Helping Incarcerated Adults and their Families
Before, During, & After Release
Supporting In-Custody Transformation, Post-Release Rehabilitation & Community Empowerment
The Story Behind The Curtain
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” – John 15:13
President and Founder
Dr. Heather Flores
Dr. Heather Flores is the President and Founder of our organization. With a passion and calling to walk out Isaiah 61:1-3, she leads with God’s heart of love for prisoners and those re-entering their communities from prison.
Having obtained two doctoral degrees, one in applied clinical psychology and the other in divinity, Dr. Flores is well-versed in not only psychoanalysis, but also biblical counseling. Having trained in both the United States and Europe at Sigmund Freud University, Vienna, Austria, Dr. Flores is highly equipped to navigate the complexities of mental and emotional health.
Dr. Flores has worked extensively in the mental health field for almost two decades, counseling a diverse population that consists of kids diagnosed with ASD, the homeless, acutely psychotic adults in psychiatric hospitals, adults with neurocognitive disorders, adults struggling with HIV, drug and alcohol recovery, and patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Her work in forensics helped to birth the vision for ELMC, and it started in Bakersfield, California when she conducted competency evaluations for inmates awaiting trail. She then worked in the federal prison system in West Texas, counseling high profile drug cartel inmates from Mexico. Dr. Flores also worked extensively with adults convicted of sex offenses, and she believes all of us are worthy of the love and mercy of God. No one, regardless of crime committed, is beyond the love and forgiveness of our Maker.
Our founders, Dr. Heather Flores and Alexander Flores came together against all odds in 2020, following a series of impossible circumstances. No one, not even family, wanted them to be together, but because the love of God between them prevailed, they fought those odds and only grew stronger. Because Alexander is uniquely experienced to know what men need during and after their release from custody, he serves as not only the inspiration of this organization, but also the backbone and heart of Dr. Flores’ vision to change the world with the love of Christ. When he met Dr. Flores, her heart for loving as God does captured his own and together they have purposed to storm the gates of hell of our justice system and integrate the love of God to those most marginalized and stereotyped in society.
While Dr. Flores serves as the agency’s visionary, Mr. Flores, together with God, provides her with the unconditional love, support, and partnership to set the world on fire for His grace. For both of them, the pieces of life were blurry before meeting, but when life’s twists and turns brought them together through impossible circumstances, they became a force to be reckoned with and continue to fight back darkness with the light of His love.
Co-Founder and Chief Financial Officer
Alexander Flores, M.Th, CLC
Alexander Flores is co-founder and CFO to Empowered Living Ministries and Counseling, and serves as the backbone and foundational inspiration to walking out Isaiah 61:1-3 hand in hand with his wife.
Alexander started early in life walking “hand in hand with the devil” as he describes himself during his adolescence and early adulthood. No stranger to the dark side of sin, he engaged in gang activity, drug and alcohol abuse, and self-proclaimed selfish living. His recklessness would have wrecked him had God not stepped in to redirect him. Finding himself behind bars in 2011, Alexander was faced with the choice of continuing to live life for himself or finding deeper meaning in a relationship with God. He chose the latter.
Following his release, he met and married the love of his life, Dr. Heather Flores, and went on to successfully complete a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in Theology from Summit Bible College, and then went on to become a Certified Life Coach where he provides life coaching services alongside Dr. Flores in their private practice counseling agency. Also a Construction Superintendent, Alexander oversees the building and renovation of homes and commercial businesses in San Diego County. He brings a loving, but tough approach to working with others, and he won’t sugarcoat the difficulties embedded in walking with Christ. His no nonsense approach commands accountability from others during the post-release journey and beyond. Having been there himself, he is uniquely equipped to help others find the light of God on their path to redemption.
How can we help?
We are here to assist you in any way we can
How does billing work?
We have a simple billing system which allows you to pay for services on a monthly or yearly basis if needed, but we strive to provide services at no cost to you.
What is the intake process?
Once you call our offices, you’ll receive 1:1 individualized care from Dr. Flores to identify your goals and establish a plan of action based on those goals and needs.
What kind of re-entry services do you offer?
Rise Up, our Re-Entry Department strives to meet adult men and women on parole with assistance in food, shelter, clothing, and counseling. We are also in the process of opening a transitional housing program, so stay tuned for details!
How can we get in touch with you?
You can call, email, or even text us at any time and we will get back to you as soon as we can!
Let’s Talk
Trust in our expertise to achieve the best outcome for your case.
★★★★★
We are truly grateful for the exceptional support we received from the ELMC team. Their compassion, dedication, and professionalism made a significant difference in my journey.
Highly recommended.
Mel and B. Simpson