About Us

OUR MISION

Bienvenido Community Solutions empowers individuals, institutions, and communities to build welcoming environments where people can thrive through leadership development, positive mental health, civic engagement, education, workforce innovation, and meaningful community and educational partnerships

OUR VISION

A world where every person is welcomed, valued, and equipped to contribute their talents toward creating resilient, prosperous, and connected communities.

Our Values

1. Welcome and Belonging

We believe that every person deserves to be welcomed with dignity, respect, and opportunity. We cultivate environments where individuals feel valued, connected, and empowered to participate fully in community life.

2. Leadership for Community Impact

We develop leaders who serve with integrity, vision, and courage. Leadership is not defined by position, but by a commitment to creating positive change and strengthening communities.

3. Innovation with Purpose

We embrace creativity, technology, and continuous learning to solve complex challenges. We leverage emerging tools, including artificial intelligence, in ways that advance human potential and community well-being.

4. Partnership and Shared Prosperity

We believe lasting change happens through collaboration. We build bridges among educational institutions, businesses, nonprofits, governments, and communities to create opportunities for all

Founder profile

Dr. Gilberto Pérez Jr., is the President and CEO of Bienvenido Community Solutions, LLC, where he developed the Bienvenido curriculum—a nationally recognized, community-defined evidence program that promotes mental health and resilience among Latino immigrants. He has trained hundreds of facilitators and consulted on health disparities research with institutions including Harvard Medical School, Columbia University School of Social Work, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Baylor School of Social Work, and the Massachusetts General Hospital Disparities Research Unit. His work has been implemented across multiple states and institutions, including partnerships with leading universities, healthcare systems, and national organizations such as the National Latino Behavioral Health Association, Annie E. Casey Foundation, and the National Network to Eliminate Disparities in Behavioral Health.

In addition to his academic and entrepreneurial leadership, Dr. Pérez has held significant public and nonprofit governance roles. He served as Chair of the Mennonite Central Committee U.S., an international relief and development organization, and as an elected member of the Goshen City Council, where he championed community engagement, mental health funding, and inclusive economic development initiatives. His leadership has resulted in expanded educational partnerships, increased student engagement, and the development of innovative programs supporting first-generation and diverse student populations.

Earlier in his career, Dr. Pérez served as a bilingual therapist and program director, where he expanded culturally responsive mental health services and significantly increased access for Latino clients. He also served as an Associate Professor of Social Work, contributing to the development of future practitioners through teaching, mentorship, and community-based learning.

A published scholar and sought-after speaker, Dr. Pérez has contributed to national conversations on equitable implementation, culturally responsive institutions, and Latino mental health. His work has appeared in the Stanford Social Innovation Review and other peer-reviewed outlets. He has spoken internationally in Benin, Africa and Asunción, Paraguay. He has received numerous awards from several community-based organizations for his commitment and dedication to serving his local community and state. He holds a Doctor of Education from the University of New England, a Master of Social Work from Universidad Interamericana in Puerto Rico, and a graduate certificate in Conflict Transformation from Eastern Mennonite University.

Bienvenido philosophy

Welcome people. Develop leaders. Strengthen communities. Create opportunities.

This Bienvenido philosophy reflects the belief that when individuals experience belonging, they are more likely to engage, lead, innovate, and contribute to the long-term resilience and prosperity of their communities.