Empowering Mental Health Advocacy
Breaking Barriers for Mental Health
Fortaleza Atravez Barreras (FAB) is a nonprofit organization in Oregon dedicated to providing peer support, educational resources, community events, and advocacy for better access to mental health services.
Dedicated to Empowering Communities
Our Mission and Vision
Fortaleza Atravez Barreras (FAB) is a Oregon-based nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide peer support, facilitate education, organize community events, and advocate for increasing access to mental health services. FAB specializes in supporting low-income and disadvantaged community members with a focus on serving Latino/a/x, Chicano, BIPOC, Veteran, LGBTQIA+, and Indigenous individuals of all ages who identify as having lived experience with emotional, behavioral, or physical health issues. Our educational materials aim to promote culturally responsive, trauma-informed, mental health services and wellness activities.
Our Vision is to promote diversity in the Peer Workforce and provide opportunities for individuals from different cultures to join the mental health systems of care. We also envision educating disadvantaged communities on the benefits of seeking mental health services while combating cultural stigmas to strengthen community, foster healthy relationships, and increase workforce capacity and mentorship in disadvantaged communities.
From Ideation to Impact
Our Journey
Fortaleza Atravez Barreras (FAB) began with a vision to create a support system for mental health challenges in Oregon, tackling barriers and creating pathways for access to services.
Since our inception, FAB has worked tirelessly to advocate for improved mental health services, organizing events, providing resources, and building a community of resilience and empowerment.
Meet Our Dedicated Leadership
Our Executive Director
Lucia Mendoza
I began my medical career as a Medical Assistant before gaining my THW certificate as an Adult Mental Health and Family Support Specialist. I have seen the inequities as a provider of medical services and a consumer but I’m fortunate enough to know English. Not everyone has the luxury of being able to attend monolingual trainings but we can do so much more to provide much-needed curriculum in other languages and do it in a way that is culturally sensitive.
Make a Difference Today
Join us in breaking barriers and creating a more supportive and accessible mental health community.