The Nuevo Amanecer-New Dawn program, operated by the Mattie Rhodes Center (MRC), is dedicated to preventing and reducing drug-related crime, substance use, and abuse within the Kansas City community. Designed as a specialized bilingual and bicultural service, this program specifically supports Spanish-speaking Latino individuals, addressing their unique cultural and linguistic needs. By combining evidence-based substance abuse treatment with violence prevention and wraparound support services, Nuevo Amanecer aligns closely with COMBAT’s mission to provide effective rehabilitation for adults and juveniles impacted by substance use disorders.

Serving A Vulnerable Community

The program primarily serves Latino youth and adults who have often faced high levels of poverty, trauma, violence, and involvement with the justice system. Many participants come from backgrounds marked by immigration challenges, economic hardship, and community violence—all of which can contribute to co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. The Nuevo Amanecer program recognizes these complex realities and offers care that respects cultural identity while addressing critical health and social issues.

Comprehensive, Evidence-Based Treatment

Nuevo Amanecer delivers a 12-session program that integrates cognitive-behavioral, experiential, and educational approaches to promote lasting recovery. Treatment combines individual and group sessions that emphasize:

• Educational information about substances, their effects, and pathways to recovery

• Development of emotional regulation and coping skills

• Relapse prevention strategies

• Open social interaction to build peer support and accountability

• Identification and confrontation of denial or distorted thinking patterns

• Practical life skills to support healthier daily living

The program’s curriculum uses role-playing, group discussions, relaxation and visualization techniques, and recreational therapy to engage participants actively and foster meaningful change.

Measuring Success

To evaluate effectiveness, the program employs validated tools such as the Outcomes Rating Scale (ORS), Addiction Severity Index (ASI), and pre- and post-program knowledge surveys. Recent results show:

• 75% of participants report a reduction in illicit substance and alcohol use

• 75% experience improvements in personal, social, and interpersonal functioning

• 50% increase their understanding of substance use and addiction

These outcomes highlight Nuevo Amanecer’s impact on helping individuals reduce substance use and improve their overall well-being.

Community Context: The Historic Northeast

The program is located near the Historic Northeast neighborhood of Kansas City, a culturally rich and diverse area that serves as an entry point for many immigrants and refugees. With a Latino population of approximately 43%, many residents face economic challenges—31% live below the federal poverty level—and language barriers, with over 8,900 residents living in primarily Spanish-speaking households.

This community context shapes the program’s culturally sensitive approach, ensuring that services are accessible and relevant to the experiences of Spanish-speaking families.

Addressing Complex Challenges

Many participants in Nuevo Amanecer confront overlapping challenges, including:

• Trauma related to immigration experiences, including separation from family, cultural dislocation, and exposure to violence

• Mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and mood disorders co-occurring with substance abuse

• Social stressors such as discrimination, racism, and culture shock

• Prevalent substance use issues, notably marijuana and methamphetamine addiction, often linked to ease of access and economic factors

By addressing these intersecting issues through culturally competent care, the program helps individuals and families break cycles of addiction and trauma.

Family Support & Community Collaboration

Understanding the critical role families play in recovery, Nuevo Amanecer offers family counseling and drug education services to empower loved ones supporting participants. The program works closely with local courts, schools, and community organizations to provide referrals and extend its reach to those most in need.

In 2023, the program expanded staff to meet growing demand and continues to be a trusted resource within Jackson County for bilingual substance abuse treatment.

Cultural Competency As A Cornerstone

Nuevo Amanecer stands out for its commitment to cultural and linguistic competence. Staff members are bilingual and bicultural, offering treatment that honors the values, beliefs, and communication styles of Latino communities. This approach fosters trust and engagement, essential for effective substance abuse recovery.

The program’s bilingual addiction specialists actively share their expertise with other service providers to raise awareness about culturally responsive care, helping to meet the increasing demand for such services throughout the broader community.

Program Objectives

Nuevo Amanecer aims to:

• Help participants reduce or abstain from substance use

• Equip individuals with skills to manage emotions and avoid relapse

• Increase awareness and understanding of addiction and its effects

• Encourage healthier social interactions and communication

• Support practical life skills that promote independence and well-being

These objectives work together to empower individuals and families to achieve long-term recovery and stability.

Safer, Healthier Communities

Through its culturally tailored, evidence-based, and holistic approach, the Nuevo Amanecer-New Dawn program plays a vital role in supporting Spanish-speaking Latino youth and adults facing substance abuse and trauma-related challenges in Kansas City. By addressing the intertwined factors of culture, language, mental health, and social environment, the program helps participants reclaim their lives and contributes to safer, healthier communities.

Locations

Click on the window icon (upper right corner) of the map below to expand. List of all program locations is included with expanded view of map. Locations are also listed on this page below the map.