Introducing Our Bilingual Team
Hopeful Horizons has recently hired a Bilingual Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Victim Advocate. We also have a bilingual intern who has joined our team. We’re pleased to introduce them to you!
Melody Hernandez
Hi! My name is Melody Hernandez and I am the new Bilingual Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Victim Advocate. Our recent Military move brought us to Beaufort, SC from San Diego, Ca. I hold a BA in Human Development and graduated in 2019 with a MS in Psychology. I am a passionate advocate of Human Rights and have over 10 years of experience working with multicultural individuals and families.
As a daughter of Mexican parents who immigrated to this country for a better life, it is important to me to be able to empower the Latino community. I am the first in my family to graduate from college. Because of my family’s motivation, I chased my dreams and accomplished what they were not able to, I knew the field of human services was right for me. I plan to not only use my fluency in Spanish, but also my understanding of the culture to be able to provide knowledge, information and services to a population in great need. I am ready to begin advocating for those that feel like their voice has not been heard and I am excited to be working at Hopeful Horizons. I also look forward to creating connections with the Latino Community!
Melody will be working to advocate and provide resources for Spanish-speaking clients who are victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault.
“It’s a life’s journey of finding ourselves, finding our power, and living for yourself, not for everyone else.”
"Es el camino de la vida de encontrarnos a nosotros mismos, encontrar nuestro poder y vivir por ti mismo, no para todos los demás".
-Mariska Hargitay
Mara Nolasco
Hello! My name is Mara Nolasco. I’m a second year MSW student at Fordham University (NY) graduating in May 2020. In early 2018 I earned a B.S. in psychology from Capella University (MN). I volunteered at Hopeful Horizons a couple of years ago and could not be prouder to be doing my specialist-year internship at such an amazing organization.
As a clinical social work student, I am not just working to accumulate hours or earn a degree. I am truly doing what my heart loves most, which is helping others. As a survivor of domestic violence with Latin American origins, I understand the role that culture and language play in our ability to access and utilize services within the community. I am excited by the possibility of helping the Spanish and Portuguese community access support and thrive out the shadows of domestic violence and sexual assault. I know the way to self- love and peace, and I cannot wait to share it with you! I am also a military wife and mother of three amazing children. I love the ocean, reading, and my dog Cody! But most of all, I love spending time and creating memories with my family.
Mara will be providing therapy services and co-facilitating support groups for Spanish speaking clients.
To access Melody and Mara’s help – and all services offered by Hopeful Horizons – please call our 24/7 hotline at 800-868-2632.
Melody and Mara are located at the Family Justice Institute Victim Services Center. We welcome walk-ins at this location, 108 Traders Cross, Okatie.
