HALLSVILLE, TX (KLTV) – An East Texas woman is trying to break down the stigma surrounding mental health with the launch of a new nonprofit that will make it easier for the Hispanic community to seek help.
“The fact that we’re still alive means we’re not done yet. We have a mission that continues,” said Esmeralda Baron, CEO and founder of Orchid of Hope.
The nonprofit helps people battling abuse, addiction and suicide.
For Esmeralda, the mission of hope is personal.
“I was 11 years old and only spent six years with my mother before she died by suicide,” Esmeralda said.
Though her time with her mother was short, she cherishes her memories of her.
“That was the kiss we gave to our mother. I will remember it fondly forever,” Esmeralda said through tears.
Years later, she was sexually abused at age 17 and fell into alcoholism for the next 20 years.
“I was so angry at my mother, at my father, at God and at the world,” Esmeralda said.
But she got help.
“Mental health wasn’t important to me before, I didn’t care, I didn’t feel loca (crazy),” Esmeralda says, “but now I know that I had to go to therapy to understand how important mental health providers are.
That’s why she founded Orchids of Hope to provide these services to East Texas residents, as well as the Hispanic community.
“They don’t want to talk about the stigma and the taboo, and they’re scared to talk about it,” Esmeralda said.
She also cited language barriers, lack of health insurance and cost as other challenges Hispanics face. That’s where nonprofits come in: They connect people with bilingual therapists who provide services regardless of insurance coverage or cost.
“I don’t want people to stop getting mental health treatment because of money,” Esmeralda says.
Esmeralda says she will continue to share her story to remind others that they are not alone.
“I was addicted to drugs, I was sexually abused and I contemplated suicide. I want you to know that we are here for you.”
The company’s services are available in East Texas and across the state, with hopes of expanding nationally.
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