Ministry to help those struggling with drug and alcohol addictions, gang life and violence
Official Website of the
Catholic Diocese of Little Rock
Click on the link above to find upcoming Fuerza Transformadora events in the Diocese of Little Rock, or contact a participating parish to get meeting times. For more information, e-mail Serio Torres, associate director of faith formation, or call him at (501) 664-0340, ext. 434.
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. Today, there are about eight established Fuerza Transformadora programs in Arkansas, Texas, Tennessee and Illinois. 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 designed for adults ages 18 and older. | Leer en español.
In November 2014, Catholic Extension in Chicago partnered with the Diocese of Little Rock, where Torres has worked since 2010 and currently serves as associate director of the Office of Faith Formation, to provide grants to dioceses throughout the country that want 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 Serio Torres, at (501) 664-0340, ext. 434.
Director: Rene Calderon (479) 903-1125
General Coordinator: Jesus Lopez (479) 799-9481
Training Director: Maura Salas (479) 426-4911
Secretary: Leticia Dominguez (870) 331-1995
Treasurer: Rigoberto Garcia (501) 392-2201
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: Concepcion Serrano (479) 586-8099
St. Raphael Church, Springdale
Meeting Days: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7 - 9 p.m.
Contact: Juan Granados (479) 806-3801
Immaculate Conception Church, Fort Smith
Meeting Days: Saturdays, 4 - 6 p.m. and Sundays 2 - 4 p.m.
Contact: Juan Mota (479) 462-7023
Meeting Days: Fridays, 7 - 9 p.m.
Contact: Manuel Camarillo (903) 280-0792
Meeting Days: Fridays, 7 - 9 p.m.
Contact: Ignacio Lara (870) 784-4948
Our Lady of Good Hope Church, Hope
Meeting Days: Fridays, 7 - 9 p.m.
Contact: Leticía Domínguez (870) 826-7402