Inspiring Stories of Women’s Journeys

I came to the Latina Center in 2002. At that time I was leaving a relationship where I had suffered domestic violence for 14 years. Still afraid of doing things, I filled out the application. From that first day it was unlike anything I’d experienced before. All the years I was with my ex-husband, it was like being in jail. Before my marriage I had a lot of talents and interests. At The Latina Center I rediscovered them, learning how to look for my “real self” and what I want to do in life.
I created a project for domestic violence support, not just emotionally but also economically, because when I was leaving a situation of domestic violence, I had a hard time financially. I started a jobs cooperative that is also a support group. Every year I organize a party for us to celebrate our successes.
Now I am a health promoter on the topic of domestic violence. I work as a full-time volunteer, sometimes with a stipend. I am a hotline counselor and support group facilitator at a local domestic violence agency, and I get a lot of satisfaction from my work. The organization benefits form my training at The Latina Center; they trust me to do a good job. I couldn’t have done this without The Latina Center, where I learned how to prepare myself and organize my work.
I’m really proud of myself now. I’m studying to get my Family Development Certificate through Los Medanos College and The Latina Center. My children and partner see me as an example of what a mother and woman should be and join me to work for the community. The Latina Center gave me the push to say to myself, “I can do this, and this, and this, and maybe more.”
-Evelyn Quinteros, Peer Leader

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