Who We Are:
LIVE center crafts each service with a deep understanding of the diverse experiences within the Latino community.
LIVE Center is the only organization in Virginia that both specializes in domestic and sexual violence and provides those services through bi-lingual and bi-cultural trained advocates. We are also the only provider that can guarantee 24/7 access to bi-lingual domestic and sexual violence crisis support for Virginia’s Latino community.
Some people we talk with ask why it is important to provide domestic and sexual violence services specific to the Latino community. The hard truth is that, due to language and cultural barriers, immigration status, or other fears, very few Latinos who experience domestic or sexual violence seek help or support.
LIVE is here to bridge the gap to safety and healing for Virginia’s Latino community, making sure that no Latino feels it is safer to continue suffering domestic or sexual violence than it is to seek help.
Our Impact:
Providing a bridge from violence to safety
Our clients range from Latinos living in dangerous and violent situations, to survivors of domestic and sexual abuse, to Spanish-speakers who need a bi-lingual and safe connection to Virginia’s existing services. Learn more about our impact and vision:
HEAR DIRECTLY FROM OUR CLIENTS AND PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS
"Having a shared cultural background allows me to feel truly seen, heard, and respected."
"The LIVE Center didn't care that I wasn't born in the U.S. They supported and empowered me, helping me gain the confidence I needed to leave the abusive relationship."
"I never felt uncomfortable or judged at the LIVE Center. The advocates empowered me while respecting my cultural values, experiences, and privacy."
"I was so relieved when I called the LIVE Center's hotline and could speak with someone in Spanish. The language barrier had prevented me from getting help before."
"The advocate spoke my language and took the time to explain the complex legal system. With the center's support, I filed for and received an order of protection."
"Being able to express myself fully in my native Spanish allows me to honestly share my story"
"With the interpreter's help in court, I was able to communicate effectively and convey the full truth about the abuse I suffered."
"The confusing legal and social service systems felt impossible to navigate before the LIVE Center guided me through."
"I felt so lost trying to deal with the police, courts and lawyers by myself. Having an advocate who spoke my language and knew how to access services made sure my voice was heard."
"I assumed services weren't available to immigrant victims like me. I'm grateful the LIVE Center showed me I deserve safety and justice regardless of where I was born."
*QUOTES TRANSLATED FROM SPANISH
Our promise:
LIVE Center’s promise is two-fold:
Meet Our Team:
We are a small team of bi-lingual, bi-cultural, trauma-trained advocates.
Victim Services Team:
Andres Manama
Victim Advocate - Client Services Coordinator
Adriana Bernardo
VICTIM ADVOCATE - CLIENT SERVICES COORDINATOR
Clinical Counselors:
Yozaira Leon Santiago
BILINGUAL CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR
Elizabeth Diaz
BILINGUAL CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR
Language Access Team:
Emilio Funes
Language Access Coordinator
Esma Ajanel
Interpreter
Carla Chevalier
Interpreter
Outreach Programs Team:
Karen Chacon
PROGRAMS MANAGER & Outreach and Prevention Program CONSULTANT
Cecilionetti Torres
Outreach and Resources Coordinator - Hampton Roads
Santa Vivas_Johnson
Outreach and Community Relations Coordinator
Monica Jimenez
Design and Communication
SUPPORT STAFF
Deisiree de Cornieles
HOTLINE REPRESENTATIVE
CEO/SENIOR ADVOCATE AND MANAGEMENT:
Elvira De la Cruz
CEO/Senior Advocate
BOARD MEMBERS:
We are grateful for our Board members, who help advise our organization and advocate for LIVE and our clients.
Christopher Bernhardt- Assistant Attorney General Office of the Virginia Attorney General
CHAIRPERSON
Jenny E. Lescano- Risk Associate at Capital One
TREASURER
Patricia Michelsen-King – VCU- Foreign Language Faculty
SECRETARY
Inez Costa-Clubb- Realtor at Keller Williams Realty
Maria Isabel Alegria- Community Organizer and Survivor of Violence
Karina Vazquez- Director of Spanish Community-Based Learning Program UR
Kassandra Bullock – DCJS Director, Grants Management
STAY IN TOUCH
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Latinos In Virginia Empowerment Center
Ayuda en español para la comunidad Latina afectada por violencia e injusticia en Virginia