LMHANJ's Futuro Fund and Seton Hall’s Lori Tarke: Partnering to Build the Next Generation of Latino Mental Health Leaders

In 2024, the Latino Mental Health Association of New Jersey (LMHANJ) launched its first-ever scholarship program to support the next generation of mental health professionals committed to serving the Latine community, marking a significant step forward in LMHANJ’s mission to build a culturally competent and representative mental health workforce. “We know what it means to be poured into, and we understand, deeply, how life-changing that support can be,” said Angela P. Vargas, LMHANJ President. “This scholarship program is more than financial aid, it’s about honoring the potential within our community and helping shape a future where representation, healing and equity are the norm.”

Recognizing the transformative impact of scholarships, especially for students from historically underserved and underrepresented communities, LMHANJ leadership moved quickly to deepen this investment. In 2025, President Vargas and President-elect and Treasurer Kathy Acosta formalized this effort by creating a separate 501(c)(3) entity: the Futuro Fund. Dedicated exclusively to supporting education and workforce development in the Latine mental health field, the Futuro Fund reflects LMHANJ’s long-term vision to uplift and sustain professionals across New Jersey committed to culturally competent care.

The Fund has already made an impact; in its inaugural year, two scholarships were awarded to Alanna Santos and Bryanna Araujo, both Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) students. “Awarding these scholarships was an incredibly rewarding experience,” said Acosta. “Now we’ve taken the next step by establishing a stand-alone 501(c)(3) dedicated solely to the Futuro Fund’s mission. Our inaugural board will play a critical role in shaping its future, which is why we are thrilled to welcome Lori Tarke, DHSc, executive director of the Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute, to this effort.”

The urgency of this work is clear. Research shows Latinos face significant barriers to accessing culturally competent care, and the shortage of bilingual providers often forces individuals to wait long periods for treatment or avoid care altogether. With a growing Latino population and rising demand for mental health services, the Futuro Fund is a timely and vital resource.

“The mission of the Futuro Fund aligns closely with my commitment to increasing culturally sensitive providers and greater Latino representation in these fields,” said Tarke. “Communities cannot be served with a "one size fits all" approach. We must ensure access to culturally responsive and bilingual providers.” With Tarke’s leadership and networks, the Futuro Fund is poised to expand its reach, attract philanthropic support and amplify its mission; investing in future mental health professionals to strengthen wellness across New Jersey’s Latino communities.

Learn more about the 2025 scholarship recipients:

- Click here to learn about Alanna Santos.

- Click here to learn about Bryanna Araujo.

Categories: Arts and Culture, Education, Health and Medicine