understanding the school system and the American culture, family separation, dealing with depression in children and teens, violence and abuse, issues of communication between spouses/partners and children/youth and adults, talking to your kids about sex, and financial stress.
Know about resources in your community that can help address challenges and stresses you, your extended family and friends might be facing.
Father Claudio Diaz, Jr., Director of Hispanic Catholics, Archdiocese of Chicago says, "We are stewards of God's most precious creation ... Us! God wants to save all of His creation. Let us take care of it by taking care of ourselves."
All are invited. Come learn more about The Art of Feeling Well and you will feel better about yourself, your family and your future!
El Arte de Sentirse Bien 2008
El Arte de Sentirse Bien, "the Art of Feeling Well," was the theme of the 2008 and 2007 conferences on Mental Health Issues in the Latino Community. The events featured discussion on a gamut of issues centered on Latino mental health including immigration issues, trauma and psychological pain, teen pregnancy, and school drop-out rates.
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Program Comittee and Presenters:Howey Saver, Dr. Hector Torres, Veronica Nava, Melody Van Der Werlf, Adelita Hernandez, Willis Francis, Dr. Virginia Guinonez, Susan Kogan. |
Lawrence Coehn and Father Diaz |
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| Music Group Fandanguero Morado | Father Diaz |