UCHC welcomes Hernandez as its community outreach and enrollment coordinator

Alison Hernandez, community outreach and enrollment coordinator at United Community Health Center, is enjoying her new position.

“It doesn’t feel like work,” she commented. “I love meeting new people; I’m the face of the clinic. This is a great community; everyone is so welcoming and friendly. It’s true what they say about ‘Midwest nice.’ This place feels like home.”

Alison arrived to our area several weeks ago from Seattle. She grew up in Honduras, Central America and came every summer to visit Seattle where her dad, Carlos Valderramos, lives. Her mother is the late Ana Melida Hernandez. Her Auntie Rita was like her mom and raised her when her mom passed away. Alison has a younger brother, Tamir, and an older sister, Thalia, who are both in Seattle. She also has a younger sister, Lidia Victoria.

“My job is to engage with the resources available in the community for the UCHC and educate the public about what we have available,” she explained. “It also involves marketing and social media presence. We have lots of community events this summer. We’re an inclusive clinic and we welcome everyone. We’re growing so fast.”

Alison earned her degree in business from Central Washington University in Allensburg and a minor in digital marketing. She also has a background in social work. Then she worked for a non-profit for over five years in Washington. 

Alison’s best friend Esther Borjas was here in Storm Lake. She is the co-owner with her brother, Danny Borjas, of the Second Chance Consignment and Thrift store.

“We went to high school together in Honduras and we’re pretty close,” she mentioned. “She told me about the job at UCHC. It’s a big change from Seattle –– more relaxed and more family oriented here.

“Plus her cocker doodle Loui and my Siberian husky Benito are besties,” she smiled. “Benito is my emotional support dog and is in training to be a service dog. We practice every day.”

In her free time, Alison enjoys reading and painting abstracts. She likes to go to museums and art galleries.

She also loves to cook Here are several of her favorite recipes.

Arroz con leche

(Rice pudding)

1 c. long grain white rice

2 c. water

2 cinnamon sticks

3 c. milk

1/4-1/2 c. sugar sweeten to taste

Place saucepan over medium low heat and add rice, water, and cinnamon sticks.

Cover and cook until rice is cooked, and water is absorbed, about 15-20 minutes.

Add milk and sugar, stir to combine, cover, and cook for additional 15 minutes.

Cook longer for a thicker arroz con leche resembling rice pudding. Add more sugar or sweetener of choice if needed.

Baleadas

Tortillas:

2 c. all-purpose flour

1 c. water

1/2 c.vegetable oil

1 egg

1/2 tsp. salt

Filling:

2 c. refried beans, warmed.

1 avocado, sliced.

1/2 c. crumbled queso fresco (fresh white cheese)

1/4 c. crema fresca (fresh cream)

Make the tortillas: Mix flour, water, vegetable oil, egg, and salt together in a large bowl. Knead dough until smooth and no longer sticky. Form into eight golf ball-sized balls. Cover and let rest for about 20 minutes.

Stretch each ball of dough into a thick tortilla.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each tortilla until browned and lightly puffed, about 1 minute per side.

Layer refried beans, avocado, and queso fresco onto warm tortillas, then drizzle crema over top. Fold tortillas in half to eat.