Pros
This agency makes everyone feel welcome. My current job as a Parent Mentor has taught me a plethora of skills that I have to engage with the clients and trained me to be a successful Parent Mentor. As a person of color, I feel respected, and I feel that my role as a Parent Mentor is highly important in my community and organization. I feel proud of my role because I work with marginalized communities, and parents who are struggling with substance abuse, homelessness, mental health, and child protection services. Furthermore, the CEO, Katy Armendariz, is an amazing, talented, and always caring for her employees. Before I became a full-time employee, I was a part-time and working as a Mental Health Coordinator; and by August of 2021, I was offered a full-time position with good benefits. I highly recommend working at this social justice-based agency.
Cons
I would like to see more Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) in this amazing agency that offers culturally responsive mental health services. Also, the lack of Spanish speaking therapists is a downside for our clients that we serve, because we must refer them to another agency that might have Bilingual Spanish/English therapist.