You’re probably reading this blog because you want to change your life. Maybe you’re not sure what kind of change you’re looking for, but something’s gotta give. Are you frustrated with your relationship, or sick of living with financial instability? Maybe you’re worried about the new administration’s stance on immigration, and the strain of uncertainty is causing extreme anxiety. Or you’re tired of moving from apartment to apartment and long for more permanent housing. 

If this sounds like you, you’ve come to the right place. In today’s blog, we’ll talk more in-depth about what it looks like to participate in an Aldea program, to become an “Aldeana,” and how our program is different from others you might have tried or heard about. 

Why Our Program is Different 

At Aldea, we believe in the power of community and empowerment. We believe that if we come together and uplift one another, we’ll all live healthier, more independent, and happier lives. We know that for so many Spanish-speaking women in Austin, the solutions to their most pressing problems will be as complex and unique as they are. 

If you’re suffering from anxiety, depression, and an under-active thyroid, you need more than medication to achieve optimal well-being. What is causing your anxiety? What is aggravating your thyroid condition? Aldea knows that issues like housing, relationships, food access, job instability, etc., can all be root causes of what’s making people sick. We have to address ALL of these issues together if we really want to change people’s lives. 

That’s why we’ve brought together a multi-disciplinary team of professionals who are dedicated to getting you the services and resources you need to transform your reality. Not only that, but we believe that being part of this aldea (village) of women that support and uplift you can make all the difference for your health and well-being. 

Becoming an Aldeana

The first step to becoming an Aldeana is deciding that you want to transform your life. We’re looking for self-motivated women who are willing to commit and believe that change is possible. 

Our program is designed to help women in the Austin area who are looking for services provided 100% in Spanish. Many of our participants are bilingual, but when it comes to issues that are close to the heart such as health, relationships, immigration status, finances, etc., we understand that being able to express yourself and to be understood in your native language is crucial for success. 

The next step is to go through our application process. You’ll fill out a detailed questionnaire that asks about your physical and emotional health, your relationships, your housing, your finances. We ask that you be as honest as possible on the questionnaire so that we have the right information to determine if you’re a good fit for our program.

After you fill out the questionnaire, a member of our team evaluates your answers and lets you know as soon as possible if you’re eligible. 

Designing a Personalized Action Plan

Once you are officially accepted into the program, you’ll meet with your mentor to work up an action plan that is unique to your needs and goals. This will obviously look different for every participant, but here’s an example to help you understand what it entails. 

Andrea, age 40, is a Spanish speaker living in Austin. Originally from Guatemala, Andrea has been living in Texas for the past 20 years. Andrea speaks English but her preferred language is Spanish. She has three school-aged children. 

Andrea decided to sign up for Aldea’s program because she recently found out she was pre-diabetic and has been suffering from anxiety and depression. Her small home childcare business provides a good income when she has enough kids signed up, but she lost a few families recently and is having trouble paying the bills. 

Andrea’s husband works the night shift as security at a nearby hotel, and they fight a lot. Andrea thinks about moving to an apartment with her kids, but knows she couldn’t make ends meet with her business.

Andrea’s Action Plan 

(this is just an example – your action plan would be much more detailed):

• Make the necessary diet changes to prevent diabetes.
• Identify a concrete, realistic goal for getting more physical activity.
• Figure out the root causes of anxiety and depression.
• Learn how to grow her child care business and make it a more reliable source of income.
• Come up with a budget and spending chart to get a handle on her personal finances.
• Identify potential sources of funding and professional development for child care business.
• Identify possibilities for stable housing for Andrea and her children.

Personalized Coaching and Group Sessions

Once you have your action plan, your personal coach will work with you to identify which resources and services you need to carry it out. 

Your coach will refer you to the relevant specialists that make up our team, and you’ll be able to get one-on-one sessions with those specialists.

Another important part of our program are the group sessions, where you’ll build community with and learn from other women who are participating in the program. You’ll learn about different practices that can improve your health and well-being (yoga, meditation, etc), nutrition, and the importance of social and emotional health, as well as practical resources on how to implement these things in your own life.

Individual Emotional Coaching Sessions

We know that so many women are carrying around trauma and emotional issues that keep them from fulfilling their potential and living healthy lives. That’s why a significant portion of our program is dedicated to personalized emotional coaching.

Whether you are currently dealing with trauma, experienced trauma as a child, or feel the stress and anxiety that comes with facing life’s challenges everyday, these sessions are designed to help you work through these complex issues and provide you with the tools you need to manage them and come out stronger, healthier, and more resilient. 

Follow-up: Being part of the Aldea community

One of the most beautiful aspects of our program is the emphasis on social health. We know women who can count on their community for support and love are much more likely to thrive. 

These days, busy schedules and isolation can make it difficult to find your tribe. That’s why everyone who participates in our program automatically becomes a member of the Aldea, with opportunities to participate in future events and even to mentor other participants.

We’re creating a community of Spanish-speaking women in Austin who are in solidarity with each other during the hard times and celebrate each other’s accomplishments and joys. 

Are you ready to be a part of Aldea and live a healthy, independent, and happy life? We hope you’ll join us!.

Contact us today or fill out the form on our website to start your application process or get answers to your questions.