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YOUR SAFE PLACE

YOUR SAFE PLACE is a faith-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to building a community free from domestic violence, and sexual abuse with a special focus on the Latino community in the state of Indiana.


 
YOUR SAFE PLACE was founded to close the gap in services available to the Latino community affected by violence in Indiana.
We provide holistic support —physical, emotional, and spiritual— to promote healing and empowerment.
Although our primary focus is the Latino population, we serve the entire community, regardless of race, gender, or immigration status, across the counties of Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Johnson, Madison, Marion, Morgan, and Shelby.


MISSION

We provide resources, services, emotional and spiritual support to all Latinos affected by domestic violence, and sexual violence. We are committed to fostering a cultural shift that will lead to the end of abuse.


VISION

To be a leader in the empowerment and social reconstruction of the Latino communities affected by domestic violence, and sexual violence. The offering of education, prevention and intervention will improve the quality of life for all its inhabitants.

OUR VALUES

1. To reflect God’s love and compassion in the life of every person who seeks support and hope.
 
2. Understanding and compassion for individuals.       
                                           
3. Integrity, honesty, and confidentiality
 
4. Respect for everyone.
 
5. Education and Empowerment for survivors of abuse.
 
6.  Cultural sensitivity .

SERVICES

Advocacy and referral: Advocates empower survivors by accompanying them to court and assisting them with victim compensation forms and benefit applications. They support them in locating safe and affordable housing. They also refer victims to lawyers and health or legal services, whether free or low-cost, in the community.
 
Refuge and accompaniment: We place people who are fleeing domestic violence, sexual violence or sex trafficking in a safe and secure location.
We provide spiritual and emotional support as a resource for intervention in crises.

Support Groups: We offer support groups and education on domestic violence, sexual violence, and sex trafficking for victim survivors. We also provide emotional support to family members of those who seek help.

 
Workshops and classes: Educational workshops on domestic violence, sexual violence and sex trafficking are offered, both individually and in groups, to survivors, but also to their families and the community in general who request them. We visit churches, organizations, and entities in order to educate them on the identification and prevention of abuse.


OUR STORY

Tu Refugio Seguro/Your Safe Place was born from the compassionate heart of its founder, Irina Sorrels, a Christian immigrant woman from Colombia who transformed the pain of her childhood into a mission of hope and restoration.
 
At the age of five, Irina witnessed a domestic violence incident so severe that it left her mother in a coma. That was the first of many episodes of violence that marked her childhood and adolescence, planting in her a deep sensitivity toward those who suffer in silence. Years later, through a journey of healing, faith, and personal rebuilding, she understood that her story was not a wound—it was a calling.
 
While working with organizations that served survivors of abuse in Indiana, Irina encountered the cultural and language barriers that prevented many Latinos from accessing adequate services. Moved by that reality, she made the decision to create a culturally competent and spiritually guided organization where survivors could find support, faith, and a new opportunity to begin again.
Today, Tu Refugio Seguro provides holistic support—physical, emotional, and spiritual— to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking, with a special focus on the Latino community in Indiana.
 
More than an organization, it is a movement of restoration that illuminates the path for those seeking a new beginning—showing that from pain can come transformation, and that when a woman heals, entire generations rise to change their story and the story of their community.


HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT US 

As a nonprofit organization, TU REFUGIO SEGURO relies on the support of individuals, churches, businesses, and other organizations to fulfill its important mission for the Latino community in the state of Indiana.

 
To provide services to support survivors, offer community prevention and education, promote empowerment, and much more, we need the help of
the entire society. Domestic and sexual violence affects us all. Whether you wish to collaborate as a volunteer or with monetarydonations and/or resources, your support will help us carry out ourmission and vision.


SCAN THE CODE AND DONATE HERE

OUR TEAM

Irina Sorrels

Founder-CEO and Executive Director

Irina Sorrels, originally from Santa Marta, Colombia, has lived in Indiana for over 22 years. She is a bestselling author, international speaker, and trauma-informed certified mentor, recognized for her leadership in the prevention of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and human trafficking.
She is the Founder and CEO of HER Academy (Healing, Empowerment & Restoration), where she equips women to become professional mentors and agents of transformation, walking alongside survivors through processes of holistic healing and empowerment.
Her work has been featured on Telemundo and Univision, and in 2020 she was recognized by the Indiana Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Human Trafficking for her educational work and community impact. As a survivor and faith-based leader, Irina lives her calling with purpose, compassion, and courage, dedicating her life to restoring women and raising new leaders.

Marisa Zambrano

President

Marisa brings over 20 years of leadership experience across both nonprofit and for-profit sectors, with a strong focus on Latino leadership, immigrant communities, and youth development. She previously served as Director of ENL (English as a New Language) for Girl Scouts of Central Indiana, where she led leadership and culturally responsive programs for Latina women and girls.
Born in Guatemala and raised in the United States, Marisa’s work is deeply rooted in her faith and her commitment to empowering the Latino community. She has held leadership roles at Marian University and currently serves as Executive Director of the Latino Leadership Initiative and the Marian Leadership Initiative, developing the next generation of leaders through mentorship, education, and community engagement.

David Woods

Vicepresident

David Woods is a lifelong Indianapolis resident with over 20 years of experience in media, marketing, and community engagement. He has worked with Radio One for 23 years and Telemundo for 13 years, using media as a platform to inform, connect, and serve diverse audiences—especially Spanish-speaking and immigrant communities. With a background in marketing and video production, David is recognized for his strengths in strategic storytelling, relationship-building, and community outreach, as well as for strengthening trust and visibility within the Latino community through responsible communication and long-standing partnerships.

Derek Torrico

Treasurer

Derek Torrico is a nonprofit professional dedicated to advancing equitable access, responsible financial stewardship, and sustainable services for immigrant communities. As Grants and Accounts Manager at the Immigrant Welcome Center, he supports mission-driven initiatives through strategic grant management and fiscal oversight. His passion for empowering immigrant families in Indianapolis guides his commitment to ethical, high-impact nonprofit work.

Yvette Vargas

Secretary

Yvette is a bilingual professional with a strong background in media, communications, community engagement, and human resources. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership and Supervision and brings valuable experience supporting nonprofit organizations and community-centered initiatives. Known for her collaborative leadership and strategic mindset, Yvette is deeply committed to advancing missions that create meaningful and lasting impact.

Maria Lusiana Tishner

Board of Directors

Maria Tishner is a respected community leader and immigrant advocate with decades of experience in community engagement, immigrant integration, and public service. Peruvian-born and based in Indiana, she has held key leadership roles, including President of the Indiana Latino Expo, fostering collaboration among community organizations and government partners.

Ana Santiago

Board of Directors

Ana Santiago serves as the Downtown and Near Westside Mayor’s Neighborhood Advocate for the City of Indianapolis, where she works in partnership with residents, businesses, and community organizations to advance civic engagement and neighborhood empowerment. Born in Mexico City and raised in the United States, she brings a strong commitment to inclusive public service and community advocacy.

John Dunlap

Board of Directors

John Dunlap was born and raised in central Indiana and currently resides in the Mooresville area with his wife, Marti. They have two grown sons, and John is actively involved in the Christian Church.
An accountant by trade, John has over 30 years of experience serving as CFO for multiple private industries. He currently serves as Manager of Missions and Finance for the Indiana Baptist Convention, a role he considers the most meaningful of his career.

UNDERSTANDING ABUSE

Domestic violence can be defined as a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner. It can happen to anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion, or gender. It can occur in relationships where partners are married, living together, or dating; it affects people of all socioeconomic and educational backgrounds.

There are many forms of abuse, including physical, financial, sexual, spiritual, cyber, reproductive, technological, emotional, psychological, immigration-related, among others.

If you sense that something in your relationship is unhealthy — if you feel intimidated, diminished, unworthy of good things, isolated from friends and family, or controlled — it is important to seek help. You may be in a relationship that could even put your life at risk.

Call or write to us to schedule an appointment. We will review your case and determine how we can support you..
 


Contact Us

 Our services are completely confidential and free of cost. Don't be afraid to call us; we are here to help you. 

PARTNERS AND SPONSORS

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