Professional development to transform family welfare services

Grupo Nexos celebrates a significant step in our commitment to advance professional development as a driving force for transforming family welfare services. Recently, six of our facilitators obtained their FORECAST program certification with Project ASSIST. These certifications reflect their dedication and professional preparation and reinforce our role as a scientific partner in supporting the transformation of Puerto Rico’s family welfare system. We proudly recognize the achievements of facilitators Alexandra Caballero, Gabriela Corredor, Nathalie Díaz, Kariana Maldonado, Ana Pérez, and Odalis Reyes.

FORECAST: An innovative approach to social transformation

FORECAST (Framework for Outreach, Research, Education, and Clinical Assessment for Social Transformation) is much more than a training program. This advanced curriculum is designed to equip professionals in mental health, social work, and related fields with evidence-based tools to address the needs of individuals and communities in highly vulnerable contexts.

The program integrates research, evaluation, education in intervention techniques, and social transformation strategies. Participants acquire knowledge and develop practical competencies through controlled scenarios and supervised environments. They learn about the impact of trauma on the brain, particularly in individuals who have faced adversity from an early age, and receive training in techniques such as crisis management and prolonged exposure therapy.

One of FORECAST’s key strengths is its culturally relevant approach, tailored to Puerto Rico’s realities. In a context where professionals face high caseloads and limited resources, this training provides a powerful tool to structure effective and sustainable interventions.

What does this achievement mean for Puerto Rico?

Our facilitators’ certification in FORECAST enhances their intervention capacity and strengthens our community support system. The program also prioritizes professional well-being by integrating self-care practices acknowledging the emotional burden inherent to this work. This ensures that professionals can maintain their commitment without compromising their mental health, an essential factor in the continuity and quality of their services.

FORECAST is a key tool in transforming how professionals approach the needs of the most vulnerable populations while strengthening their ability to create lasting positive change in their communities.

If you are a professional, community leader, or someone interested in learning more about this initiative, you can contact us via email at: gruponexos@nexospr.org.