Welcome to Crossroad Women and Family Services, Inc. a 501 (c) (3) charitable non-profit organization started by Rev. Patrina Torres in 2004 to serve children, women, men and families facing a crisis at a "crossroad" find hope and help for a NEW direction.

While working for the Greenville Steering Committee grassroots affordable housing coalition located on Martin Luther King Drive 

in Jersey City, NJ I had returned back to school as an adult. 

As a working single mother of a daughter and navigating two jobs 

I wasn't sure if I could return to school. But I found grace for my 

next place. This particular phone call from Uncle Harvey 

was used to change my life. Showing concerned about me while he was a resident at a Half-way House in Newark, New Jersey meant so much to me. He was a brilliant man, father, husband, son, brother, uncles, friend, community leader, activist and life student who later became my boss, coach and mentor. Upon transitioning from the Half-way house he found a small office big enough to establish his 

non-profit "Friends of the Lifer's Youth Corporation" in Jersey City.

It was at this place that I cultivated a heart of compassion for the community. When parents brought their children to our office they were treated with love, kindness and respect. We didn't strip children, parents or elderly of their sense of pride or dignity. It became evident to me that God was using my uncle to help prepare me to fulfill my purpose. I didn't know it at the time but he was equipping me for 

nonprofit leadership. By example he taught me how to serve children, youth, families, formerly incarcerated and aging citizens in need. 

During our phone conversation he asked where I was working.

I shared I was working at the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). I had recently been promoted to the AICPA Meeting and Travel team but wasn't sure which path I wanted to take. 

When he asked if I saw myself becoming an "accountant" one day, I said, "No"- because math had not been my strongest subject during my high school years. English, History, Business, Choir and Social Studies were some of my favorite subjects. He asked two essential questions that challenged my thinking. He wanted me to think about where I was at that time in order to explore where I wanted to be.

In this Month of March may I challenge you to explore.

1. Do you like what you're doing?

2. Do you see yourself doing that for the rest of your life?

3. What are your talents, gifts, abilities, interests, values?

He was able to empower and encourage me because of the kind 

of man he was. Being sentenced to 17 years to life at East Jersey 

State Prison instilled within a passion and burning desire to help keep our inner city children and youth off the streets, off drugs and out of prison so that they could find and fulfill their purpose.

As a leader with the  "Scared Straight Program" Friends of the Lifers' coordinated field trips for inner city youth to hear from inmates serving "Life in Prison".  This program became widely known in helping kids "RETHINK" and "REDIRECT" their economic and educational choices. Social service programs, collaborations and partnerships were designed to help met families where they were. 

The outcome of that phone conversation continues to yield fruit. 

I did return to school and graduated from Saint Peter's University, with a degree in Public Policy. I also had the honor of being awarded the May 2000 Public Policy Medal. One conversation changed my thinking and my life. No matter when you are today or where you've come from. Never give up on you. You can make it if you try.

May I ask you a few more questions? 

*Do you enjoy most about what you're doing?

*What do you enjoy the least about it?

*Do you awaken in the morning excited?

*Is it a struggle just to get out of bed?

*Are you passionate about your work?

*Are you reaching your potential?

*Do sense of purpose in your work?

* Are you at the income level you desire?

* Do you feel valued for your efforts and contribution?

*Are open to making the necessary changes?

If you've answered, "YES to more than one of those questions great. If you answered, "No" it's OK. Perhaps you're at a "crossroad" in the workplace. It's never too late to find and fulfill your purpose at work.

We spend most of our working hours in the workplace. We all want to do the kind of work where we're making a difference. Your passion and purpose should provide more than a paycheck. While all of your experiences, training and education has brought you to the place where you are now there's more to you than what you see.

You had to go through all of "that" to get to "this next level".

Life has taught me that EVERY level matters. Sometimes you have to hit the "DETOX" button in order to "DISCOVER" that there's more to life than what has been. We all have a past, path and a future.

Even if you are going through a challenging situation today on the other side of your pain, disappointment and adversity there are special gifts, talents, treasures, abilities, values, creativity within you. 

This month I'm launching a Coaching Academy---to empower and enrich coaches. I invite you to explore whether you're called to become a certified coach, certified chaplain or certified counselor.

I'm honored to lead a new counseling school in the NY/NJ area in partnership with the Sarasota Academy of Christian Counselors (S.A.C.C.) a nationally recognized school with specialized training, certification, licensing and professional level memberships. 

If you're serious about your next level email us for a brochure:

[email protected]

We look forward to training the now generation of leaders seeking to 

be part of a holistic healing community that CARES- in word and deed. Whole person, evidence-based and client-centered coaching and/ or counseling seeks to refresh and restore the "WHOLE" you.

Thank you for stopping by our home on the web! 

Wishing you the best,

Rev. Patrina M. Torres, CEO & Executive Director

Host & Producer of "Restore, Recover, Rebuild"

Author of, The Exodus Breaking Cycles and Changing Lives, 

Still Scarred, Totally Healed and Child Abuse Prevention Educator