SPOKANE, Wash. — A local organization is launching a new campaign to make behavioral health more accessible to people across eastern Washington.
Nuestras Raices, which in English means “our roots,” is an organization founded by the Hispanic Business Professional Association and is dedicated to helping the community for decades. Executive Director of Nuestras Raices, Fernanda Mazcot said they chose the name because they wanted to uplift anyone who has roots in the Pacific Northwest.
Now, that motto for empowerment is extending outside of Spokane.
Recently, Nuestras Raices launched a fundraiser to replace its current office space they are leasing with a brand new building that has more space to accommodate all of the services they provide to the public, especially the Black, Indigenous and people of color. Mazcot said, “We know that as Hispanic Latinos we move as a family unit so it is very important for us to have holistic services in economic development, social services, education, culture and youth programs because it all ties to the person and family.”
Mazcot added that the campaign aims to open a new Cultural Behavioral Health Center that will meet the needs of the Hispanic Latino community as well as those living in vulnerable situations.
Mazcot who comes from an agricultural background herself says that around 98 percent of her staff are either immigrants, children of immigrants or have some sort of agriculture background. Her team understands firsthand most of the experiences the community members are dealing with. “We want the community to find representation but also find a place where they feel safe, a sense of belonging and where they can talk to professionals with shared experiences.”
Nuestras Raices recently leased a building in Othello to provide economic services as well as behavioral services to surrounding areas.