Stories

Universities serve as a hub for research and education, but their potential extends far beyond campus. When institutions commit to community engagement, they become key players in addressing social disparities, including those related to mental health. Marginalized communities often face barriers such as limited access to mental health resources, stigma, and economic constraints. Through outreach initiatives, universities can leverage their expertise and resources to promote social impact.

By incorporating mental health initiatives into their community engagement efforts, Santa Clara University is doing just that, fulfilling a dual purpose: contributing to public wellbeing and preparing students for real-world challenges. Future mental health practitioners and researchers gain invaluable experience interacting with diverse populations, developing cultural competence, and applying theoretical knowledge in practical settings.

As part of a community-engaged effort, the Ignatian Center's Thriving Neighbors has developed Caminos al Bienestar, a program that focuses on a short series of "community wellness modules" developed and tailored for the local community in San Jose. The goals are to provide culturally appropriate mental health information to open the conversation about mental health and wellness, as well as provide practical information and skills on managing and understanding one’s mental health. We use a "train the trainers" model to enhance scalability and ensure long-term sustainability.

The research team (SCU grad students, led by Dr. Jasmin Llamas from the School of Education and Counseling Psychology) develop the core modules and then train Promotoras on these modules. The Promotoras, along with the research team, then go out into the community to train and support community members. It is key when engaging in community work to consider sustainability and feasibility. Furthermore, we host special sessions so that the Promotoras can provide their feedback on the content and work with the research team to create a more accurate version of the content based on the community response. In 2024, the Promotoras, the research team, and Thriving Neighbors staff collectively worked on a fidelity chart to ensure the adequate transmission of the contents and the cultural pertinence. Additionally, the Promotoras participate in a scalaphoned model where they provide coaching and support to new Promotoras who want to join the program.

Caminos Al Bienestar focuses on five key components: Wellness; Mental health and emotions; Mindfulness and relaxation techniques; Decision making skills, and Effective communication skills. These elements were chosen based on their fundamental role in building emotional resilience and fostering healthier interpersonal relationships.

Programs like this are transformative not only for community members but also for students, faculty, and staff. Community engagement provides a platform where theoretical knowledge meets lived experience, fostering a deeper understanding of social justice in practice.

• For Students:
  Engagement in mental health initiatives equips students with practical skills, such as active listening, cultural competence, and adaptability. These experiences prepare them for careers in social work, psychology, education, and public health while instilling a commitment to ethical and socially responsible practice.
• For Faculty and Staff:
  Collaborating with community members enriches research through the incorporation of diverse perspectives and lived experiences. Insights gained from these initiatives enable faculty members to shape curricula, ensuring that academic programs remain relevant and responsive to societal needs.
• For Community Members:
  The program delivers immediate benefits by equipping individuals with practical mental health tools. It also empowers them by validating their experiences and providing strategies to improve their well-being. Foremost, it enhances the capacity of local leaders to deepen their expertise, co-create knowledge, and strengthen support systems within their communities.

"Being a Promotora of Caminos Al Bienestar has given me the opportunity to flourish as a person and to do what I love most, which is supporting my community. Being able to share knowledge and tools to achieve a better quality of life is a unique experience. As a Promotora, being able to bring this program to others is not just about providing information but also about spreading hope and opportunities. I am thrilled to have the opportunity of contributing to build a more integrated community with improved well-being."

~ Isela, Promotora

The long-term impact of mental health initiatives within university-community partnerships depends on sustainability and structural integration. It is not enough to offer one-time workshops; institutions must commit to ongoing collaboration and capacity-building.

• Institutional Commitment:
  Universities have the opportunity to strengthen their impact by recognizing community engagement as a core function, embedding it into their mission statements, funding priorities, and strategic plans.
• Co-Creation with the Community:
  Empowering community members to actively shape mental health initiatives helps ensure that programs are culturally and contextually relevant.
• Continuous Evaluation and Adaptation:
  Regularly assessing programs for effectiveness creates opportunities to improve, with feedback from both students and community members guiding ongoing adjustments.

Mental health is a fundamental human right, yet many communities remain underserved. Universities have the power to be catalysts for change, using their resources, knowledge, and human capital to address mental health disparities through community engagement. When students, faculty, staff, and community members collaborate, they create a structure that promotes social justice, fosters resilience, and builds healthier communities.

As we continue these efforts, we must ask ourselves: How can we strengthen collaboration between universities and communities to drive meaningful and lasting change? How can we ensure that these initiatives remain sustainable and equitable?

At Thriving Neighbors, we are committed to delivering impactful strategies, programs, and partnerships where SCU students, faculty, and staff don’t just engage with communities: we learn from them, grow with them, and create change together. Working side by side gives us the power to transform higher education into a driving force for social justice and collective well-being, one program, one conversation, and one community at a time.

By Iliana Molina Estrada
Senior Program Director, Thriving Neighbors