Portfolio

My name is Melinda Cuellar; I am a Domestic Violence Survivor and a Certified Domestic Violence & Human Trafficking Advocate. I was involved in a 7-year abusive relationship that ultimately concluded in making the decision to jump out of my car to flee from my former spouse, who kidnapped and held me hostage for several hours at gun point, threatening to shoot me and himself. My fear of death and desire to live is what initiated the first steps to turning my life around. I had to tell my heart what my mind already knew, I had to leave this man I truly loved. I had to let go of what was killing me, spiritually, mentally and almost physically. The journey to freedom was one of the most difficult things I had to endure; nevertheless I pushed through. I knew the pain of regret would be far greater than the pain of recovery & healing. You become addicted to this person and the cycle of abuse. It’s a long day to day process; you don’t “just get over it.”  Abusers use manipulation and control, during the duration of the relationship they mold the victim and break them down and in time the victim’s spirit is broken, strength and hope are lost and the abuser is in full control. When you’re in this deep, it’s a lonely and toxic place to be, but GOD! I reached out to God, the Church and different entities that helped domestic violence victims/ survivors. I got involved with a non profit called SOS Ministries and they along with my Spiritual mama Pastor Roseanna Campos were a huge help in my recovery road. I was educated, prayed over and lifted up at all times. I encourage all who need help to reach out, we can’t do this alone. You definitely need support.

My pain produced power, power turned into purpose, and purpose transformed into destiny. Out of my struggle, pain, tears and that life or death moment, My Non Profit Organization, Divine Connections, H.O.P.E. (Hold On, Pain Ends) was launched. God gave me Beauty for ashes.  Our organization is Faith based and our purpose is to reach those individuals/families who are affected by Domestic Violence.  We encounter numerous women and young girls that desperately need assistance. We focus on healing the effects of interpersonal violence. It’s our mission to offer guidance, empowerment, education, and resources for building healthy relationships. We host monthly support groups, facilitate domestic violence awareness classes for adults and youth. We offer court support and individual one on one mentoring. Our goal is to make an impact in the hearts and lives of many by loving them to life while supporting them as they transition out of Domestic Violence and navigate their path to freedom.  

God has rewarded me and my organization with favor; we have received many Certificates of Recognition from the Assembly, the Senate and Mayor/City Council of San Bernardino recognizing our successes. I was recently named a Spirit Award Honoree by the California Latino Legislative Caucus where I was also honored at the California State Capital in Sacramento. Lastly, I was selected as the appointee of the Speaker of the House, Anthony Rendon, to serve as his Appointee to the Domestic Violence Advisory Council in Sacramento. God has positioned me in high places. To most I would be considered the under dog with no credentials, but with God, I am a State Commissioner being launched out, as God’s elect. God said He could do it and He most surely has. Nothing is impossible for God! I was born and raised in the hood, a life of chaos with countless struggles. I went from tragedy to triumph, my story, His Glory! Freedom is the key word, Domestic Violence victims need a whole lot of love, deliverance and education to break the chains that keep them bound. Statistics are mind blowing 1 out every 3 women will suffer from Domestic violence. In my local City of San Bernardino, there were 3,150 reported domestic violence crimes. 3,150 in San Bernardino alone and these are only the ones that were reported. Thousands go unreported, because why? Because the Victim is paralyzed by fear and does not have a voice or the courage to speak up. That is why we vow to be a voice for the voiceless, remove the veil and to expose this Silent Killer.  

Domestic Violence Kills & affects both male & female. We must stand in unity with boldness and declare Freedom. We need to let the people, the Church, the communities and Families know that Domestic Violence is not ok and it will no longer be ignored or tolerated. It is vital to spread awareness, to educate and produce more shelters and resources. We need to recognize the signs and offer help.

Hearing the Statistics can be intimidating.  It may seem impossible to make a difference. All I can say is, BUT GOD! We serve a statistic breaking GOD, My journey has proven that we serve a God of the “turn around!” The key component and difference in our Non profit is that we are Faith based, Our Core is GOD and in Him and Through Him we believe these numbers will change, that chains will fall, that the Daughters and son’s of God will be delivered and their pain will produce purpose.

Hello, my name is Corrine Molina. I am a domestic violence survivor! I was in a relationship with my ex husband for 22 years. All of those years of abuse can really take a toll on a person. Throughout those years of constant abuse physical, verbal and mental, being humiliated in public and in my own home! I persevered I raised 3 children worked 3 jobs and obtained two AA degrees and my BA. What some people would have let break them only made me stronger! I always wanted my family together no matter what, so I took the abuse. Being in an abusive relationship for all of those years taught me that if I could survive that I could do anything! It took me many years to have the courage to finally say enough is enough! In November 2018 my father read an article in the newspaper and asked for me to reach out to this organization. I had been to counseling before so I was like ok dad I will contact them. So, I reached out to Divine Connections Hope, and have been apart of this amazing group of women ever since. They never judged me always just listened and provided me with resources and of course their support group which really helped me to see that I was not alone. I will forever be grateful to God for placing them in my path.

My kids always asked me how I can be so fearless at times. My response was that I am not fearless just courageous. It takes courage to face the world after you ran from it for so long. I am a survivor but more importantly an overcomer. I was abused sexually as a child. I watched my father beat my mom and experienced his wrath myself. I grew up in the middle of a gang battlefield filled with drugs and violence. All of which I fell victim to. All of which had shaped my mind and created a world of chaos and despair. I hid within myself and dared to rarely venture out to far from myself. The choices I made as an adult were results of a life that has suffered and had closed the world off. One of those choices included a relationship that broke me even further. I drove further into my addiction and farther from even my own family. Worse so, was that it drove me even farther from my own self. I lost the battle. Lost my kids. Lost my sanity. Came to the end of myself. But Found by God. Who saved me from the abuse but more so from myself. Today He is the strength that carries me in my darkest days. He is the one who fills me with courage to step out into what He has called me to do. Today I have a testimony that speaks to others who are just like me. Today as DV advocate I am able to help the next women who is lost. Today I am a recovering addict of 6 years. Proving that we do recover. Today I am a mother of 5 who has redeemed that title. Thankful to God only for giving courage to step into my mess and face my demons. So that today I can walk in his purpose.

Hello, my name is Yescica Zepeda. Like some growing up in a family where domestic violence was a normal routine I never knew the importance of family. As we know our early childhood years are a foundation to a successful life;unfortunately my normal was tainted buy fear,cries and restless days of witnessing my mother physically and verbally abused. These acts were known and visible to all but help never came. Once I was old enough to understand and speak for myself I took the wrong path in life.School was a challenge and my house was a hostile environment with no hope. The best place for me to turn to was alcohol. I found comfort in something where I didn’t have to “think” or “feel”. I was free in my mind not realizing the destructive future I was giving myself. Ultimately at the birthday of my first child I felt exactly what true love was. She prayed for me at a young age she knew God before I ever did. Her prayers along with my mothers prayers were my redemption to heal and accept God into my life.I now have 10 years serving the Lord clean and sober ready to help all DV victim. I’m here for God to use me as a voice for the voiceless children and victims. God bless you all there is HOPE.