As someone who grew up in East Aldine, Adriana’s mission in social work is rooted in community, connection, and possibility. She wants to educate and empower individuals, so they understand that struggling does not mean failing, and that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but a courageous step toward growth.
“The encouragement I once received from bosses, professors, and mentors showed me that there are always other paths forward, even after setbacks,” she says. That support shaped her journey and led her to become the first social work intern at High Meadows Branch Library. Now, she hopes to be that same kind of support for others in East Aldine, someone who listens, encourages, and helps connect people to resources that can open new doors.
The Power of Presence
For many people, filling out paperwork is routine, especially when forms are offered in different languages. But the real challenge is knowing how to work through a system that can be confusing. During her second week at High Meadows, Adriana saw that “access” can mean something much simpler than language.
She helped a neighbor who was having trouble with a housing application. The woman understood the questions, but the print was too small for her to read. The apartment complex had not provided another option for someone with a visual impairment. So they sat together and went through the form one line at a time.
“I was there to do exactly that kind of work,” Adriana noted. “To support, connect, and to make processes feel more manageable. Sometimes advocacy looks like a large-scale program, and other times, it simply looks like sitting beside someone and making sure they feel seen.”
How Adriana Can Help You
Social work at the library is about more than sharing information—it’s about helping people find their way. Adriana is here to help East Aldine residents get past challenges that can feel overwhelming. These services are free and private for the public. Adriana can help with:
- Basic Needs: She can connect you with local food pantries, housing support, and clothing resources.
- Family & Senior Support: She can guide families through childcare or school concerns and help older adults find and use services made for them.
- Government Assistance: She can help you apply for public programs and make sure you have the right documents.
Building a More Connected Community
By adding social work services, High Meadows is becoming more than just a place for books. It is a place where the community can find real support. With Adriana here, when someone walks in with a problem, they don’t just leave with a brochure—they leave with a plan.
Many systems for housing, food, and healthcare can be hard to navigate. For people facing a language barrier, limited internet access, or a physical disability, these systems can feel like a wall. Adriana’s job is to help break down those walls. She may sit with someone while they make phone calls, help explain the fine print on a government form, or connect them with a local nonprofit that offers services for seniors. She gives the hands-on help people need to move forward.
“I value hearing directly from community members about what they want and need,” Adriana says. “At High Meadows, I can support people one-on-one while also helping build stronger connections between neighbors and the organizations that serve them.”
How to Make an Appointment
There are a few ways to make an appointment with Adriana during her internship at the High Meadows Branch Library, which runs through the end of July 2026.
- Schedule an appointment online
- Call us at 832-927-5540
- Visit us at 4500 Aldine Mail Route and speak to a team member at the information desk or fill out a social work card in the Care Corner. Directions to High Meadows Branch Library
Need Help Now?
If you or someone you know is experiencing a life-threatening emergency or a mental health crisis, please use the following resources immediately. Social work services are not for emergency or crisis intervention.
- For medical emergencies, call 911.
- Mental health & suicide crisis, call or text 988.
- For local mental health support, call the Harris Center Crisis Line at 713-970-7000.
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