On Feb. 2, the diocese welcomed Elsalaura Gallegos to the Diocesan the Office of Child and Youth Protection (OCYP) as the Children and Victims Advocate.
It is a new position in the diocesan office, created to support parishes and schools with all matters related to the advocacy for children through safe environment training and diocesan safe environment compliance. It is also to provide accompaniment of abuse victims, particularly through our Restoring Me Retreats healing ministry.
“The Children and Victims Advocate serves as a cornerstone of safety and healing within the Diocese of San Bernardino,” said Elder Samaniego, OCYP Director. “This role is dedicated to protecting the well-being of children in our schools and parishes while providing survivors of abuse with compassionate pastoral care. Through intentional accompaniment and shared resources, the Children and Victims Advocate empowers individuals on their journey toward healing and self-determination.”
Gallegos enters her new ministry with years of advocacy and formation knowledge and experience.
“My background includes over 20 years of advocacy for the working poor through unions and nonprofits. This was God’s way of not only preparing me but also forming me for this new calling, to be an advocate for the most vulnerable in our society, our children, and those who have suffered abuse,” Gallegos said. “I have been walking my spiritual journey and serving in ministry for over 30 years, with the last two and a half years as a volunteer with the Restoring Me retreats.
In addition, Gallegos continues her formation through the diocese’s Continuing Ministry Formation Program (CMFP) of the Ministry Formation Institute (MFI), pastoral care courses through the Center for Religious Studies at Loyola Marymount University, and trauma studies and pastoral psychology through the Center for Trauma Studies at Divine Mercy University.
“Ongoing formation is necessary, so I seek opportunities to not only deepen my relationship with God, but to also grow as a trauma informed minister with pastoral care,” Gallegos said.
As she begins her new position, she shares that there are two aspects that inspire her most.
“The opportunity to protect children and vulnerable adults from abuse in our schools and parishes,” Gallegos said. “And the sacred opportunity to accompany survivors of abuse in their healing journey with compassionate pastoral care.”
Gallegos hopes to create a culture of trauma-informed pastoral care throughout the diocese.
“We have all experienced trauma and loss in our lives, some in much deeper ways than others; nonetheless, we show up to serve as broken and wounded healers,” Gallegos said.
When she is not working, she enjoys practicing selfcare with spiritual and physical wellness by taking walks to hilltops where she says she can sit and be in the healing presence of God.
Anyone who has questions about Safe Environment training, concerns about a specific safe environment issue, or would like more information on the Restoring Me retreats, can contact Gallegos at 909-475-5129, or email her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..