Hwasa Newsletter Spring Edition 2024 by ANGELA ROJAS

Spring Edition 2024

A message from the President, Patricia Rios…………………………………….. …..Page(1)

Information and Orientation Program – Estrella Avila …………………………………………………..…Page(3)

eSafety - Stronger Children Stronge Communities – Patricia Rios. Page(3)

Lets Talk About Jobs – Margarit Denise, Patricia Rios .. Page(4)

Bilingual Speech Pathology – Jacqueline Riviere, Clara Arbizu, Estrella Avila ……………………Page(4)

Latin Women’s Choir – Sara Tarakji .Page(5)

Spanish Speaking Peer Support Group Unidos Lograremos in collaboration with Purple Orange –Jacqueline Riviere, Patricia Rios, Karine Richard (Purple Orange)………………………………….….Page(5)

La Familia Hispana Spanish Speaking Intergenerational Group – Nelcy Porras, Patricia Rios, Dalila Rosero, Nilda Reyes……..…..…Page(6)

Radio Program La Voz de la Mujer – Lucy Santisteban, Male Valencia, Mandy Rasquejo, Sara Tarakji, Yaciel Gallegos....................Page(8)

Retreat to Victor Harbor – Jacqueline Riviere, Estrella Ávila, Dalila Rosero,Nelcy Porra Page(9) Soy Mujer HIspana–Jacqueline Riviere and HWASA Team Page(9)

Stronger Men Stronger Families with ARA –Patricia Rios, Liliam Osorio ………………...Page(11)

Refugee Week Event – Patricia Rios, Sara Tarakji, Helen Carvajal .…Page(12)

Yoga by Paola Gomez …………………………Page (14)

Garage Sale -Patricia, Estrella, Sara and HWASA

Volunteers ……………………………………….. Page (14)

Articles by our members

Carmen Gloria Hidalgo ….…….……Page(15)

Beiha Yanez……………………………….….…….Page(16)

Dr Tihui Cervantes …….Page(17)

Other Highlights ………………………………….Page(19

From Patricia Rios, President

Reflecting on Five Years of Growth, Community, and Purpose

It’s always a pleasure to share our achievements and challenges in our newsletter. This practice helps keep us focused, providing a chance to reflect on the past few months and years, serving as both an evaluation and a reminder of our mission.

HWASA began as a small group of 10 friends in 2019, and today, we’re proud to say that we’ve grown to over 100 financial members, with more than 2,000 followers on Facebook. Over the past five years, we’ve been fortunate to collaborate with numerous wonderful community groups and service providers who recognize and value us as a collective of migrant women. There’s a special joy in seeing our projects positively impact the

families within our community. Our strength truly lies in our willingness to support one another and others.

Our core purpose remains to support Spanish-speaking and Latin American women and their families. So, how do we achieve this? We serve as a platform for our members, followers, and friends—a vehicle for their dreams and aspirations. We listen, mentor, and coach. We connect people with experts in areas of need and have developed various support groups. Over time, these groups have become safe social spaces where we can talk about real issues, release stress, and empower each other. Through sharing and learning together, we’ve cultivated an environment of growth. Our information sessions cover topics that are both relevant and critical, ensuring women have the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their lives, minds, and bodies.

Of course, one of our biggest challenges continues to be securing adequate funding for our projects. However, we draw strength from the lessons our mothers taught us: in difficult times, we must always show resilience. With intuition, creativity, and a positive attitude, we’re confident that we are always just a step away from finding the right opportunities. Hopefulness never leaves us.

As we’re all volunteers with busy lives, our spare time is precious. I’d like to take this moment to thank our Management Committee, project coordinators, and all the women who continue to give their time and energy to our mission. We’re doing things our way, managing our affairs with pride and dignity. And we hope to continue walking this path,

alongside all of you, for many years to come.

Looking ahead, we aim to focus more on employment opportunities for our migrant population in the coming months. Every migrant woman should have the opportunity to find a job that pays a decent wage, covers her bills, and allows her to enjoy a glass of Moscato with friends from time to time. Unfortunately, this remains out of reach for many women in our communities who are struggling to find work. A job provides dignity, a sense of security, and the ability to plan for the future. Employment enhances life opportunities, and this is where our focus will be moving forward through the lens of job creation and career support and orientation.

As always, our doors remain open to any ideas that foster community connections. As Celia Cruz once said, “Life’s a carnival,” so let’s continue aiming for inclusivity, good mental health, and the resources to enjoy life to its fullest.

We hope you enjoy this spring 2024 edition of our newsletter!

Information and Orientation

The program is run by dedicated and experienced volunteers from the community office of MCCSA, 113 Gilbert St, Adelaide (enter via Percy St) on Fridays 9am – 5pm. Everyone is welcome to drop in for a chat, information and/or have a cup of coffee. We have Rosa’s Corner Library where you can find books in Spanish for all ages and borrow them, an op shop, Foodbank referrals. We await for your company.

eSafety - Stronger Children Stronger Communities

We are one of six communities chosen to implement this research and educational project aimed at informing Spanish-speaking communities about online abuse. We are excited to update you! Today, more than ever, our children are at risk of being abused by both familiar individuals and strangers, possibly living on the other side of the world. It’s crucial to promote informed decision-making to prevent unnecessary suffering.

Our survey results aim to raise awareness and knowledge about online abuse and bullying, creating tools to support those affected. On our poster, you can find information on reporting organizations available 24/7.

Thanks to everyone who participated. As part of this initiative, the young people involved will be creating a podcast on this critical societal issue.

If you're under 25 and interested in helping with the podcast, please contact us at hwasa.adelaide@gmail.com.

Let’s Talk about Jobs

We meet every third Saturday of the month. We provide information and support for women who have been off the workforce because: They are busy childrearing

Their qualifications aren’t recognised They have limited English They are new arrivals and don’t know how to navigate the system

Saturday 15 June – Daniel Torres and Karina Espinoza shared their experience as newly arrived in Australia with non-permanent visas. Saturday 20 July – Karina Espinoza showed us how to find employment using apps

Saturday 3 August – Luis Vega, Tax Agent showed us how to do our tax return. Luis is from Y&S Accounting Services.

Saturday 21 September, Margaret Denise offered guidance in resume writing, cover letter and job search skills.

Upcoming dates include: Saturdays 19 October and Saturday 16 of November 1.30pm – 3.30pm 113 Gilbert St, Adelaide

Bilingual Speech Pathology

HWASA is offering a professional service to support families with children facing difficulties in speaking, language development,

fluency, and literacy or a falling through the Gaps. This service, led by speech pathologist Clara Arbizu, at a cost of $2 per child per session. The fee assists to cover the cost of renting a classroom at the Language centre every term. Please note, if your child is already receiving therapy through the NDIS, you are not qualified. As children can have 3 consecutive appointments , Our HWASA Speech pathology works very closely with parents to reinforce speech exercise children need to do at home as well she is busy writing report for the child to access services. Jacqueline support parents and play with children while Clara observe, asses and interview parents. We work as team - Clara Jacqueline, parent and child. To book an appointment, please contact Estrella on Fridays at 0491 090 991 or Jacqueline at 0407 763 240. You can also visit the HWASA office at 113 Gilbert St, Adelaide, on Fridays between 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. or send us an email. Appointments are scheduled on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month, except during school holidays.

Thanks to this program, 16 children have already received their first consultations.

Unidos Lograremos: A New Chapter in Peer Support for the SpanishSpeaking Disability Community

We are excited to announce that the Unidos Lograremos group has officially launched its new three-year program! The group, which serves Spanish-speaking individuals with disabilities, held its first meeting for the next 3 year funding period on July 3rd and is set to make a lasting impact within our community.

Our August 21st gathering at the Para Hills Community Hub welcomed Julie from Human Services. She provided valuable insights on how to qualify for the Centrelink Disability Pension, answering many questions from our members.

On September 18th, Jacqueline Riviere led an informative session on cancer prevention, focusing on colon and cervical cancer Supported by Social Policy Group . The day concluded with a relaxing yoga session, offering participants an opportunity to connect both mentally and physically. We look forward to continuing this journey, fostering support and empowerment in the Spanishspeaking disability community.

This program is funded by Julia Farr Association Purple Orange and SKILL. Managed by Karine Richard, Coordinator, Purple Orange.

HWASA obtained funding from MCCSA Speak My Language grant which was used to train 5 HWASA members on Mental Health First Aid Training. We have added value to our Disability Peer Support Group, and we will be asking the trained participants to share their learnings with the rest of the group in the October monthly meeting. As well having these 5 HWASA trained women to be able have these conversations with our community when the needs arise. We thank Vincent Riviere from Wellbeing Systems -NDIS and Consultant for supporting HWASA with this initiative.

Latin Women’s Choir

We are new and still nameless and we are looking for an inspirational name. If you can think of a name suited for our group let us know and join us if you wish!

We are doing this for fun, for our mental health and we appreciate the support of Diana Rodriguez and Nelcy Porras. Come and join us. For more information contact HWASA.

La Familia Hispana

Intergenerational Spanish Speaking Group

La Familia Hispana, an intergenerational Spanish-speaking program, has periodical meetings on two sites: in the North and the other in the South. It fosters a vibrant environment where children freely play, sing, and dance in Spanish, just as their parents and grandparents did.

Special guests during the last few months visiting us include: 18 July CAFHS

25 July Carers SA

15 August Doctor Harry, Dental Clinic Manager, Dulce Maria from the Red Cross SA and Jacqueline Riviere, specialising on health and cancer

17 September, Helen Connolly, Commissioner for Children and Young People of SA spoke about the rights of the child. We have enjoyed meeting new friends

Exciting News from La Voz de la Mujer!

We are thrilled to announce that our radio program has doubled! Now, you can tune in to 5EBI 103.1 FM twice a month, every first and second Friday, from 9 pm to 10 pm. While other Latin American groups fill the airwaves on other Fridays, we are proud to bring you a unique space led by five passionate women deeply committed to radio broadcasting. During our program, we welcome members of our community for interviews and dive into rich discussions on health, music, art, and more—topics that resonate deeply with our female audience. These heartfelt conversations are powered by strong, insightful voices, bringing fresh perspectives to the airwaves.

We are confident that La Voz de la Mujer is in excellent hands and can’t wait for you to join us in celebrating music, culture, and empowering dialogue!

Tune in and be part of the journey!

Other Community Radio

We are proud to say that we are also regular guests at our other community radio broadcasters housed at PBA FM 89.7

Thank you all for using such creative ways to keep our music and culture alive. Community radio is such a great space for connection and the sharing of information.

The Annual HWASA Retreat

For the past four years, HWASA has been organizing wellbeing retreats outside of Adelaide, bringing together around 55 women in serene, natural settings. These retreats provide a perfect opportunity to relax and unwind, away from the hustle of everyday life. Attendees enjoy activities like yoga, nature walks, beach time, mental health information sessions, music, and dancing.

At an affordable fee, participants experience a meaningful escape while building lasting friendships with like-minded women.

We are thrilled to announce that this year's retreat is now fully booked! A big thank you to all who have supported us. We promise an

enriching and memorable experience for everyone attending. For those who missed out, mark your calendars: our next retreat will take place in Nov 2025!

Soy Mujer Hispana: Health Workshops in Adelaide

Thanks to new funding, we conducted a series of health workshops across Adelaide for the Hispanic community. Led by our health officer, Jacqueline Riviere, these workshops provided crucial information in Spanish about cancer prevention, screening processes, and treatments. Women and their partners learned how to access screening programs, with a strong emphasis on early detection. The workshops were particularly impactful, as many participants had personal experiences with cancer in their families. The sessions aimed to empower women to prioritize their health and take proactive steps in cancer prevention. The community engagement was inspiring and genuine.

We delivered the following workshops:

July 6, at Spanish Club, Breast Screening in collaboration with the Red Cross SA supported by Australia Multicultural Health Collaboration and FECCA

August 14, La Familia Hispana Marion, Cervical Screening and Breast screening supported by Social Policy Group

August 15, La Familia Hispana Para Hills, Cervical Screening Supported supported by Multicultural Health Collaborative

September 23, Group Buena Amistad at MCCSA, Bowel Screening supported by Multicultural Health Collaborative

September 18, Unidos Lograremos –Bowel Screening supported by the social Policy Group

These projects were funded by FECCA and Australia Multicultural Health Collaborative &The Social Policy Group

Stronger Men, Stronger Families: Collaborating with Australian Refugee Association (ARA) The Australian Refugee Association (ARA) invited HWASA to participate in two consultation sessions addressing Family and Domestic Violence. These discussions are vital, as the insights shared by our communities will contribute to the Royal Commission into Domestic, Family, and Sexual Violence for the South Australian Government. We extend our gratitude to ARA for their inclusive approach and to Erfanullah Abidi for facilitating these sessions with cultural awareness and sensitivity. Lawyers from Northern Community Legal Service also

provided valuable legal information on this sensitive topic. This collaboration is an important step towards building stronger, safer families within our communities. Together, we work for a better future.

Special thanks to Venezuela Community Association of SA, Colombian Community Adelaide, JP Aland Quintana.

Refugee Week Event

We commemorated Refugee Week with Sara Tarakji, a humanitarian entrant from Syria and a Flinders

University student. Sara requested to complete her placement with HWASA and organized interviews with four community members, two from refugee backgrounds. Their migration stories were framed and displayed to the public for 2 months. The event took place at Latino House on June 14, with Mr John Fullbrook MP representing The Hon Minister Zoe Bettison MP and Javier Diaz, Flinders University Lecturer. It was a warm and friendly evening, filled with inspiring stories and connections. Special thanks to our participants: Leibniz Vanegas, Lucy Santisteban, Lilian Briceno, and Mario Vasquez. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the event a success!

HWASA Expresses Gratitude to Minister Zoe Bettison for Special Event at Parliament House

The Hispanic Women’s Association of South Australia (HWASA) would like to extend a warm thank you to the Hon. Zoe Bettison, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, for her invitation to the recent event at Parliament House. This special occasion brought together so many members of the Latin American community in one space, celebrating our culture, unity, and contributions to the broader Australian society.

We deeply appreciate your continued support and commitment to ensuring that the voices of our diverse communities are heard. Thank you, Minister Bettison, for always keeping an eye on us and for fostering an environment of inclusion and understanding.

OTHER INITIATIVES

Garage Sale

HWASA Member Contributions

Relationship Between Family Satisfaction and Time Perspective in Adolescents

Abstract:

This article presents the results of a study conducted in Chile in 2022 with a total sample of 115 students aged 14 to 18. The main findings indicate that adolescents who experience higher family satisfaction and have better relationships within their family environment tend to have greater skills and tools to think about their present and future. In contrast, those with distant relationships with their family show lower family satisfaction and tend to focus more on the past, which may negatively impact their mental health and life development.

One of the key findings is that students who identify as LGBTIQ+ report the lowest levels of family satisfaction. It is recommended that

YOGA

future research delve deeper into the qualitative aspects affecting this group, especially to support parents, caregivers, and family members in helping these adolescents through their gender identity transitions.

The study is non-experimental, crosssectional, and correlational. The instruments used were the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI) and a family satisfaction questionnaire.

Author: Carmen Gloria Hidalgo Alarcón, Chilean, social worker, and English student in Australia.

CONNECTING THE DOTS PROJECT

This year, our Para Hills-based intergenerational playgroup, La Familia Hispana, has been thrilled to host the Connecting the Dots program, generously sponsored by Communities for Children, through the Salisbury Salvation Army.

Since July, we’ve welcomed guest speakers from various community organizations and businesses, covering essential topics like children’s wellbeing, dental and general health. This fantastic program offers parents, grandparents, and caregivers a chance to relax, network, and learn in a supportive environment, while dedicated babysitters look after the kids in an adjacent room. Afterwards, everyone enjoys a delicious Latin American-themed lunch together.

Upcoming Connecting the Dots programs

 Financial Planning Presentation - October  Education Insights - November  Christmas Party - December

Our playgroup meets on the first and third Thursday of every month at the Para Hills Community Hub, with the special program on the third Thursday for the rest of 2024.

Why Join Us? Whether you’re a parent, carer, or grandparent, we welcome you all. As a firstgeneration Australian of Chilean heritage, it’s been incredibly rewarding to share my culture with my daughter and expose her to our beautiful language in a fun and warm environment.

Don’t miss out! Come join us and be part of this wonderful community. I look forward to meeting more of you there.

Author: Beiha Yanez

La Familia Hispana Para Hills participant

Mindfulness as a tool to improve our Health

The human mind tends to wonder, and a wondering mind is often unhappy. While the ability to think beyond the present is a cognitive achievement, it comes with emotional costs. A wondering mind is distracted, disengaged, and ruminates on the past or future, unlike a mindful mind that is present, attentive, and engaged in the moment.

For example, wine tasting is a mindfulness practice, using all senses to fully experience the present. Stress, while a natural survival response activating “fight or flight”, becomes problematic when triggered unnecessarily, like worrying about future events or past regrets.

Chronic stress, often caused by mental stressors, increases cortisol, weakens immunity, and raises the risk of diseases like cardiovascular issues and diabetes. It also harms the brain, leading to memory problems, depression and anxiety, and can shorten lifespan women with high perceived stress may live 9 to 17 fewer years. In contrast, mindfulness promotes selfawareness, helping us pause and respond thoughtfully to emotional triggers. It encourages acceptance of difficult emotions without judgment, allowing us to react calmly and compassionately, creating space for healthier, more mindful responses and allowing acceptance rather than being overwhelmed by the situation. Let’s embrace mindfulness to be in the present, to reduce stress, and to live a fuller life.