Hwasa Newsletter Autumn Edition 2024

Autumn Edition 2024

FromPatriciaRios,President

It is hard to believe that we are in the middle of autumn; trees are almost naked, cold weather has not really set in yet but we know the wind and the rains are coming! We anticipate this will be a dry winter but nevertheless cold weather will come. And for our families who are migratingfrom tropicalcountrieslike Venezuela, Colombia, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, arriving in Australia under the refugee program will not only will be a cultural shock but also a weather shock. Fear not that we have warm clothing at our Op Shop in the city for a very low price or free. So come and visit us. Weareheretohelp.

We have had a full start of the year, we have all of our programs in full motion and we will tell you where weareatinthisedition.

We are looking for Sponsors, businesses or services that can work in collaboration with us to enhance the spirit of this great multicultural and diverse society of ours! So please, if you have an idea that may assistthecommunitywithusinit,do not hesitate in reaching out for dialogueandcooperation.

We are also continuously looking for volunteers particularly on Fridays at our Office in the city. Please approach us and ask us. Your contribution goes a long way to help othersistersinourcommunitieswho perhaps settlement has been a difficult transition due to a myriad of circumstances. We believe that paying it forward is a great way to approach life. An act of kindness has alonglastingeffect.

We are in the process of buying our trailer which will help those moving houses.Forasmallfee wewouldlike to think that it will help our community members to move at their own pace in their time of need, more about this in our next edition. Fundingforthisprojectwasobtained by Premier and Cabinet under the ExpandTogetherGrant.Sothankyou GovernmentofSA!

Welcome to our new HWASA members and we hope you are able to use HWASA as a vehicle to assist you in your settlement process. We are here to assist you with your dreamsandaspirations.

Comeandpayusavisit.Youareall welcome,evenifitisonlyforacup ofcoffeeandachat.

La Familia Hispana

–Intergenerational Spanish Speaking Group

By Dalila Rosero Coordinator of La Familia Hispana Marion

La Familia Hispana Program continues to welcome Latino families residing in the southern

suburbs through the playgroup, wherewepromotetheloveofart, culture, and family unity, preserving our traditions and language, without leaving aside ouridentityasLatinos.

At our bi-weekly meetings, we welcomefathers,mothers,uncles, grandparents, and especially our children. We share songs, group time dancing and games, and we read books with them while the parents talk and give their opinions about this wonderful workofbeingparents.

During our bi-weekly meetings, we not only share our time but also learn new things about Australian culture and how to navigate the system. We've discovered a wealth of programs and support for families embarking on the migration journey, as well as for those who

have been here for a while and may be facing social challenges. This is a place of growth and learningforall.

With the help of our volunteers, this year, we will participate for the second time in the MulticulturalFestivalorganisedby the Government ofSA,whichwill beheldinNovember.Ourchildren willperformatraditionaldanceto thesongElCaballitobyColombian musicianCarlosVives.

Our arms are always open to everyone who wants to join and beanactivememberofLaFamilia Hispana program. Welcome everyone!

PURPLEORANGEandSKILLProgram

UnidosLograremos

ByKarineRichard

makefriends,havefun,learnand advocate for inclusion and better choices. Yes, that is fantastic in itself, but we also top it up with deliciousHispanicdinners.

Meetings are conducted in Spanish, with participants of all ages from 8 different countries. Activities and topics are informed by our members’ expressed needs, in an environment where youarewelcomeasfamily.

We are planning our 2024 meetings and would love to hear fromyou.Wehopetoreachmore people living with disability and families to share knowledge, talents, experiences and common goals.

Do you want a better life for peoplelivingwithdisabilityinyour community? HWASA has joined forces with Purple Orange SKILL projecttogrowapeernetworkof people living with disability, their carersandsupporters.

Our monthly meetings and workshops are opportunities to

SKILLisabletoorganizeaccessible transport to our events if requested, and offers financial

compensation to volunteer speakers andfacilitators from the Hispanic community. If you have an idea or suggestion for us, or just want to join us for that delicious dinner, please be in touch!

Let's Talk About Jobs Employment Program

By Margaret Pena

HWASAissettoopenitsdoorsto job seekers through the program Let’stalkaboutJobs!

There are monthly sessions to encourage all Hispanic women to find a job. Candidates are encouraged to share their personal expertise, bring their resúmeandbepreparedto share experiences on how to apply for available vacancies in the South Australian labour market. Every sessionispublishedinEventBrite.

For more information contact Patricia Mob 0412 046 792, JacquelineMob0407763240and Karine from Purple Orange on Ph 83738388

The sessions are held every third Saturday of every month starting on17February2024from1.30pm – 3.30pm at the MCCSA, 113 GilbertSt,Adelaide5000.

Guestspeakerscomeeverymonth and they will assist you to create confidence,learnnegotiationskills and master the vocabulary associated with each one of the employmentindustries.

Around 20 participants on a monthly basis join this exciting program in a safe environment that connects you with your potentialemployer.

COST: GOLD COIN DONATION

La Voz de la Mujer Radio Show (Woman’s Voice)

By Lucy Santisteban.

Lucybringsinformation,music,guest speakers and it is a great way to keep in touch with what is happeninginourcommunities.Ifyou wouldliketobeinterviewedorknow more about this amazing broadcasting opportunity and woulf like to promote your gooods and

services to the community, get in contact with either Lucy on Mob 0479 101 435 or the Radio Committee on hwasa.adelaide@gmail.com

For your information, 5EBI FM community radio offers a Latin AmericanProgrameveryFridaynight from9pm – 10pm.

An additional Spanish Radio Program on Saturday mornings 11am – 12pm. HostedbytheSpanishcommunity.

If you are learning Spanish it’s a great way to listen to the radio shows broadcasted by so many different Spanish speakers with different accents and from diverse countries.

Other community radio programs youcanlistentoinclude: PBA FM – Siempre Lunes, Salvadorean Community and Radio SinFronteras.

e-Safety Project with MCCSA

by Daniel Torres

e-Safety Project Committee had its regular meeting last weekend to plan more activities regarding howtoidentifybullyingandabuse online and what to do about it, how to educate yourself with informationthathelpsfreepeople who are subjected to abuse, insults and /or discrimination through the internet and social media.

Weplantodevelopapodcastand thenconductasurvey. Thanks to the MCCSA for inviting ustobepartofthisresearchand informationproject. Moredetailedinformationonthis inafewweeks...Watchthisspace Thankyou

We have successfully undertaken training and information sessions with SAPOL, Legal Services Commission and met along the

way staff from MYSA, Multicultural Youth of South Australiaandtheyweredelighted to help us having one of these sessions at their headquarters in thecity.ThankyouMYSA.

For more information please contact Daniel 0449 593 798 or Patricia0412046792

The e-Safety Project is funded throughMCCSA.

International Women’s’Day ByPatriciaRios

With the coordination of Jenifer Juarez, we took off to the beach anddidayogasessionatGlenelg. Suffice to say that there was an enormous excitement when over 80 women attended the yoga sessionatthisverypopularbeach ofSA.

It was a time for bonding and sharing experiences and developingfriendships.

The instructor was Paola Gomez who can be found at: www.clubbienestarmental.com

Paola has been so dedicated to herjobthatHWASAinvitedherto offer yoga lessons at a very reasonable price on Fridays from 5.30pm – 6.30pm at 113 Gilbert St,Adelaide.

We invite you to join us and stretchtogetherforanageingwell experience!

Quiet Achievers Award, hosted by the Multicultural Communities Council of SA.

Itgivesusgreatpleasurefor Estrellatohavebeenrecognised asawomanofessenceand distinction.Wecongratulateher achievementsandforhavinga heartofgold.

PleasereadherBioandenjoyher life in a flash for the next 2 minutes…

At the age of 59, Estrella made a life-altering decision to migrate from Colombia to Australia, a decision that marked the beginningofanewchapterinher life. Now, at 71, she reflects on the past 12 years spent in Australia, a period characterized bychallengesandtriumphsasshe navigated a new language and culture.

Upon her arrival, Estrella faced the daunting task of learning English from scratch. Each day becamealessoninacquiringnew words, understanding English sayings, and familiarizing herself with Australian vocabulary and slang.Sponsoredbyhertwoadult children, Estrella initially immersed herself in a classroom setting to grasp the intricacies of thelanguage.Simultaneously,she collaboratedwithherdaughterto establish a side business, leveraging her extensive background in banking and executive corporate roles in Colombia. Specializing in assisting internationalstudentswithhealth insurance—a mandatory visa requirement—became her primary source of livelihood for manyyears.

In the past two years, Estrella transitioned into a role as a

dedicated volunteer at the Hispanic Women’s Association of SouthAustralia(HWASA).Drawing on her wealth of experience, she guides women from diverse cultural backgrounds, facilitating the development of networks, support employment groups, and personal and social interactions. The core ethos of HWASA, emphasizing the maximization of professional potential, resonates deeply with Estrella's own journey.

Assuming the pivotal role of "Office Manager" every Friday, Estrella takes charge of recruiting and inducting volunteers for various HWASA programs. She carefully manages tasks such as rostering volunteers for the op shop and clothing program, overseeing the library of Spanish books, distributing Foodbank

vouchers, maintaining databases and providing information, orientation, and referrals. Under the mentorship of seasoned community workers Jacqueline Riviere and Patricia Rios, combined 60 years of community work experience in Australia, Estrella has embraced her responsibilities with genuine peopleskills.

Estrella's impact extends beyond administrative duties; she has spearheaded two successful women's retreats, each drawing over 50 participants. Her meticulous management of the registration process showcases her commitment and proficiency in the role she has undertaken. Estrella, with resilience and authenticity, has seamlessly woven herself into the fabric of the multicultural Australian community, leaving an indelible mark on the lives she touches throughherworkwithHWASA.

She has also diligently organised our2023firstaidtrainingsessions for our 20 volunteers and has been appointed again to implementin2024.

UnderoureyesEstrellaistrulyan empowered, smart, and responsible“QuietAchiever’

Community Connections Program at Port Augusta

Extract from facebook post by Lena Gasparyan, MCCSA Staff

21 March 2024 - Community Connections en route to Port Augusta!

Congratulations to Port Augusta CityCouncilforasuccessfulevent! Wearethrilledtosharesnapshots from our recent journey to Port Augusta, where incredible moments unfolded, and new connections flourished. We extend our deepest gratitude to Centacare Port Augusta and our invaluable Regional Coordinating Partner, Madeline Little, for their exceptional hospitality and for being pioneers in bringing metropolitan communities together with regional ones as part of the Community Connections program. Their leadership sets the stage for future collaborations and expanded regional outreach, driving us towards stronger communitybonds.

We would also like to recognise the pioneering efforts of Patricia Rios, President of the Hispanic Women's Association, and membersinattendance,fortaking this opportunity and dedicating their heart and soul to ensure its success, thus setting a beautiful example of how other communities can reach out to theirregionalcompatriots. Additionally, we extend our gratitude to Zolangie Ramirez from the Chonkai Latin Folkloric Dance Group for showcasing two dances from Colombia as part of the Harmony Day celebration at the Multicultural Festival in Port Augusta.

As we reflect on these cherished moments, MCCSA looks forward withoptimismanddetermination, eagerly anticipating what lies ahead in this space. Community Connections – building bridges andstayingconnected!

CONNECTIONS AND REFLEXIONS

As our HWASA member, you are invited to share an article with us. We are calling it ‘Connections and Reflexions’ Just send it to: hwasa.adelaide@gmail.com and we would love to share it in our HWASA newsletter. It may be a cultural poem, recipe of a cultural dish, or a point of view you feel strongly about.

Empowering multilingual voices break down communication barriers.

By Clara Arbizu, Speech Therapist

Communicationisthecornerstone ofhumaninteraction,shapingour relationships, education, and professional endeavours. Yet, for some people, the ability to communicateeffectivelyisadaily struggle and may hinder our ability to learn, form friendships or gain employment. These challenges may be exacerbated for thoseof us withEnglish as an additionallanguage.Thisiswhere bilingual speech pathology steps in,offeringaspecialisedapproach to assessing, diagnosing and treatingcommunicationdisorders.

Understandingspeechpathology

Speech pathology, also known as speechtherapy,isanalliedhealth

discipline that diagnoses, treats and prevents communication disorders. This includes speech impairments, language disorders, disfluency, and voice disorders. Some speech pathologists also address problems with swallowing, because we use the same anatomy to speak and swallow!

In addition, bilingual speech pathologists are equipped with the cultural and linguistic competence necessary to understand and navigate the diverse backgrounds of the community we work with. This enables us to provide tailored assessment and intervention sensitive to the cultural context andthephoneticrepertoireofthe homelanguage.

Language difference vs language disorder

Language difference refers to variationsinspeech,languageand communication norms encounteredbythosewhohavea language background different to the mainstream language of the society in which we live. These differences can include variations in vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar, and cultural expressions. They are typically influencedbyculturalandregional factors and do not indicate a disorderorimpairment.

On the other hand, a communication disorder involves significantdifficultiesinproducing speech sounds, understanding, formulating, or using words and sentences in our home language (as well as in additional languages). It goes beyond the normal difficulties seen in the process of acquiring a second language and they are often

observed in the home language first. Language disorders may result from a variety of factors, including neurological conditions, developmental delays, neurodivergence, trauma or environmentalfactors.

Earlyinterventionforchildren

One of the critical aspects of speech pathology is early intervention for children who are not meeting their developmental norms in the areas of speech, language,fluencyandsocialskills. Early childhood is a critical developmental period for communication skills. During theseformativeyears,thebrainis highly adaptable, and

interventions can have a lasting impactonshapingcommunication abilities. On the other hand, undiagnosed and untreated communication difficulties can have a ripple effect on future academic success. Early intervention in the preschool yearscanhelppreventormitigate challengesinreading,writing,selfesteem,academicconfidenceand overallschoolsuccess.

Familyisthebesttherapist

Speech pathologists actively involveparentsinthetherapeutic process, providing guidance on speech, language and fluency strategies to enhance communication skills at home. This collaboration is essential for fostering a supportive environmentforachild'slanguage development.

Acrossthelifespan

Speech pathologists work with people of all ages to improve communication and swallowing. Adults may require the help of a speech pathologist to assess, diagnose and treat voice disorders, stuttering or communication difficulties following a stroke or other

medicalconditionsthataffectthe part of the brain that controls language.

In conclusion, bilingual speech pathology is a specialised service that empowers individuals to improve skills in communication and swallowing by offering culturally sensitive and linguistically informedassessment and intervention. HWASA plays a crucial role in transforming the lives of its members and supporting them to break down barriers. For this reason, HWASA is exploring avenues to partner with bilingual speech pathologists in our state. Stay tuned for more newsonthis!

Citizen Advocacy

By Juliana Nieto

My name is Juliana Nieto, and I am a coordinator at Citizen AdvocacySA.

We are a non-profit program dedicated to supporting, promoting, and defending the well-being of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Our programisgroundedinthetheory of Social Role Valorisation (SRV), whichaimstoassignpositiveroles

to individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Unfortunately, these individuals areoftennegativelyvalueddueto theirconditionandfacerejection, segregation, and isolation from society.

AtCitizenAdvocacy,ourmissionis toincludetheseindividualsinthe community through the support of advocates people willing to dedicate some of their time to form lasting friendships, thereby creating positive roles for those with intellectual disabilities. As coordinators, we support these relationships by providing necessary information, and advocates can contact us whenever needed. The primary role of an advocate is to defend

therightsoftheseindividuals,act as overseers, and enhance their participationinthecommunity.

Currently, we have Spanishspeaking individuals ready to serve as advocates and support a person with an intellectual disability. I am reaching out to you,throughHWASA,inthehope that you may know of families with members who have intellectual disabilities that could benefit from having an advocate. Additionally, if you know individualsinterestedinbecoming advocates, they are most welcome. For more information you can contact me on Juliana NietoMob0452429285.

Other highlights and having fun, fun, fun

Volunteers at our office in the city

Sara Tarakji, Flinders University Student undertaking her placement with HWASA

Liliam Osorio at the Rotary Club meeting

International Women’s Day

How do you become a financial memberofHWASA?

Thereare3steps

Step 1 Get in contact with us at hwasa.adelaide@gmail.com and request a Membership Form, fill it out andsenditbacktous.

Step2 Your request will be submitted to the next monthly meeting of the Management Committee for approval. In the meantime you will get a notification from HWASA stating that wereceivedyourapplication.

Step 3 Upon approval, you will be sent details on how to pay the annual fee of $20 and be given a membership card withamembershipnumber.

Dalila

Rosero at 5EBI FM

Camila and Beiha at La Familia Hispana Para Hills

Internation Women’s Day awards with Mayor of Adelaide Jane Lomax-Smith

Wellness workshop with Purple Orange, the Red Cross at Unidos Lograremos Disability Peer Support Group session.