Q&A with Yolanda Ibarra, Precinct 2’s Social Worker Coordinator

1. Describe your role and how it impacts the lives of Precinct 2 residents.

As a Bilingual Social Worker Coordinator at Precinct 2 Health and Social Services, I feel deeply honored to support our community’s health and well-being. I provide case management and serve as a field supervisor, mentoring interns from various social work programs. We work together to make a meaningful difference. 

I create collaborations and partnerships with organizations to provide more access to health services in the precinct and support with outreach to educate our community about our services.

I am the site supervisor for the Community Partner program and oversee programs such as the transportation voucher program for seniors and Access2rides for people with disabilities. My role allows me to provide clients access to preventive health screenings, housing, state benefits, transportation, assistance navigating resources, and education.

2. During your time with Precinct 2, you pursued a master's degree. Tell us about your journey to pursue your degree and how this has impacted your work.

I pursued my master’s degree in clinical social work at the University of Houston, balancing the roles of mother, wife, full-time employee, and student. It was undoubtedly challenging, with many nights of just a few hours of sleep and weekends dedicated to studying and completing assignments. My family played a crucial role in this journey; their unwavering support and understanding made all the difference. There were moments when I felt overwhelmed and considered giving up, but I realized I was on the right path for my family and my clients.

Through my studies, I gained a deeper understanding of my family, my clients, and the complexities of society. By exploring mental health disorders, I expanded my perspective and knowledge, preparing myself to serve the community more effectively and empathetically. This experience not only enriched my personal life but also equipped me to make a meaningful impact on others' lives.

3. Can you describe a moment while working for Precinct 2 when you really felt the impact of your work?

There are countless occasions that have deeply impacted me, but a few stand out as truly transformative. One of the most significant involved a client who persevered through numerous rejections before finally receiving a prosthetic eye after our intensive work together. The changes in the individual were remarkable; when I saw them afterward, they had blossomed into entirely different people. It makes me wonder how many others are out there, facing similar challenges, who still cannot access the assistance they desperately need.

4. This month, we celebrated the grand opening of the Channelview Foundation of Hope. How do you expect this facility, and its programs will help Precinct 2 constituents? 

We are dedicated to creating an inviting environment that ensures every resident of Precinct 2 has access to the healthcare they deserve, while also recognizing the critical role of social determinants of health. Our goal is to become the primary resource for the community, guiding individuals to the appropriate support and services.

We are committed to our mission of cultivating a vibrant culture of health that engages and empowers our community and educates residents about the resources available to them. By improving access to comprehensive services, we can transform lives and enhance the overall quality of life for all in Precinct 2. Together, we can build a healthier future for our community!

5. May is also Mental Health Awareness Month. What are your favorite ways to take care of your mental health?

Taking care of our mental health is so important, and one of my favorite ways to do this is by cherishing quality time with my family. I understand how vital it is to create clear boundaries between work and home life, as that helps me prioritize my well-being. Those moments spent with loved ones truly inspire and energize me, reminding me of the strength we find in our connections.

Yolanda Ibarra is proudly from Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, where her journey began. She is married and a mother of four children. Her passion for helping others was fueled by seeing the need for bilingual assistance. She pursued higher education and earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Houston Downtown. Yolanda continued my academic journey and obtained a master’s in clinical social work from the University of Houston. She recently earned my social work license in Texas, marking a significant milestone in her career. With over three years of experience at Precinct 2, she began her journey as an intern four years ago and gained invaluable insights along the way.