Paula Silva is co-founder and president of FOCUS Ministries, Inc. FOCUS Ministries is a nonprofit 501c3 Christian organization that reaches out to hurting women and families experiencing domestic violence, relationship issues, separation, and divorce. FOCUS provides free counseling, support groups, and educational literature. The ministry also trains support group leaders at the Train the Trainer Seminar and provides domestic violence educational training to churches and organizations.

Silva holds a BA in Elementary Education and a MA in Counseling. She is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors and served on the Inter Faith Leadership Advisory Committee for the Mayor's Office of Domestic Violence in Chicago. She regularly leads support groups, training events, conferences, and workshops on the topics of family violence, relationship issues, and personal growth.

As she contemplates her journey, she states, I stand in awe of my Lord that He would use my painful experiences and shattered dreams in life to make a difference in someone else. He has been so faithful to me showering me with His endless love and blessings. What a privilege it is to be in an intimate relationship with God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit knowing that a way will be made when there seems to be no way.

Paula is available to speak at churches, retreats, women's conferences, schools, and conferences for pastors and counselors with a personal testimony or seminars/workshops on domestic violence. Contact her at 630-595-7023, by email at [email protected], or regular mail at FOCUS Ministries, Inc., P.O. Box 2014, Elmhurst, IL 60126.