Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenna Espinoza.
Hi Jenna, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My husband and I both formally founded Faith Restore Inc. in 2021. We were both born and raised in the Ledbetter neighborhood of West Dallas, and it is important to us to give back to the community. Together, we raised our blended family of 6 children and know firsthand what it’s like to try and provide for your family during trying times. Anything we can do to lighten the load; we are more than willing to do so. We believe we received a calling from God to reach people like us, and we’ve answered that call by going into the very community we’re from.
Before Faith Restore, I began a program called Her Future Matters (HFM) in 2018 that assists survivors of domestic violence with career clothing and other resources to assist in rebuilding their lives after suffering abuse. I myself am a survivor of domestic violence. I come from a broken family where I witnessed my father physically abuse my mother on a regular basis until she divorced him when I was about 6 years old. I also witnessed other members of my family be physically abused by their spouses. As the cycle of abuse continued, at the age of 17, I then met the man who would soon become my abuser. He said all the right things, and at last, I thought I had found someone that truly loved me, and we would build a life together. Unfortunately, it only took a couple months for the abuse to start. For the next 5 years, I would struggle with leaving, as each time I left, he’d find me. I knew I had to get away from this person because I felt he would eventually kill me. In May of 2001, I left for the final time with just the clothes on my back. I did not allow that 5-year nightmare to define me. Today, I give all thanks and glory to God for restoring my relationships with both my parents, for blessing me with a mighty man of God who loves ME and was patient enough to love me through all the battles I struggled with, for giving me a large and growing family filled with love and compassion. I don’t regret any of the trials I went through because going through all of that has made me the woman that I am today. I have a passion for people and helping them overcome their battles. I am inspired by my husband & children, my pastors, leaders, and all the other survivors I have crossed paths with. All of these people are what makes doing what I do all worth it.
Today, the HFM Program continues under Faith Restore Inc., and we host an annual event providing career clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories. At the events, survivors also receive mini makeovers, including hair, makeup, and manicures. There is also a panel of other survivors that share their stories, as well as families of victims that did not survive. This is a powerful event that takes place every October.
Faith Restore is known for hosting various community events, including the annual back-to-school bash and “Adopt a Senior for Christmas.” At our most recent back-to-school event, we were able to give out over 400 backpacks filled with school supplies, free haircuts and manicures, and so much more.
For Christmas, senior citizens complete a wish list and are then adopted by individuals in the community. In 2023, over 80 seniors were adopted for Christmas and received gifts.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Although we may encounter a few hiccups along the way, we can honestly say that God always provides a way. Events are carefully planned out, and we receive generous donations from individuals, businesses, and also other community partners. As a nonprofit that is not government-funded, I believe we face the same challenges others do and rely heavily on the support of our donors.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I currently have a daytime full-time job as an administrative assistant. Outside of that, I run the nonprofit that includes services for survivors of domestic violence, senior citizens, and offer support to our neighborhood recreation center by organizing & overseeing community events.
I am active in my church, Victory Outreach Grand Prairie, and love to serve others. Together with my husband, we do our best to also support the outreach services our church provides. Which includes giveaways of food, school supplies, and support for the men’s recovery home that is open free of charge to anyone struggling with addiction.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
First and foremost, I give all thanks, praise, and glory to God. I merely answered the call he placed on my life. I actively seek his guidance in everything we do before we do it. I thank my husband and my children. They are my biggest cheerleaders and supporters. Always willing to volunteer their help in any way. My husband is extremely patient and supportive no matter how wild of an idea I have for another event or how crowded our living room may get with donations! LOL
I also thank close friends, and volunteers that have continuously shown up and donated their time and finances to support the cause.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.faithrestore.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faithrestoreinc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/faithrestoredfw
Image Credits
Rudy B Photography
Shot With Love DFW Photography
