Through a new program established by Providence Health System, elderly Latinos struggling with depression, anxiety, family relationship and domestic violence issues are getting a helping ear and hand from Spanish speaking counselors and volunteers.The program, named "Familias Ayudando Familias," has been made possible through a grant from The California Endowment.  Familias Ayudando Familias is breaking past language barriers to reach out to dozens of Latino seniors from the San Fernando Valley.  Spanish-speaking counselors and volunteers who live within the community are successfully making connections and being of valuable assistance to many seniors.

 

"I can see the positive changes and remarkable influence we have had on our Latino community members," said Carolyn Young, Senior Outreach Supervisor for Providence Health System San Fernando Valley Service Area.  Young recalled the story of one woman who now feels she has a voice of her own because of the counseling she received from Familias Ayudando Familias. "The woman not only lost her husband, she also had to learn how to be independent and take care of herself and her children," Young said.  "Thanks to the counselors she was able to find a job and carry on with her life.  Many stories like this and others help us see how important and useful the program has become to the community."  

 

Guardian Angel Church in Pacoima was chosen as the site for this new program because of Providence's relationship with the church through its Parish Nurse Partnership program and the fact that the church is often the hub of Latino family life within this community.  A church member and community activist, Juanita Padilla, who is also a Providence  Latino Health Promoter, was hired as the coordinator of the program. A total of 28 volunteers have donated their time and effort for the Familias Ayudando Familias program.  These volunteers have committed themselves to four months of training once a week to become senior peer counselors. As counselors, they can help seniors who are struggling with a variety of issues. 

 

An additional 60 volunteers have signed up in the Volunteers for Seniors program to help the sick, disabled and homebound seniors with their daily activities.  These activities include driving seniors to doctor's appointments, grocery shopping for them, reading them letters, doing yard work and making friendly visits.