In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re excited to feature an inspiring interview with Soledad Contreras, dedicated Children’s Activity Leader at Human Options. With a deep understanding of the vulnerabilities faced by children during family crises, Soledad draws on her Hispanic heritage to provide compassionate and culturally sensitive support. Soledad believes every child deserves love and security, regardless of background. Join us as we explore her journey, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way.
Can you tell us what inspired you to become a Children’s Activity Leader for Human Options?
I have always seen children as very vulnerable when their parents come for services such as therapy, seeking information on domestic violence, or during a family crisis.
How has your Hispanic heritage influenced your approach to advocacy and support for children?
In my role, I see that the care and affection I show to the children is crucial. It doesn’t matter if the child is of another nationality—they could be Hispanic, Russian, American, or Turkish. When they arrive at the center crying, my Hispanic roots become evident as I offer them the love and confidence, they need to feel comfortable in daycare.
Why is supporting or giving back to your community important to you?
The Hispanic community is incredibly diverse, made up of various countries and cultures. For us Hispanics, our traditions and roots are deeply important. Giving back to the community and supporting it allows me to appreciate every individual who comes to our center seeking help and assistance.
Can you share a story or example of a moment when you felt particularly proud of the impact you’ve had on a child’s life?
One example where I felt especially proud of the impact, I had on a child’s life was when I helped a boy identify his toy preferences while ensuring he was not teased by other children. I spoke with his mother about his preference for playing with dolls, which was a new experience for her, as society and our cultures often expect children to have gender-specific play preferences. I was able to guide the mother in understanding her son and exploring his preferences in a respectful manner.
What role do you play in the support services you provide, and how do you ensure they are culturally sensitive and effective?
I have always made decisions that prioritize the protection of children, and I rely on the guidelines set by Human Options to ensure that my supervisors consistently support and back me in everything I do. Additionally, my team and I maintain excellent communication and trust, ensuring that our childcare area is a place of comfort. This allows every child who comes with their parents seeking services to feel secure, knowing that their children are in good hands.
What advice would you give to other advocates or individuals who want to make a difference in the lives of children affected by relationship violence?
Advice that I will give other advocates or individuals who want to make a difference in the lives of children affected by relationship violence are:
- Prioritize safety and support
- Build trust and rapport
- Educate and raise awareness
- Promote access to resources
- Encourage open communication
- Work with caregivers and families
- Advocate for policy change
- Practice self-care
- Foster resilience and empowerment
- Collaborate and network
What message would you like to share with young individuals who aspire to follow in your footsteps and make a difference in their communities?
One piece of advice I would give to new generations and young Hispanics is to love children and always protect them from domestic violence. I would encourage them to continue working hard and preparing themselves with new techniques in childcare, including how to communicate effectively with children and understand mental health issues.
At Human Options, we offer a 24/7 hotline where victims and survivors can speak with an empathetic, caring advocate who can help navigate available resources and validate their experience. If you or someone you know is experiencing relationship violence please call our hotline at (877) 854-3594 or visit our website at www.humanoptions.org. We are here to help.
