AVANCE-Austin, in collaboration with the University of Texas (UT) Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) program, is addressing critical needs for families in Central Texas. Partnering with over 40 community agencies, AVANCE- Austin’s goal is to provide wraparound support, including healthcare referrals, financial literacy resources, and early childhood education. “Mothers can’t focus on parenting if they’re overwhelmed by daily stressors like putting food on the table,” said Stephanie De Leon, Sr. Development Manager at AVANCE-Austin. “That’s why partnerships are essential—no single organization can meet every need.”
Recognizing a growing demand for mental health support, AVANCE- Austin launched the Healthy Moms group in partnership with UT MSSW interns Sarahi and Neftaly. The six-week program, offered in a hybrid format, brought together 15 Latina mothers for sessions on stress, anxiety, depression, and intergenerational trauma. “We provided psychoeducation and coping tools while creating a safe space for vulnerability,” Sarahi explained. One participant shared how the group helped her confront childhood trauma and break cycles of hardship in her own parenting.
The impact was profound: 100% of participants reported feeling more hopeful about their mental wellness, with many requesting extended support. A participant highlighted the group’s significance: “Agradecida por su tiempo… creía que yo estaba sola” (“Grateful for your time—I thought I was alone”). Though the program concluded in April, its lessons continue to resonate, proving the power of collaboration in fostering resilience for Latina mothers and their families.