Access to Spanish Language Service Providers: We connect Latinas and their families to culturally and linguistically appropriate services by bringing outside providers onsite and through referrals. Referrals include mental health interventions that are a vital part of the services at Voces Latinas, as the high prevalence of HIV infection is related to histories of sexual abuse, trauma, depression, low self-esteem, disempowerment and domestic violence. Other referrals include:
> HIV testing
> Medical Care
> Immigration Services
> Housing Services
> Domestic Violence Support Service
Educational Workshops: are held in Spanish every Thursday from 6pm to 8pm. These weekly workshops address multiple issues that place immigrant Latinas at risk for HIV/AIDS such as depression, alcoholism, low self esteem and domestic violence.
Saturday Arts and Crafts Discussion Group: are held every Saturday from 3pm to 6pm. The group offers Latinas an opportunity to learn and exchange information in a safe environment. These group discussions not only offer support, but also offer socialization opportunities for women living with or at risk for HIV who may otherwise be isolated. In addition, participants have the opportunity to work on arts and crafts projects while having such rooted discussions.
Promotoras Program: is a leadership initiative that trains 5 promotoras each year to become: peer HIV prevention educators; to connect Latinas with linguistically and culturally appropriate services; and to speak out on the behalf of other Latinas living with or at risk for HIV/AIDS. Promotoras advocate for their community by making presentations to City and State elected officials, at national, statewide and citywide summits, at festivals, fairs and cultural parades. The promotoras ensure the Latina voice is heard and fight for life-saving resources.
Conferences/Forums: Three annual events are organized by the staff and promotoras of Voces Latinas: Women's Luncheon which is a collaboration with the Queens HIV Care Network to organize an annual Queens women’s luncheon to provide health screenings, workshops and other resources on caring for oneself physically, spiritually, and emotionally. The luncheon is facilitated in Spanish and English. National Latino AIDS Awareness Day on October 15th, is an event planned by the promotoras of Voces Latinas to encourage Latinos to get tested for HIV. During the event we make available statistical information, informational videos, and group discussion. Summer Health Fair is organized the last Saturday of June in recognition of Latino HIV Testing Month in July. We invite other providers in Queens who offer services that meet immigrant Latino's immediate needs, such as legal services, mental health counseling, housing, domestic violence, and alcohol and substance abuse.
Youth Group: offers Latino native and foreign born youth a safe place to identify, discuss and organize action steps around issues that matter to them. Youth are given the opportunity to voice their concerns and are often the voice of other immigrant youth who for fear of their immigration status, remain isolated. To contact the youth program, please email: jovenes@voceslatinas.org.