{"id":7150,"date":"2022-03-11T07:46:45","date_gmt":"2022-03-11T14:46:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/buildinghopesummit.org\/?p=7150"},"modified":"2022-05-31T08:00:59","modified_gmt":"2022-05-31T14:00:59","slug":"a-resource-for-her-latinx-community","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/buildinghopesummit.org\/es\/a-resource-for-her-latinx-community\/","title":{"rendered":"Pierina Reyes - Un recurso para su comunidad LatinX"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_image src=”https:\/\/buildinghopesummit.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/image.png&#8221<\/a>; alt=”Pierina Reyes and son” title_text=”Pierina Reyes and son” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” module_alignment=”center” box_shadow_style=”preset2″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_image][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/buildinghopesummit.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Community-Shares-Transparent-420×230–300×157.png&#8221<\/a>; title_text=”Community Shares Transparent 420×230″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-41px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/buildinghopesummit.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/image-1.png&#8221<\/a>; alt=”Kathy_Reed_Photo_1_crop” title_text=”image (1)” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” box_shadow_style=”preset2″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.3em” header_4_font=”|300|||||||” header_4_font_size=”16px” custom_margin=”-18px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Pierina Reye’s children<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Title” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Pierina Reyes, a resource for her LatinX Community<\/b><\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]On the eve of her 22nd birthday, Pierina Reyes felt the world crumbling around her. A young new mother recently abandoned by her husband, she felt helpless, alone with her young son in the mountains of Colorado. She had no money, job, support or hope. \u201cThat was the first time I had a suicidal thought, not only to end my own life, but also the life of my son.\u201d Moments later the universe aligned and a mother\u2019s long-distance intuition intervened.\u00a0<\/span> \u201cI received a call from my mother in Peru. She listened to my struggles and was a great support. I still wonder what would have happened if she didn\u2019t call, and I also wondered what happens to someone like me if they have no family or support?\u201d\u00a0<\/span>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Title” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Struggling far from home\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-18px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]Twelve years ago, at the age of 18, Pierena (a.k.a. Nina) came to Summit County with a J1 work Visa from Peru. She admits she was running from a toxic and sexist family environment laced with alcoholism.\u00a0<\/span>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]When Nina arrived to Summit County she struggled against many barriers, including language obstacles and troubles with documentation. Lonely and without any close friends or family in the area, she met and married her husband. Nina quickly became pregnant and gave birth to her son at the age of 21.\u00a0<\/span> \u201cBeing a first-time mom was a great feeling, but was also a traumatic event. Being in a different country with a different language, different system, and no documents created many barriers. When you\u2019re undocumented you don\u2019t have access to health care or mental health services.\u201d\u00a0<\/span> Due to her thoughts of suicide and concerns for the safety of her son, law enforcement and social services became involved. \u201cThis was a bad experience for me. I felt prejudices and a stigma around me not meeting their expectations of being a good mom. They didn\u2019t care about the underlying issues and struggles I was going through. They just judged and assumed things about me.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Title” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Masking the pain\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]After receiving a job at Walmart Nina began to feel more financially independent and was able to start providing for her son and herself. However with continued thoughts of depression, anxiety, and fear she began to drink heavily to cope and mask these feelings. She often left her son with friends and babysitters to go drink on the weekends. Her drinking led to more issues with law enforcement and increased legal troubles. Once again she felt the feelings of judgment from society- this time from her own LatinX community. \u201cThey didn\u2019t want to help me or to understand the struggles and underlying issues I was going through. They just expected me to stop.\u201d\u00a0<\/span> Feeling isolated again and with no support she became involved in another relationship. Despite signs of toxicity and physical abuse, she forgave him and stayed in the relationship. This was the type of sexist relationship she had seen back in Peru growing up, and she didn\u2019t know any better. However, one night things took a turn for the worse. It\u2019s still hard to remember details. She ended up in the hospital with over 25 bruises, a broken lip, and the side effects from being strangled and choked. <\/span>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Title” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”19px||-43px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Blessed by therapy\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”] <\/p>\n

After Nina\u2019s assault, the Summit County Advocates for Victims of Abuse provided Nina with therapy for the first time in her life. She began to deal with her own obstacles, including alcoholism, depression, codependency, toxic relationships and being a single mom.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLooking back at all of the traumatic events I had been through, therapy was truly a blessing. I changed my views and my perspective. I also felt more connected to my son. I became more nurturing, and spent more quality time with him.\u00a0 A lot of parents think that not doing bad things in front of your kids is enough- but it’s not. We need to show them more love and spend quality time together.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

After the sessions with the advocates ran out Nina recognized two things. One: she needed more therapy. Two: the community needed more bilingual and bicultural counselors. This began to propel a new vision for her life and intentions of an ideal career where she could help people like herself. She began to volunteer with the Advocates, grateful to give back to the organization that had helped her both mentally and financially after her domestic-violence incident. She signed up for classes at Colorado Mountain College and an English as a Second Language (ESL) course. She worked during the day and took night classes, bringing her young son along to make it work.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

After graduating from CMC with an Associate\u2019s Degree in Science and General Studies, she decided to continue with her education. She received financial assistance from the Advocates, allowing her to transfer to MSU Denver, completing her BA in Psychology. She continued to feel the cultural restrictions and judgments. \u201cEducation is a privilege in the U.S., not a right for everyone. Education discriminates people based on their legal status and finances. There are a lot of immigrants who are competent and have a desire to be productive for their communities but we have too many barriers that don\u2019t allow us to grow.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In 2019, alongside her mother visiting from Peru, Nina celebrated her graduation with a BA in Psychology. At the time she was content, school was expensive and time consuming. But the quiet whispers of helping people with similar experiences and situations didn\u2019t silence. Nina continued to believe that Summit County needed more counselors to treat others with kindness, love and empathy. \u201cThe unfair part about stigma is that people can shame others without knowing the facts of the situation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c<\/span>Every person deserves to be treated fairly and with dignity. No one should be stereotyped by authorities or law enforcement.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Title” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Healing by giving back\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]It\u2019s no surprise Nina chose to continue her education and expand her goals. She is currently in her last year of graduate school working towards her MA in clinical counseling. Nina loves her job working with a mental health organization in Denver. She also serves as a board member for Building Hope and taught ESL classes at CMC.\u00a0<\/span> Self-care is something Nina prioritizes, working with a therapist and staying involved with the community. Although it can be challenging to work long hours and two jobs, she is proud to be a Summit County homeowner and is laying down her roots here.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span> Nina hopes that sharing her story will encourage other people in her LatinX community to be open about mental health struggles. She is hopeful that more bilingual and bicultural therapists will be able to serve Summit County residents soon.\u00a0<\/span>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/buildinghopesummit.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/IMG_20220306_120558_795.jpg&#8221<\/a>; alt=”Pierina Reyes at the Statue of Liberty” title_text=”Pierina Reyes at the Statue of Liberty” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”30px||||false|false” box_shadow_style=”preset2″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.3em” custom_margin=”-13px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Piernia Reyes at the Statue of Liberty<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]She also believes that there needs to be less shame for mistakes that are made.\u00a0<\/span>\u201cIt\u2019s never too late to ask for help and start over,\u201d shared Nina. \u201cTry to find what self-care routines work best for you \u2013 working out, manicures, shopping, or dancing. I try to take two road trips a year, eliminating some of the stresses from traveling that undocumented immigrants can face. I want to represent my LatinX community and be a resource for newcomers facing similar challenges.\u201d<\/span>
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

***<\/h3>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|300|||||||” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.5em” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]Story by Alyse Piburn, special projects writer for Building Hope Summit County. <\/em>If you have a story to share,\u00a0reach out to her at alyse@buildinghopesummit.org<\/a>.<\/em> Photos submitted by Pierina Reyes.<\/em>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

En la v\u00edspera de su 22\u00ba cumplea\u00f1os, Pierina Reyes sinti\u00f3 que el mundo se desmoronaba a su alrededor. Como joven madre reci\u00e9n abandonada por su marido, se sent\u00eda desamparada, sola con su hijo peque\u00f1o en las monta\u00f1as de Colorado. <\/p>","protected":false},"author":194720797,"featured_media":7194,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"jetpack_seo_schema_type":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_wpcom_ai_launchpad_first_post":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"{title}\n\n{excerpt}\n\n{url}","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"_wpas_customize_per_network":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1393],"tags":[1395,1396,1397,1398],"class_list":["post-7150","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-community-shares","tag-community-shares","tag-espanol","tag-pierina-reyes","tag-surviving-trama"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":false,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pcRpks-1Rk","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/buildinghopesummit.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/image.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/buildinghopesummit.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7150","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/buildinghopesummit.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/buildinghopesummit.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buildinghopesummit.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/194720797"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buildinghopesummit.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7150"}],"version-history":[{"count":41,"href":"https:\/\/buildinghopesummit.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7150\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8288,"href":"https:\/\/buildinghopesummit.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7150\/revisions\/8288"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buildinghopesummit.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7194"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/buildinghopesummit.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7150"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buildinghopesummit.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7150"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buildinghopesummit.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7150"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}