Decibel
Stigmas, Fear And ICE Keep Residents From Free Mental Health Program
Clip | 7m 8sVideo has Closed Captions
Heightened immigration enforcement is keeping some families from a free mental health program.
Rundberg is underserved when it comes to mental healthcare. New immigration concerns are making access even harder.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
Decibel is a local public television program presented by Austin PBS
Funding for Decibel is provided in part by Texas Mutual and Roxanne Elder & Scott Borders
Decibel
Stigmas, Fear And ICE Keep Residents From Free Mental Health Program
Clip | 7m 8sVideo has Closed Captions
Rundberg is underserved when it comes to mental healthcare. New immigration concerns are making access even harder.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
How to Watch Decibel
Decibel is available to stream on pbs.org and the free PBS App, available on iPhone, Apple TV, Android TV, Android smartphones, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire Tablet, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, and Vizio.
(solemn music) - I remember growing up within Rundberg, I remember it being so, how could I say, lively.
I can't explain it.
Different from downtown Austin, I'll say that.
I really wanted to go into healthcare.
My grandparents, they were sick, and I remember seeing my parents stepping up and being the caregivers.
I remember sometimes tagging along with my mom or my dad and going over and helping them out, and I was like, you know, it feels good being able to do something that's impactful, right?
I was like, yeah, I really want to be a nurse, like, this is my call.
But obviously, things happen, and you know, life.
(engine whirring) This is gonna be fun.
And now I'm a community engagement coordinator.
(Jennifer 1 speaking Spanish) Hello.
Oh, and your name's Jennifer, too?
- [Jennifer 2] Yes.
- Well, my name's Jennifer.
(chuckling) - [Jennifer 2] Nice to meet you.
- Nice meeting you.
Yeah.
Hi, my name is Jennifer Flores.
I'm with Austin Child Guidance Center.
We provide mental health services for the youth and families across the Central Texas area.
(Jennifer 1 speaking Spanish) (Jennifer 2 speaking Spanish) Now we're really focused in providing services in a particular neighborhood.
(Jennifer 1 speaking Spanish) We provide free mental health services for those that reside in Rundberg.
(light music) It's a community that's well-diverse, but they also face a lot of barriers, whether it's language barriers, cost barriers, transportation barriers.
Like I said, no wait list at the moment.
I'm here to be able to break those, and actually connect those services to that community.
(Jennifer 1 speaking Spanish) - It's clear that the Rundberg area has been underserved for a number of years in terms of services and access to supports.
(solemn music) The city of Austin designated a pot of money to target services for families who live, work, or participate in that community.
In Rundberg, anyone who meets income eligibility requirements, the services are free of charge.
They pay nothing.
(engine whirring) We can provide bus passes.
(keyboard clacking) We can provide a tablet and hotspot if traveling is an issue.
(traffic rushing) But also, what we understand is that especially with mental health services, it's a lot more complicated.
(Jennifer 1 speaking Spanish) So what's been really great is to have someone like Jenny go into the community, talk to them one-on-one about the services that we provide, but also, you know, to overcome some of the perpetual stigma that's still associated with mental health services.
(door opening) (door closing) - Myself being from Hispanic descent, I had a lot of like, whoa, like, this is a little bit different of what I thought mental health was, so I think that's why it's really important that I bring what I was able to learn.
(keyboard clacking) Some individuals are more open to hearing what I have to say.
Some of them are more hesitant, especially the older generation.
THey're like, (Jennifer 1 speaking Spanish).
Brush it off.
(keyboard clacking) (solemn music) And there's trust issues.
(traffic rushing) Will you guys, yeah, we can walk now.
Yeah, perfect.
There's a lot of stress within the community.
ICE and immigration, that is the number one that's causing a lot of issues within the community.
(traffic rushing) That's escalating everywhere.
- It has created a much more, I think, ever-present anxiety in addition to whatever they're already struggling with.
(traffic rushing) (horn honking) - I've noticed with the younger children, they're being impacted by the stress of their guardians, of their parent.
(cart rolling) (students chattering) Another one is absences at school.
They're afraid if they come back from home, their parents are not gonna be there.
They're afraid if they leave home, something might happen to them.
(students chattering) (engine whirring) To be honest, when I started doing outreach last year, people were more open.
I feel like they're not speaking up of their needs because they're afraid they're gonna be called out.
They're avoiding bringing eyes on them.
They don't wanna say something that could jeopardize them.
That's what I feel.
So that's why I feel like making sure that the impression is like, hey, we're not here to, like, jeopardize you or do anything that's gonna hurt you, but more like, we're here to provide those resources.
(gentle music) - I definitely want families to understand that the work that we do is confidential.
We do not ask people's immigration status.
We do not share information with other entities.
We want people to be free to feel like they can come in, seek services, and this is a safe space for them.
(people chattering) (plastic crinkling) I never actually fulfilled my dream of becoming a nurse.
So when I ended up applying here at ACGC, I actually started in the front desk.
(pens thudding) The further time I was here, I actually ended up understanding more about mental health, and I'm like, you know what?
This is a really good cause.
- [Child] Hi.
(Jennifer 1 speaking Spanish) I really want them to feel safe within their community.
I feel like that's the number one thing.
I want them to understand that they're not alone.
(Jennifer 1 speaking Spanish) Mental health is a need.
That's, I think, the number one thing.
(gentle music continues) (Jennifer 1 speaking Spanish)
Now PlayingStigmas, Fear And ICE Keep Residents From Free Mental Health Program
Video has Closed Captions
Clip | 7m 8s | Heightened immigration enforcement is keeping some families from a free mental health program. (7m 8s)
A 'Grand Scale' Of Fear: Rundberg One Year Later
Video has Closed Captions
Clip | 6m 20s | One year ago, community advocate Jose Carrasco introduced us to Rundberg. How have things changed? (6m 20s)
Video has Closed Captions
Clip | 9m 7s | A sweet story of community, legacy, and glazed delights for all ages in Rundberg. (9m 7s)
How State Laws Team Up ICE And Local Police
Video has Closed Captions
Clip | 7m 44s | State laws are impacting how local law enforcement works with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. (7m 44s)
How Will Healthcare Changes Impact Rundberg?
Video has Closed Captions
Clip | 7m 29s | The price for ACA Marketplace plans have skyrocketed. How will that impact Rundberg residents? (7m 29s)
Can A Meme Save A Life? He Thinks It Can't Hurt
Video has Closed Captions
Clip | 6m 48s | Jeff Larson is sharing food and hope, one text at a time. (6m 48s)
Can He Save This School In Five Months?
Video has Closed Captions
Clip | 4m | Principal Walker started working at Dobie Middle School in July. Is that enough time to change it? (4m)
Video has Closed Captions
Clip | 5m 35s | We spent one weekend at three Rundberg food banks while SNAP was on hold. (5m 35s)
What Does Prop Q 'Buy' Rundberg?
Video has Closed Captions
Clip | 7m 56s | What will the proposed tax rate increase bring to Rundberg? And what will it cost? (7m 56s)
Residents Are Worried About ICE. They’re Celebrating Their Cultura Anyway
Video has Closed Captions
Clip | 4m 21s | How one restaurant in Rundberg is celebrating Guatemalan culture in spite of immigration crackdowns. (4m 21s)
Video has Closed Captions
Clip | 4m 19s | How one Rundberg group is keeping people out of jail. (4m 19s)
Video has Closed Captions
Clip | 15m 48s | Does the neighborhood deserve its dangerous reputation? And if so, what can be done about it? (15m 48s)
Video has Closed Captions
Clip | 5m 9s | A Rundberg makerspace builds a new kind of creative community. (5m 9s)
What Even Is The Big Beautiful Bill?
Video has Closed Captions
Clip | 7m 19s | How will sweeping new legislation impact Rundberg? (7m 19s)
What Is The STAAR Test, And Why Is So Much Riding On It?
Video has Closed Captions
Clip | 10m 37s | Why does this test dominate so much space in and out of the classroom? (10m 37s)
A district-managed restart for Dobie means a final curtain call for many teachers
Video has Closed Captions
Clip | 8m 2s | Dobie teachers find themselves lost in the looking glass under new district-managed restart plan. (8m 2s)
They Started A Newspaper. Then Their School Became The Story.
Video has Closed Captions
Clip | 7m 28s | The uncertain future of a middle school, as reported by their newspaper class. (7m 28s)
Making Space For The Future Of Rundberg
Video has Closed Captions
Clip | 4m 14s | Nate Koehler is using a few hours at an after school program to build successful futures for kids. (4m 14s)
Why AISD Might Close Dobie To Save The District
Video has Closed Captions
Clip | 5m 54s | Rundberg's middle school faces closure to avoid a state takeover of the district. (5m 54s)
How One Group Is Feeding Rundberg While Fasting For Ramadan
Video has Closed Captions
Clip | 5m 56s | While fasting for Ramadan, one groups feeds their souls by helping others. (5m 56s)
The Texas Lege Wants To Pass School Vouchers. How Will It Impact Lower-Income Communities?
Video has Closed Captions
Clip | 7m 52s | What are school vouchers? And if signed into law, what will they look like in Texas? (7m 52s)
How Las Promotoras de Salud are keeping their neighbors healthy
Video has Closed Captions
Clip | 6m 36s | Medical complications took her husband’s life. She ensures her neighbors don’t go through it too. (6m 36s)
Growing Community At Garden Storytime
Video has Closed Captions
Clip | 3m 32s | See how one librarian is introducing kids to green spaces, one story at a time. (3m 32s)
Tết, Tradition, & Training: How Lion Dancers Are Keeping North Austin Culture Alive
Video has Closed Captions
Clip | 4m 45s | One local dance group is helping keep traditions alive and start the year off with a literal bang. (4m 45s)
Touring Rundberg with Jose Carrasco
Video has Closed Captions
Clip | 5m 40s | Decibel tours Rundberg with Jose Carrasco. (5m 40s)
What Is 'The Program' And Could Austin Need It Again?
Video has Closed Captions
Clip | 9m 13s | Will a program meant to get people out of flood zones be needed again in Austin? (9m 13s)
How Is This Local Food Bank Fighting Against High Food Costs And Less Donations?
Video has Closed Captions
Clip | 5m 36s | Families are struggling with food costs. So are the food banks they’re going to for help. (5m 36s)
They’re Getting Offered Thousands Of Dollars For Their Homes. He Says They Deserve More
Video has Closed Captions
Clip | 5m 13s | One Dove Springs resident is making sure his neighbors know how much their homes are really worth. (5m 13s)
“There Needs To Be Some Changes”: Austinites Split On HOME Phase 2
Video has Closed Captions
Clip | 5m 33s | The minimum lot size for single family homes drops to 1800 square feet. (5m 33s)
Who's Getting Lower Rents In Austin?
Video has Closed Captions
Clip | 7m 37s | Rent is falling across the city. But many residents are seeing their rent continue to go up. (7m 37s)
Video has Closed Captions
Clip | 4m 31s | They took the job to help neighbors find housing resources. They're helping with more. (4m 31s)
‘Where Do They Go?’: Voucher Holders Struggle To Find Housin
Video has Closed Captions
Clip | 5m 37s | Austin is the second-worst city in the country for housing voucher holders to find a home. (5m 37s)
The Trail that Wrote Texas History
Video has Closed Captions
Clip | 6m 36s | Learn about El Camino Real de los Tejas and how it impacted Texans on and off the roads. (6m 36s)
Video has Closed Captions
Clip | 4m 35s | She helps families with any resources they need. Lately they need help leaving. (4m 35s)
‘The Status Quo Is Just Not Sufficient’: Austinites On HOME
Video has Closed Captions
Clip | 5m 23s | Will a land code update fix Austin's housing affordability, or make it worse? (5m 23s)
Are There Still Doves In Dove Springs?
Video has Closed Captions
Clip | 4m 18s | Are the birds that gave Dove Springs its name still in the area? (4m 18s)
Why Does It Flood In Southeast Austin?
Video has Closed Captions
Clip | 6m 57s | Ever wondered why some areas flood more than others? Learn why in the newest Decibel story (6m 57s)
Artist Paints Memories Of Historic Onion Creek Flood
Video has Closed Captions
Clip | 5m 32s | A local artist collaborates with flood survivors on a new Austin mural. (5m 32s)
Clip | 4m 53s | One Dove Springs resident struggles with increasing temperatures and electricity bills. (4m 53s)
Video has Closed Captions
Clip | 7m 12s | Parts of Austin are nearly 8 degrees hotter than others, so who's feeling the heat? (7m 12s)
Video has Closed Captions
Clip | 3m 16s | Shelly Barber wants to help the local transgender community look fabulous and feel loved. (3m 16s)
Video has Closed Captions
Clip | 5m 19s | A new Pflugerville farmer must contend with agricultural challenges. (5m 19s)
Video has Closed Captions
Clip | 5m 10s | Tuan Nguyen brings his family's recipes to Pflugerville residents. (5m 10s)
‘We’re All In It Together’: Community Fights For School Fund
Video has Closed Captions
Clip | 4m 27s | Pflugerville community fights for school funding from the state legislature. (4m 27s)
Video has Closed Captions
Clip | 5m 29s | An LGBTQ+ group aims to help their neighbors even in the face of increasing threats. (5m 29s)
Video has Closed Captions
Clip | 5m 7s | Fatema Hirani’s faith asks her to keep the Earth clean. But how do you do that locally? (5m 7s)
Pflugerville ISD Won’t Close Dessau Elementary School
Video has Closed Captions
Clip | 1m 41s | PfISD will not be moving forward with a plan that would close Dessau Elementary School. (1m 41s)
Video has Closed Captions
Clip | 4m 37s | Rising costs are shutting the gate on land for a local equine nonprofit (4m 37s)
‘There’s Some Exciting Things Coming’: Mayor Discusses The
Video has Closed Captions
Clip | 5m 12s | Pflugerville residents told us what they wanted city leaders to focus on as the city grow (5m 12s)
Pflugerville Residents Pose Questions To Candidates
Video has Closed Captions
Clip | 4m 2s | Pflugerville residents share concerns about their growing city. (4m 2s)
Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship
- News and Public Affairs
Top journalists deliver compelling original analysis of the hour's headlines.
- News and Public Affairs
FRONTLINE is investigative journalism that questions, explains and changes our world.
Support for PBS provided by:
Decibel is a local public television program presented by Austin PBS
Funding for Decibel is provided in part by Texas Mutual and Roxanne Elder & Scott Borders