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Our Mission
A New Awakening assists survivors of domestic violence through programs focused on intervention, prevention, counseling, training and education that address emotional, physical, financial and employment needs.
Our Vision
A New Awakening will stand out as an organization that creates communities free of violence, with strong, healthy and empowered families.
Our Team
Maria Ruiz
Founder & Executive Director
Maria Ruiz founded A New Awakening with very few material and financial resources, but she brought an incredible amount of dedication and knowledge and decades of involvement with organizations that support people experiencing domestic violence. Her passion for this work stems from the fact that she too survived a violent relationship, and she is always intentional about engaging survivors as organizational leaders. She has directly impacted the lives of thousands of people and created an organization that is recognized across the region for providing truly exceptional services.
Rocio Velazquez
Case Manager - Housing
Natalie De Leon
Case Manager - Women's Support Group
Gerardo Salinas
Case Manager - Personal Development Club for Men
Gerardo Salinas leads the Personal Development Club for Men. He develops, coordinates and facilitates presentations on mental, emotional, physical, legal and financial health topics, providing attendees/participants with the tools they need in daily life. Salinas has a degree in Latin American Studies, Human Development Studies and Political Science from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). Salinas is a man who is passionate about supporting the community so that each member of the community can achieve their goals. He has overcome many personal and social barriers to achieve personal improvement. He believes that when a person is educated, informed and motivated, they can protect themselves and give the best of themselves to overcome any barrier in life. Salinas is also part of the world of communications as a communicator and online radio-tv presenter.
