LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Backside Learning Center serves more than 1,000 workers at Churchill Downs, most of whom are from Latin America.
What You Need To Know
The Backside Learning Center serves more than 1,000 workers at Churchill Downs
Many workers rely on the center for translation, housing support and referrals
Daniela Jacuinde helps lead mental health support for workers who are far from family
The center’s work highlights the people behind the Kentucky Derby’s biggest moments
Every year, the most exciting two minutes in sports spotlight the best and fastest horses in racing.
But behind the scenes, more than 1,000 workers — grooms, trainers and hot walkers — keep things running.
“Here, they help me get my papers sorted out, they help with everything,” said Zira Sanchez, a hot walker at Churchill Downs.
And the Backside Learning Center, or “La Escuelita,” makes it all happen.
“There’s a lot of people here who are here in this country alone,” said Daniela Jacuinde, a community mental health coordinator at the Backside Learning Center. “They do not have families with them. Moving from one country to another, the complete change of language. It’s a huge emotional toll for them.”
Daniela Jacuinde has seen that toll firsthand, helping workers understand the resources available to them and leading mental health workshops.
“For me, it’s an honor to help them feel less alone,” said Jacuinde.
That mission is deeply personal for Jacuinde. Her father’s an assistant horse trainer.
For more than 40 years, his routine has been waking up at 3 a.m. and often working seven days a week.
“To see how he lived, how much time he spent alone caused me a lot of internal conflict,” said Jacuinde. “And thinking it’s not just him, it’s more people. It caught my attention and made me think about how I can work with them, [the Backside Workers] on this, mental health.”
So Jacuinde became a welcoming face at La Escuelita.
It’s full circle for her, being the support she wishes her father had and offering perspective during the big race.
“It’s not always just about the Derby,” said Jacuinde. “The Derby is an important part of the city and state, but if there weren’t immigrants, and the people working trackside, there wouldn’t be a derby.”
Whether it’s just a cup of coffee, a familiar smile or a shoulder to lean on, Jacuinde is shining a light on mental well-being everywhere she goes.
The Backside Learning Center reports that last year, it helped with more than 1,000 walk-in requests for help, including translation services, housing support, mail distribution and referrals to partner agencies.