event

Event Archive | Latino Community

Recovery and Employment in the Latino Community
STAR Center Teleconference, April 28, 2005, 7 pm ET
a Spanish-language was held April 21, 2005

Download the audio file or read a transcript of the conference call in Spanish.

Download the audio file or read a transcript of the conference call in English.

We discussed frankly some of the difficulties in gaining and keeping employment, as well as strategies, techniques, and resources for overcoming those obstacles. Our speakers -- both consumers and consumer-supporters -- shared their personal experiences, describing the contributions that working has made to continuing recovery, and recommending specific resources and best practices. While the calls offered valuable information to listeners from any cultural background, particular attention was paid to the needs, concerns, and strengths of the Latino Community. After the panelists' presentation, callers had an opportunity to ask questions and offer their perspectives.

Teleconference Speakers:

• Lupe Morin has served as Family Resource Coordinator/Educator at the Center for Health Care Services in San Antonio, Texas for fourteen years. She has extensive experience in supportive employment, assisting consumers in getting and keeping a good job.
• Juany Lopez, who now works at the Center for Health Care Services with Lupe Morin, is a consumer who has made the transition to employment as a community services worker. She is also planning to return to college.
• David Gonzalez is the Coordinator of Support Services for the Mental Health Empowerment Project and the founder of the anti-stigma/anti-abuse website www.cinemaniastigma.com. He also served as Employment Coordinator for the New York Works research project.
• Ramiro Guevara is Director of the STAR Center, and a nationally recognized leader in recovery and cultural competency.
• Majose Carrasco, Director of NAMI's Multicultural Action Center, moderated the calls.

Non-governmental Employment Resources

• Career One-Stop - Training and Education Center
  Career One-Stop is a massive resource with links to Job Bank, Service Locator, and other employment information.
• Disclosing Your Disability to an Employer
  Only you can decide whether and how much to tell your employer about your psychiatric disability. This page offers some helpful material.
• Employment and Individuals with Psychiatric Disabilities
  An online seminar, available as video or a transcript. Other helpful material is offered on this page.
• The Employment Intervention Demonstration Program
  A program exploring new ways of enhancing employment opportunities and quality of life for mental health consumers. Funded by the Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
• The Job Accommodations Network
  The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is a free consulting service that provides information about job accommodations, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the employability of people with disabilities.
• Maximizing Your Potential for Employment
  Web version of a powerpoint presentation created for the Mental Health Empowerment Project, Inc., as presented by David Gonzalez & Mariah G. Bishop.
• Su Familia
  Su Familia is a program of the National Alliance for Hispanic Health. It offers free, reliable and confidential health/mental health information in Spanish and English. Biligual information specialists are also able to access database referrals to local primary health care services for the uninsured/or under-insured. Call toll free Monday through Friday, 9 am to 6 pm EST at (866) 783-2645.
• Seeking Supported Employment: What You Need To Know
  Information in PDF format.
• Job Stress Help Center
  Resources for dealing with work-related stress or workplace challenges.

Government Resources

• Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999
  This is the web site for the Ticket to Work and Work Incentive Improvement Act passed in 1999. It concerns health care, employment preparation and placement, and the availability of Medicaid to disabled persons.
• Social Security Administration ~ Work Incentives and Detailed Work Incentives Information
  Descriptions of ways to obtain benefits while seeking work or employed.
• U.S. Department of Labor's America's Job Bank
  A partnership between the U.S. Department of Labor and the state operated public Employment Service. A computerized network links state Employment Service offices to provide job seekers with the largest pool of active job opportunities available anywhere and nationwide exposure for their resumes.
• Work Stress Resources
  Links to job stress and mental health related resources including organizations and journals.
• Social Security Redbook 2005
  A summary guide to employment support for individuals with disabilities under the Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income programs.
• Job Training Resources from the Department of Labor
  Links to publications in PDF format.