Helping members leave gangs for God

Fuerza Transformadora (Transforming Force) is a Catholic movement that was founded in 2006 by Serio Torres, a former gang leader, to reach people who are struggling with drug and alcohol addictions, gang life and violence and help them learn about God and change their lives. It is a ministry of the Hispanic Ministry Office in the Diocese of Little Rock. Today, there are seven established Fuerza Transformadora programs in Arkansas parishes. See list of programs in Arkansas. This movement helps those who have been marginalized to become leaders. Through training courses and the development of skills and processes, this Spanish-language program helps participants assimilate into society, able to handle responsibility, while retaining their own personality and identity. This ministry is open to teens and adults. | Español

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Catholic Extension Grants

In November 2014, Catholic Extension in Chicago partnered with the Diocese of Little Rock, where Torres worked from 2010-2024, to provide grants to dioceses throughout the country to implement the Fuerza Transformadora ministry in their communities. See Fuerza Transformadora events in Arkansas. To learn how to implement this program in your diocese, visit Catholic Extension. For more information, contact Juanita Cigarroa, in the Hispanic Ministry Office, at (501) 664-0340, ext. 397.

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Board of Directors

Director: Serio Torres (479) 899-3083
General Coordinator: Ignacio Mata (479) 283-8066
Training Director: Felipe Hernandez (479) 966-2972
Secretary: Rosalinda Barroso (479) 616-0519
Treasurer: Anna Salas (501) 339-6227
Spiritual Advisor: Deacon Juan Mares

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Locations

Fuerza Transformadora programs can be found in the following parishes in Arkansas.

St. Vincent de Paul Church, Rogers

Meeting Days: Mondays and Fridays, 7 - 9 p.m.
Contact: Gela M. Garduño (479) 544-1760

St. Raphael Church, Springdale

Meeting Days: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7 - 9 p.m.
Contact: Javier Hernandez (479) 365-9489

St. Theresa Church, Little Rock

Meeting Day: Tuesdays, 7 - 9 p.m.
Contact: Anna Salas (501) 339-6227

St. Edward Church, Texarkana

Meeting Day: Fridays, 7 - 9 p.m.
Contact: Araceli Martinez (903) 691-5081

St. Barbara Church, De Queen

Meeting Day: Fridays, 7 - 9 p.m.
Contact: Miguel Tellez (870) 279-2130

Our Lady of Good Hope Church, Hope

Meeting Day: Fridays, 7 - 9 p.m.
Contact: Criselda Cortez (870) 826-4663

St. Joseph Church, Conway

Meeting Day: Mondays, 7 - 9 p.m.
Contact: Rigoberto Garcia (501) 392-2201