To many, the kitchen is considered the most important room in the home — a place where people come together, receive nourishment and have conversations of every kind.
Since February 2023, Latino Behavioral Health Services has been stirring up meaningful connections and insightful conversations through Charlas en la Cocina, or Chats in the Kitchen.
Held every first Wednesday of the month at the Wasatch County Library, the gatherings foster a sense of familial warmth and support, where community members explore mental health topics all while savoring a collaborative meal together as new and old friends.
Patricia Riano, therapist and peer support specialist with Latino Behavioral, had the vision for Charlas en la Cocina to be a place where people could learn about mental health and converse freely about whatever topics may be weighing them down.
This Spanish-speaking event offers a unique blend of open dialogue and communal dining. It’s a space for community members to share their thoughts, gain knowledge and perhaps a new perspective on a variety of topics surrounding mental health.
This last Wednesday, as community members arrived to the meeting, they exchanged greetings, and hands got to work chopping, dicing, prepping and pouring. Delicious ingredients filled the table. Riano expressed that the meal is the heart of every gathering, and it helps bring the familial sense and closeness that Charlas en la Cocina aims to provide.
This month’s meeting revolved around the topic of adultos de confianza — adults of trust. Emma Zevallos, Peace House’s director of prevention and education, introduced the topic and led the discussion.
The group enjoyed their dinner as the conversation kicked off with Zevallos posing the question: What is an adult of trust? The conversation, guided by personal experiences and wisdom gained through a lifetime, touched on a variety of related subjects and emphasized the importance of every adult being prepared to fill the role of an adulto de confianza for the children and adolescents in their lives.
“In a very informal way we try to educate the community on topics of mental health,” said Riano. “The central point is the ability to speak freely. This helps people learn, and if they are educated on these topics, they are going to have healthy families.”
While Latino Behavioral hosts various support groups and classes, Riano explained that the informal nature of Charlas en la Cocina is a welcoming option for many people.
“It’s open to the community,” said Riano. “It’s a support group and social group. We touch on emotional topics in an informal way. It’s for people to come talk and share and socialize.”
“Our support groups and educational classes are completely free of charge. We believe in removing financial barriers to ensure that everyone in our community can access the support and resources they need for their mental well-being without any cost concerns. Your journey towards better mental health should be accessible and affordable, and our commitment is to provide that opportunity to all,” says their website.
“Para cualquier persona, de cualquier edad, para cualquiera que quiera meter la mano en la cocina.” said Riano — “For any person, of any age, for anyone who wants to get a hand in the kitchen.”
Learn more about the services that Latino Behavioral offers on their website latinobehavioral.org, where you can find more information on events, volunteer opportunities and other ways to support the organization.