About
El Instituto is a program at El Jardín Recovery Centers that focuses on the education and intergenerational sustainability of Latinos and Spanish-speaking individuals of all backgrounds. We offer culturally and linguistically specific Peer Wellness Specialist education, continuing education modules, harm reduction training, and life skills training to the community.
El Jardin Recovery
Our History
Northwest Instituto Latino was founded in 2001 to increase the pool of Latino substance use disorder recovery professionals. We co-developed the first culturally and linguistically specific Certified Alcohol and Drug Certification (CADC I) training program in the state of Oregon to bridge the gap between Latinos and equitable healthcare. After seeing the new need for continuing education and technical support, we created the first culturally specific outcomes-based addiction prevention conference in Spanish in the state of Oregon. We have helped train over 500 behavioral health professionals since 2001.
NWIL received a small grant in 2021 and opened Oregon’s first culturally and linguistically specific Latino Recovery Drop-in Centers. Today we continue to support Latinos in the Portland Metro area with low-barrier, no-cost substance use recovery peer mentoring, case management services, harm reduction support, and outreach services as El Jardín Recovery Centers.
To honor its roots, El Jardín opened the El Instituto educational program. This program encompasses all educational activities under the El Jardín umbrella, including the Peer Wellness Specialist Training, Harm Reduction Training, Continuing Education training, our Amigas, Hermanas, Guerreras Women’s Symposium, and more. We are excited to sow the seeds for the future of our community.
