Meet Marinelly Cruz

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Marinelly Cruz. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Marinelly , we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?

Our generosity at God’s Vision Foundation comes from a deep belief in helping those in need and making a positive impact in the community. It’s rooted in our faith and the understanding that by serving others, we fulfill a greater purpose. We know what it’s like to face challenges, and we feel called to extend a helping hand, whether it’s through mental health support, food programs, or events that bring the community together. Every act of kindness, no matter how small, has the power to change lives, and that’s what drives us every day.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

At God’s Vision Foundation, our mission is to serve families in need and those who are less fortunate by providing access to resources, support, and hope. We focus on creating impactful programs around mental health, wellness, crisis assistance, and community engagement. From organizing events like our Family Fun Days and the Slavic Village Hispanic Festival to running our Family Outreach Program, we aim to bring people together, foster connections, and make sure that everyone feels seen and supported.

What’s most exciting for us is seeing the direct impact our programs have on individuals and families. Whether it’s helping a child prepare for the school year through our Fill the Backpack Program or supporting mental health through our Youth Mind initiative, it’s fulfilling to witness lives transformed through simple acts of care and kindness.

We are particularly excited about our ongoing efforts to support **moms, fathers, and babies** in the community. Through programs like **Birthing Naturally**, **Urban Fatherhood**, and our new initiative aimed at preventing SIDS among babies, we’re committed to ensuring that parents and children receive the care, education, and support they need. By addressing issues like maternal health, infant care, and father involvement, we’re helping to create healthier, more connected families.

One thing we want folks to know is that we are always looking to partner with other community members, businesses, and volunteers. Together, we can make a bigger difference. Whether it’s through sponsoring events, volunteering, or participating in our programs, we believe everyone has something to offer. God’s Vision Foundation is more than just an organization; we are a movement of kindness, care, and positive change.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three qualities that were most impactful in my journey with God’s Vision Foundation are **resilience**, **compassion**, and **collaboration**.

1. **Resilience**: The ability to keep going in the face of challenges has been crucial. Whether it’s navigating obstacles in securing resources or overcoming personal doubts, resilience has allowed me to stay focused on our mission. For those early in their journey, I’d advise embracing every setback as a learning opportunity. The road to making a difference is not easy, but perseverance will take you further than you think.

2. **Compassion**: At the heart of everything we do is genuine care for others. Compassion drives our work and creates connections with the people we serve. If you’re just starting out, remember that understanding the needs and emotions of others is key to making an impact. Listen more than you speak, and always put people first.

3. **Collaboration**: No great change happens alone. Building strong partnerships and working with other like-minded individuals and organizations has been instrumental in growing our programs. To develop this skill, seek out opportunities to connect with others who share your vision. The more you collaborate, the more you can learn from others and expand your reach.

My advice to those early in their journey is to focus on building these three qualities. They are not just skills; they are mindsets that will guide you through both the successes and the challenges ahead. Stay resilient, lead with compassion, and always be open to working with others—you’ll be amazed at the doors that will open.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Absolutely! At God’s Vision Foundation, we are always seeking passionate individuals, organizations, and businesses to partner and collaborate with. Whether you’re looking to give back to the community, share your expertise, or join forces on a project, we believe that working together amplifies our impact.

We’re particularly interested in collaborating with:

– **Nonprofits and community organizations** that align with our mission, especially in areas of mental health, wellness, family support, and community engagement.
– **Local businesses** that want to sponsor events or provide resources such as food, school supplies, or services for families in need.
– **Volunteers** who have skills in areas such as education, healthcare, mental health, and youth mentoring.
– **Professionals** in maternal and infant care, family wellness, and recovery support who can help us expand programs like Birthing Naturally, Urban Fatherhood, and our new infant care initiatives.

If you’re passionate about making a difference and want to collaborate, we’d love to connect with you. You can reach me, **Marinelly Cruz**, directly at **216-512-1463** or email us at **m.cruz@gvfcle.org Together, we can build stronger communities and change lives.

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Marinelly Cruz

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