Jenifer Heredia, bilingual community relations specialist at Peace House, hosted the second-ever meeting of new event series Puente Comunitario this month.
It’s the newest offering from Peace House, the nonprofit that has been serving survivors of family violence and abuse in Summit and Wasatch counties for the past 28 years with shelter, support services, education and outreach.
Puente Comunitario is a primarily Spanish-speaking community group that aims to provide information on “what’s happening in Summit and Wasatch county through a series of lively discussions with expert speakers,” according to an event flyer.
English translation is available for non-Spanish speakers and vice versa for presentations in English. The group partners with local nonprofits and community groups who focus on health, safety, financial services and education. All events are free to attend.
Although Peace House is primarily a domestic violence shelter, Puente Comunitario events welcome all members of the community regardless of their background or situation.
“I just want people to know that it’s open to everybody in the community,” said Heredia. “Whether you are Spanish speaking, not Spanish speaking, just come with an open mind and an open heart, and come to learn about what we offer here at Peace House, but also what the community offers for all of us.”
In an effort to reduce barriers to entry, they hold the meetings at the Peace House campus, which is easily accessible through public transit. Dinner is provided, too.
“I want people to have a comfortable place where they can come and learn of what resources are available to them,” said Heredia.
They also provide a space for kids to play, supervised by Peace House staff, during the meetings in order to help parents.
This month, Peace House partnered with Latino Behavioral Health Services, who spoke about mental health. Carmela Foote, a peer support specialist with Latino Behavioral, led the presentation.
Among the topics discussed surrounding mental health, Foote spoke about the benefits of meditation and led a five-minute meditation session. It was a relaxing moment for the group, who said they felt calm and happy, even leaving some on the verge of falling asleep.
Latino Behavioral offers specific services for children, adolescents and adults and hopes to expand their services available in Park City, including youth support groups, which they currently offer in their Salt Lake City location for free.
Puente Comunitario said it will hold monthly meetings every fourth Thursday of the month. The next meeting is set for Sept. 26, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Peace House with guest partners Woman, Infants and Children Services — who provide nutrition education and support to women, infants and children up to age 5 — and The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, a group dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. All are welcome.
Peace House offers a wide range of resources to the community in Park City. To learn more, visit their website peacehouse.org or contact them directly at (435) 658-4739.
For more information from Latino Behavioral, visit their website, latinobehavioral.org, or contact their crisis and emotional support line at (385) 495-2188.