Project Ayuda
Project Ayuda strives to break the financial and language barriers to receiving culturally sensitive mental health services. We strive to offer more culturally sensitive services to diverse individuals and marginalized groups. Spanish-speaking individuals and marginalized groups lack a safe place where someone understands their needs and can help them heal while exploring their generational and cultural traumas along with ethnic perspectives around their mental health.
Program Impact
The Hispanic population is the fastest growing population in Texas. It is predicted that in the next few years, Hispanics will be the majority in Texas. As a result, there will continue to be a need for bilingual mental health services. Studies have shown that older Hispanic adults and Hispanic youth are especially vulnerable to psychological stresses associated with immigration and acculturation, and Hispanics are more likely to report poor communication with their health provider. Several studies have found that bilingual patients are evaluated differently when interviewed in English as opposed to Spanish and that Hispanics are more frequently undertreated. 80% of clients served identify as Hispanic and are bilingual or monolingual Spanish.
Apply for Services
Applicants must be a Hispanic, 15+ years old (with parent/guardian consent if they are a minor) in need of a Spanish-speaking or bilingual counselor. There must be a financial need to qualify for this service and the applicant must not currently have mental health insurance.
Once the form is completed, the Cannenta Foundation will contact the applicant to explain the necessary next steps to receiving the reduced-cost service.
Meet Our Project Ayuda Counselors
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Mariana Alvarado, LMSW
Mariana Alvarado holds a master’s from the University of Texas at Arlington (with a concentration in community and administrative practice). She also has a bachelor’s in social work from Texas Woman’s University and is a bilingual (Spanish) social worker.
Mariana has experience with various populations in healthcare through multiple roles. Understanding that everyone’s needs are unique, Mariana enjoys working with teenagers, adults, and couples. She utilizes different techniques to support them, such as a strengths-based approach, cognitive behavioral therapy, cultural framework, and social environment theories.
Mariana is supervised by Elisabeth Galarza, LCSW-S
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Karina Rendon Ortiz, LMSW
Karina is a licensed bilingual (Spanish/English) social worker, earned her master's degree in Social Work with a focus on Health from the University of Texas at Arlington. With a diverse background, she has provided her expertise to adults aged 18 and above in various settings, including hospitals, case management services, and wellness programs. Karina's dedication lies in supporting individuals on their healing journey through a holistic approach, empowering them to achieve their full potential.
She receives supervision from America Cardona, LCWS-S, ensuring the highest standards of care.