Jenny Rivera-Cruz
Jenny is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years in non-profit agency– with all those years in a clinical role through a DMH funded program. Jenny’s professional experiences include working with the Latino community developing curriculums for Wellness groups, providing individual, groups, couples, family therapy and program management. Throughout her professional career, empowering others to find their inner strengths and live a better quality of life has been her commitment. Jenny strongly believes that everyone deserves to be treated with respect, dignity and worth of the individual/person. Jenny received her Master of Social Work degree from The University of Southern California.
Natural Grief Responses is a workshop that explains the various ways people may experience the manifestations of their grief- emotionally, physically, spiritually, and cognitively. This is an interactive workshop with opportunities for the audience to share. We also go over common myths and perceptions about grief.
What was the catalyst for you stepping into this work? How did you end up here, at this moment, doing what you do?
I have always worked in providing services to Latino communities (through DMH funded program in Venice CA.) Through destigmatizing mental health, I also learned that grief was a big taboo in many of the clients and groups I served. After 12 years of working for the previous organization, I found a perfect opportunity to continue working with Latinos through the Spanish Community Program. I have been with Our House for over a year and a half.
What do you hope people get from working with you or interacting with your services?
I hope that people will find a safe space to be psycho-educated, to process their grief, and to normalize their natural response to grief.
What do you wish was different about the way we are supported when dying, grieving, and navigating end-of-life in general? What would you change?
I would say that it is IMPORTANT to understand cultural values and challenges that Latinos face (specially those in the US). Understanding:
Cultural practices around death and funerals. The importance of holding a Velorio (vigil) or special religious rites and other grief rituals.
Familism (family-centric decision making). It is important to engage the entire family in discussions because for the most part decisions are made collectively.
Religion: religion has a lot of influence and this shapes attitudes towards death, suffering and end of life care. It is essential to understand religious views, or preferences (spiritual comfort-receiving anointing, confession etc).
Open discussions about death (with understanding that in discussing death openly is and can be seen as potentially inviting it). Therefore it is important to introduce the topic of death gradually to help build trust).
What would you say to someone who is nervous about attending events about death or grief?
If someone meets you at the resource fair - what's a question you invite them to ask you?
I would tell them that it is completely normal to feel nervous about attending such events. I would respect their feelings and gradually start to build trust to engage in the topic. I would also affirm that the event is not just about discussing death but also about finding ways to support, a space for healing and hope. Using family and community (cultural)where you can find similar experiences.
I would invite them to ask anything that they feel would be important for them. But for the most part, it is me asking them questions about culture and family values, religious/spiritual beliefs, community and support they have/don't have, navigating through grief and loss and/or healing, and resources they need or have (mostly around grief groups).
