Fund For Santa Barbara Gives AHA! $5,000 to Assist Latinx Families

Wednesday, September 16, 2020

(For the full article visit the website linked below)
Published by NoozHawk

AHA! has received a $5,000 grant from the Fund for Santa Barbara for a Spanish language social-emotional learning certification program. Since 1999, the nonprofit AHA! has equipped some 25,000 teenagers, educators and guardians with social and emotional intelligence to dismantle apathy, prevent despair, and interrupt hate-based behavior.

AHA! has long offered parent groups for adult guardians of youth in their programs. While Spanish translation during these groups has always been offered, feedback from Spanish-speaking constituents regularly spoke to the need for additional support.

Given the restrictions and challenges imposed by COVID-19, this need has ballooned within a population often marginalized, unsure of how best to advocate for themselves and their families, and experiencing high levels of stress. News stories revealing significantly higher risk of COVID-related illness and death in the Hispanic population intensified feelings of isolation and fear.

Through the grant from the Fund for Santa Barbara, participants will access a path to skills that will strengthen their ability to build alliances, support one another, and share resources. The workshops are designed and facilitated by three Latinx facilitators who recognize the importance of delivering SEL (social and emotional learning) knowledge in a culturally competent manner.

Their commitment is to empower Latinx families to advocate for themselves within the spheres of work and home; develop stronger, healthier bonds with family members; improve communication skills; increase self-awareness; apply reparative models in times of conflict; and learn effective tools to set boundaries.