Get Inspired with #HispaFam - October 2025 Newsletter
“Many of us live prioritizing others—solving, giving, helping—and along the way, we forget to tend to ourselves. But recognizing, valuing, and caring for ourselves is not selfishness. It’s the first step toward being able to give our best to others—from a healthy, grounded, and authentic place.”
-Dra. Nidia Medina, CEO, Hispanic Family Counseling, Inc.
Reflection October 2025
Hello, from my desk once again...
I pick up the conversation we left open last month. We were talking about the importance of seeing ourselves and knowing that we are an opportunity for others. And also, about not underestimating the power of an authentic gesture. Sometimes, that’s all someone needs to believe again.
Believe.
A simple word, yet with a profoundly transformative essence. Perhaps, like me, there are moments when believing is not easy.
In its origin, to believe means to “put one’s heart into something,” to give one’s heart. And when we think about that, we usually imagine giving it to others—offering ourselves completely to those around us.
But what would happen if, just for a moment, you thought about giving your heart to yourself?
Have you stopped to do that lately?
Are you so used to giving yourself to others that you’ve forgotten about you?
Maybe you’re not the only one.
Many of us live prioritizing others—solving, giving, helping—and along the way, we forget to tend to ourselves. But recognizing, valuing, and caring for ourselves is not selfishness. It’s the first step toward being able to give our best to others—from a healthy, grounded, and authentic place.
That’s why it’s essential to look at ourselves with honesty, listen with patience, and give our hearts back to ourselves. It’s vital to love ourselves and recognize our worth—a worth that doesn’t depend on what we do or have, but on who we are. Your presence, your story, your unique way of being in the world… all of that matters. What you do is important, yes—but who you are matters even more.
Of course, it’s important to give ourselves to others. But that giving must come from the deep understanding that you are valuable, necessary, and unique.
Many people need you—but in order to give, you must first know and love yourself.
So, give yourself the gift of time with you.
Read. Listen to good music. Walk. Observe nature. Pause to hear a child’s laughter. Meditate on your worth as a human being. Acknowledge your weaknesses, but also your strengths. Forgive your mistakes. Return to what you once set aside—out of fear or impossible demands.
And then, from that place of connection with yourself, look around.
Just as you value your being and essence, you’ll be able to see others with new eyes. You’ll be able to love genuinely—to value their stories, their efforts, their emotions. And then, yes, you’ll give your heart—believing authentically that you and they are important.
That you are both needed…
Here. Now. In this moment.
-Dra. Nidia Medina, CEO, Hispanic Family Counseling, Inc.
#HispaFam in the community
Our interns Tatiana Rivera and Miryeth Rico joined the Senior Export Event at IMA Medical Group, providing guidance and sharing valuable information to support the well-being of our seniors.
We are proud to continue serving as a bridge of resources and information for our community.
#IMAmedicalgroup #CommunitySupport #HealthAndWellness
#HispaFam #IMAmedicalgroup #SeniorEvent #ComunidadUnida #SaludYBienestar
One conversation can save a life.
September is Suicide Prevention Month and at #HispaFam we firmly believe that education and open conversations can save lives.
We want to give a special thanks to Humanitary Medical Services for welcoming us and allowing us to share the “Talk Saves Lives” training with their team and community.
Each encounter is an opportunity to break the silence, raise awareness, and provide tools that can truly make a difference during the most difficult moments.
Let’s always remember: One conversation can save a life.
#HispaFam #SuicidePrevention #TalkingSavesLives #MentalHealth #ConnectedForLife
#PrevenciónDelSuicidio #HablarSalvaVidas #SaludMental #ConectadosPorLaVida
“Talk Saves Lives” workshop at the Christian Church Disciples of Christ of Casselberry.
Our Founder, Denisse Centeno and our Clinical Supervisor Priscila Manzanet led this meaningful training, providing tools to raise awareness and reminding us that conversations can save lives.
We are deeply grateful for the participation and support of everyone who joined us, as well as to the host church for opening their doors and joining this vital mission.
To close, participants enjoyed a delicious lunch, strengthening fellowship and community bonds.
#HispaFam #TalkingSavesLives #SuicidePrevention #MentalHealth #StrongerTogether
#HablarSalvaVidas #PrevenciónDelSuicidio #SaludMental #ComunidadUnida
Leading with Heart and Purpose
We are proud to share that our founder Denisse Lamas, was recognized by Prospera USA as part of their #HispanicHeritageMonth celebration.
Prospera highlighted Mrs. Lamas for her leadership and dedication to the Hispanic community, noting her vision in founding Hispanic Family Counseling, Inc. to provide a safe, compassionate space for individuals and families in need of mental health support.
Since establishing HFC, Mrs. Lamas has continued to expand services throughout Central Florida while also mentoring and empowering other Hispanic entrepreneurs. Her commitment to both wellness and community growth embodies the very spirit of Hispanic Heritage Month.
👏 This recognition was proudly accompanied by Mr. Richard Centeno, Chief Operating Officer of HFC, who celebrated this milestone alongside Mrs. Lamas, representing the unity and strength of HFC’s leadership team.
We are deeply grateful for Mrs. Lamas’ vision, compassion, and unwavering mission to serve others.
Raising Awareness
We continue raising awareness during Suicide Prevention Month. We want to highlight our amazing therapist Wendy Neuman, proudly wearing her awareness shirt.
At #HispaFam, we remain committed to mental health, reminding everyone that talking, listening, and supporting can save lives.
#SuicidePrevention #MentalHealth #Awareness
#PrevenciónDelSuicidio #SaludMental #Concienciación #HispaFam
Binational Health Week
During the Binational Health Week at the Mexican Consulate, our interns Miriam Mota and Myrieth Rico represented us with dedication, actively assisting all participants.
They provided valuable health information, answered questions, and guided the community on available resources for their well-being. Their participation reflects the work of HispaFam, which strives every day to serve as a bridge between the Latino community and health services, promoting education, prevention, and comprehensive care.
Hunter’s Creek Fall Festival
On October 11, Hispanic Family Counseling had the pleasure of participating in the traditional Hunter’s Creek Fall Festival — a wonderful family event filled with fun and community spirit.
The festival featured costume contests, carnival games, bounce houses, live music, and the popular pumpkin carving contest.
Our representative Margarita Pérez was there sharing information about our services and connecting with families throughout the event.
We are grateful to the Hunter’s Creek community for welcoming us and allowing us to continue our mission of supporting and empowering Hispanic families.
#HispaFam #HuntersCreek #FallFestival #HispanicCommunity #FamilySupport #CommunityEngagement #OrlandoEvents #FamilyFun
If you want to learn more about our work and impact on communities, follow us on our social media platforms.
➡️ Read the new blog post:
Caring for the Mind, Honoring the Roots: A Hispanic Heritage of Healing and Resilience
October is a month of reflection — of honoring history, culture, and the wisdom that has been passed down through generations. As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage, it’s also an opportunity to talk openly about mental health in our communities: how we heal, how we resist, and how we care for ourselves.
Embracing Cultural Strength and Mental Wellness
In many Hispanic communities, familismo (the value placed on family), respect for elders, and collective identity are deeply woven into daily life. These traditions bring tremendous strength — a sense of belonging, purpose, and support — which are protective factors for mental health. Studies show that strong social support can buffer stress and reduce rates of depression and anxiety. (American Psychological Association, 2021)
But cultural stigma around mental health still exists: fears of being judged, “weak,” or misunderstood may prevent many from seeking help. Part of honoring our roots is reclaiming the right to mental well-being — to say “I need care” is not a betrayal of strength but an act of courage.
What the Science Tells Us
Prevalence and access gaps: Research indicates that Hispanic adults in the U.S. are less likely to receive mental health services compared to non-Hispanic whites, often due to barriers like language, insurance, or cultural mistrust.
Culturally responsive care matters: When therapy is offered in one’s native language and in a context that respects cultural values, outcomes improve — patients stay in therapy longer and report better satisfaction.
Trauma and generational stress: Many in our communities carry the weight of migration, discrimination, economic pressure, or family separation. These cumulative stresses can shape brain function, hormonal systems, and emotional resilience. But the good news: with support, the brain remains plastic — capable of healing, reorganization, and growth.
Steps to Care for Mind & Heritage Together
Normalize conversations around mental health
Share stories. Ask, “How are you really doing?” Let it be okay to say “I’m struggling.”Seek culturally competent care
Find clinicians who understand your cultural background — who see your identity as part of your healing, not something to “fix.”Reconnect with ancestral healing and balance
Whether through music, prayer, storytelling, or nature, these practices can ground us. Use them alongside modern therapy.Practice small acts of self-care daily
Pause to breathe. Walk. Journal. Reach out to a friend. These micro-actions strengthen emotional resilience.Advocate for equity in mental health access
Support organizations pushing for bilingual services, funding for underserved communities, and reduction of stigma.
As we move through October, let’s remember: caring for the mind is not new or foreign — it’s part of our heritage. The roots of community, solidarity, and resilience run deep in our culture. May we honor them by caring for ourselves, each other, and our collective healing.
If you’re reading this and feel ready to talk — reach out. At HFC, we’re here to walk with you.
By:Sheila Burgos
Yeysha Perez, MSW
Originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico, Yeysha brings a deep passion for serving underserved and vulnerable populations. With a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Puerto Rico and a master’s in Social Work Administration from Interamerican University, she has dedicated her career to uplifting others through education, community programs, and mental health services.
Yeysha’s experience spans work with families, youth, individuals experiencing homelessness, and those coping with substance use and trauma. At Hispanic Family Counseling, she provides therapy to clients of all ages, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and spiritual integration to promote healing and resilience.
Her greatest joy comes from working with children, adolescents, and women—helping them rediscover their strengths and build self-esteem. Outside of HFC, Yeysha continues her mission by teaching Sunday School and inspiring others to create a stronger, more compassionate community.
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