What is Hola Neighbor?

The Hola Neighbor program employs residents in the greater Hidden Valley area to serve as Community Health Ambassadors to connect their neighbors with comprehensive health resources, including:

  • Food pantries and

  • community gardens

  • Low cost clinics

  • Information about insurance

  • Free therapy sessions

  • Community events

  • Childcare and afterschool programs

  • Much more!

Here is a health screening form that allows us to understand our community member’s needs.

Meet the Hola Neighbor Team

  • E. Peguero

    Elena Estel Peguero

    COMMUNITY AMBASSADOR

    I come from the Dominican Republic. It’s a rich country, but at the same time many of its people are poor with many needs. I have been living in the Hidden Valley community since 2018, in the Townes at University Pointe apartment complex. I wanted to be a Community Ambassador with Hola Neighbor because I believe in God, and I believe that in unity there is strength. God tells us to love our neighbor as ourselves. I am married and have two wonderful children. My family is very important to me, and I love spending time with them. I think we are ALL family because we were created by one God, and I know that with the help of Mayfield Memorial Community Development Corporation and the Hello Neighbor program we can help many people get ahead.

  • L. Aguilera

    Leticia Lopez Aguilera

    COMMUNITY AMBASSADOR

    I’m from Honduras. In 2013 I was subjected to domestic violence by the father of my eldest son, forcing me to leave the country for my safety and that of my child. I lived in Mexico City from 2014 to May 2017, then immigrated to the US. I have lived in the Hidden Valley area in Hunter’s Pointe apartments since July 2017. I arrived in the country with no relatives and managed to overcome many obstacles. I’m now married with two children. I am the owner of two small businesses in Charlotte, showing that language and immigration status are not an impediment to dreaming and progressing. I am driven to help people in need, especially single mothers who have been abused. I was a volunteer at Hidden Valley Elementary school from 2019 to 2022. I try to be motivating, enterprising, and altruistic. I am happy to be a Community Ambassador and belong to the Hola Neighbor program!

  • V. Ford

    Valerie Ford

    COMMUNITY AMBASSADOR

    I am from the Bronx, New York. For 9 years I’ve moved around the Hidden Valley area. I’ve seen it suffer, and I’ve seen it grow. Throughout my high school career, I worked for a nonprofit called Heal Charlotte, which opened my eyes to how providing yourself and your knowledge to the community can help make it better. The pandemic and subsequent lockdown made it difficult for us to continue our community development work. That’s why I’m so excited to get back into the community as an Ambassador for the Hola Neighbor program and continue being a part of the growth of the neighborhood. With our connections and resources, I believe we can obtain not only a healthy community, but also health awareness. In my spare time I like to write, listen to music, and spend time with my siblings.