What does it look like when a community invests in its own future? In this special Podcasthon episode, Vanessa sits down with Dr. Angela Vargas - licensed psychologist and inaugural Futuro Fund board member - to share the story behind the Latino Mental Health Association of New Jersey's scholarship program that is changing the trajectory for the next generation of Latinx mental health professionals.

From a small group of psychologists meeting in a basement 27 years ago to a two-day annual conference, a growing gala, and now a formalized scholarship fund — LMHANJ has become a cornerstone of Latino mental health representation in New Jersey. Through the Futuro Fund, they've awarded $4,000 and now $5,000 scholarships to graduate students committed to giving back to their communities.

You'll also hear directly from scholarship recipient Yareimy Patrocinio, a first-generation MSW student and daughter of Mexican immigrants, on what this scholarship means for her path forward.

In this episode:

• The 27-year evolution of LMHANJ — from psychologists-only to a multi-disciplinary, rebranded association
• How the Futuro Fund was born out of the inaugural gala — and why it's growing
• Why mentorship and emotional support matter just as much as financial aid
• How students can connect to LMHANJ and build a professional network before they even graduate
• What it means to be a first-gen professional investing in the next generation

🔗 Learn more about the Latino Mental Health Association of NJ → https://www.latinomentalhealthnj.com/futurofund

💛 Donate to the Futuro Fund → https://www.latinomentalhealthnj.com/futurofund

📲 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/lmha.nj/

💼 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/latino-mental-health-association-of-new-jersey

Guest Angela P. Vargas, PhD, Founder of Via Psychology

https://www.viapsychology.com/

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

NJ RESIDENTS, WORK WITH VANESSA Book a free 15-minute therapy consultation https://www.freetobemindful.com/contact

LET’S STAY CONNECTED
🎧 Podcast: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast

🎁 Free Resource — 120 Coping Skills: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-120copingskills

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/counselorvdejesus/

💛 Coaching for Moms: https://www.amigamoms.com

🎤 Speaking & Workshops: https://www.freetobemindful.com/speaking

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/counselorvdejesus/

DISCLAIMER:
Free to Be Mindful Podcast episodes are for educational purposes only and should not be considered as or substituted for therapy or professional help from a licensed clinician.