Yolanda Castro Lopez

• Assisted in providing direct services to victims, including emotional support and resource referrals
• Supported the coordination of outreach events and community awareness programs
• Conducted research on best practices in victim advocacy and assisted in developing training materials for volunteers
• Managed cases simultaneously, methodically working through each.
• Established trusting relationships with diverse clientele, fostering open dialogue regarding sensitive issues related to sexual assault.
• Provided emotional support to secondary victims of sexual assault, aiding in their understanding of the trauma and healing process.
• Assisted in obtaining protective orders for survivors, ensuring their safety and wellbeing.
• Maintained open and neutral position to expedite communication with victims.
• Bridged communication gaps between non-English speaking survivors and service providers through proficient interpretation skills.
• Conducted intake interviews for new clients, assessing needs and determining appropriate resources to aid recovery.
• Supported survivors throughout court proceedings, easing anxiety related to navigating the legal system.

● Using the Child and Family Practice Model, helped bridge the cultural gap between social workers and Spanish-speaking families referred from Emergency Response of the Santa Clara County Department of Family and Children’s Services (DFCS),
● Assisted families in navigating the county system and helped establish expectations of the county’s role and responsibilities
● Promoted a better understanding of the cultural practices, beliefs, and niches of referred families
● Provided support in the form of transportation and legal document assistance to families in need of additional resource
● Accompanied clients to court upon request
● Performed initial client intake, created and maintained client files
● Participated in TDM (Team Decision Making) meetings with families and social workers,
● Scheduled weekly meetings with clients, including home visits
● Facilitated weekly youth group involving at-risk youth, using the Xinachtli curriculum, for Latina youth ages 12-14
● Planned and facilitated a youth empowerment event (Chingona Night) for young women in South County ages 12-18

• Developed a reputation for integrity and ethical conduct within the brokerage community, leading to increased trust from clients and colleagues alike.
• Conducted research to answer questions and handle issues using multiple systems and resources.
• Recorded supporting documentation for phone calls and written correspondence.