WHO WE ARE

Un Nuevo Despertar, or "A New Awakening" in English, is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization that is located in the heart of Little Village, or South Lawndale. Our bilingual, certified staff support women, men and LGBT domestic violence survivors in a) breaking abusive life cycles, b) achieving safety, stability and self-sufficiency, and c) improving their mental, emotional and financial health so that they can integrate into the community with a better quality of life.

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to assist every survivor of domestic violence through bilingual intervention and prevention programs, advocacy, counseling, training and education. By comprehensively addressing the emotional, physical, financial and employment needs of survivors, we can improve their quality of life and build healthy families and communities.

​Our vision is to be a model organization that works to create a community free of violence, with healthy, empowered and strong families.

OUR PROGRAMS 

  • Domestic Violence Advocacy: Counseling and referrals for survivors and their families. 
  • Domestic Violence Support Group
  • Skills Building Training for Self - Reliance 
  • Basic Financial Literacy Program
  • Courses for Entrepreneurs ​
All our services are offered at no cost in English and Spanish languages, and are completely confidential. ​
MARIA RUIZ
EXCECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Maria Ruiz is President and Founder of a Un Nuevo Despertar - A New Awakening, a non-profit organization located in the heart of “Little Village” that assists survivors of domestic violence through intervention, prevention, counseling programs, training and education.

Her passion for helping people experiencing violence stems from experiencing and surviving a violent relationship herself. In order to survive, she was encouraged to receive therapy and the agency that assisted her, saw her potential and offered her a job. Maria then received training and obtained multiple certifications that opened many doors, such as working for different organizations like Mujeres Latinas en Acción and Rainbow House, until finally she decides that to reach and benefit more people she must fund her own non-profit organization.
Today, with more than 20 years of experience, with impact and influence on the lives of thousands of people, Maria press on towards the goals and challenges that life presents, with the confidence of knowing that she is making a difference, saving lives, empowering people and helping her community to be composed by healthy families that live without violence.

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