THE ROOTS
In 2009 Wesley Hispanic United Methodist Church's female Pastor Arlene Hernandez & the Senior Pastor's wife Ruth Villafana created a ministry to help women in need.
This ministry was named Love & Care, which focused on empowerment, compassion, and providing counseling and direct services to women and families directly/indirectly affected by Human Traffic. This incredible ministry has helped hundreds of women in South Florida free of charge.
​
In 2020 our Executive Director Gloria Martinez, Master in Social Work and a survivor herself, took over and the ministry was changed into a nonprofit 501c3 named TREE OF LIFE.
NOW, TOL embodies the idea of parents being the roots of the family and branching new life into the world.
THE BRANCHES
The Parenting Center focuses on helping survivors and families in need of support, resources, psycho-developmental education, and/or essential items.
This brand new program was created to Service girls and women at risk of trafficking through prevention, education, intervention, counseling, and teaching valuable life skills
%20(1).png)
Our Mission
Our Vision
Empower & Equip families with the tools necessary to overcome, thrive, and be successful in their parenting journey.
To ensure all parents have the tools they need by providing for their physical, emotional and intellectual needs through practical resources, support services, and parenting education.
THE LEAFS
We offer NO-COST direct services to our clients such as:
Pregnancy Tests
Parenting Classes
Maternity & Baby items
Referrals to Community and Health Departments for Prenatal Care
Other Outside Agency Referrals as needed including our partners
Ultrasounds with an ultrasounds technician; when available at the center. The center staff does not perform ultrasounds.
Peer Support
Pregnancy & Post-Partum Counseling
Support Groups
OUR PROGRAMS
Earn While You Learn is an education-based system of earning essential maternity, baby, and postpartum items*. Points are earned by attending weekly appointments with our family advocates who will guide you through a short parenting lesson which typically includes educational videos, discussions, and worksheets.
​​
​
Individual and Group Classes Available:
Breastfeeding
Pregnancy Do’s & Don’t’s
Preparing For Baby
Miscarriage & Loss
Baby After Miscarriage
Self-Care During & After Pregnancy
Newborn Care
Infant Choking & CPR
Car Seat Training
Pregnancy Nutrition
Drugs & Alcohol During Pregnancy
Relationship Struggles During Pregnancy
Changes During Pregnancy
Prenatal Care
Planned vs. Unplanned Pregnancy
Pregnancy Yoga
Developmental Changes of Fetus
Pregnancy Massages to Relieve Pain
Dental Care During Pregnancy
Classes for Dad
​
We also offer FREE doula and lactation specialist services!
Earn While You Learn
Empowered Parents
Empowered Parents is a program in which parents can learn tips, tricks, strategies, and overall education on child rearing.
​​
​
​
Individual and Group Classes Available:​
Postpartum
Self-Care After Pregnancy
Newborn, Infant, and Toddler Parenting
Infant Choking & CPR
Car Seat Training
Family Nutrition
Adoption
Disciplining Techniques
Developmental Milestones
Independent Child
Classes for Dad
All items that can be redeemed for points are provided through donation, but each item is pre-screened to ensure quality and safety.
Items include: prenatal vitamins, diapers, wipes, clothing, bottles, car seats, bassinets, cribs, high chairs, formula, and so much more.