Where It All Began: FT2T
In 2013 I found myself sitting in my office at work, saddened by the work culture environment, programs coming to an end, as I worked for a non-profit agency, and reflecting on those who would be impacted by the loss of resources provided by the program. It was very disappointing and disheartening as this was not the first time I had been in this situation, as I had worked in the non-profit sector for over 10 years, had already witnessed agencies being shut down due to lack of funding and/or services being terminated due to lack of funding. The impact to the community and individuals served was heartbreaking. So I found myself sitting in my office, reflecting on what I would do, which areas I would help individuals better themselves, help them grow, and in that moment I heard a quiet still voice say
"What are you waiting for, establish your own". So I created the name, had it registered, and on that day FT2T was formed.
Kathy Rodriguez, Founder
Our Team
One thing you will come to know about this movement is that it is not your average movement. Here you will not find your average bio about the team, instead you will get to know the team in their own words, their own ways, their own issues, and their own stuff. If you are looking for fancy wording, personal accolades, or accomplishments then you've come to the wrong web-page. I present to you "the can't get right crew", our FT2T team.
We did not choose ourselves for this but God called us for this!
Kathy Rodriguez, Founder
You know what? The first time I typed up my bio it was full of all the flashy stuff one looks for such as certificates, education, work history, and titles. Problem is all those things are not who I am. I'm a Jibaro at heart, the leader of what I call "The Can't Get Right Crew" why because growing up I just couldn't get it right! I never considered myself to be qualified for anything, never thought I would make much of my life, I just knew I wanted to help others. I've experienced many trials, tribulations, red seas, and wilderness seasons in my life. I've struggled with low self-worth, depression, suicidal thoughts, all while being holy filled and sanctified by the Holy Ghost. I loved God but still wanted to sign out of this gift called life. All of that did not stop God from showing up in the midst of my mess in the midst of my stuff, it did not stop God from being God and moving mightily through someone like lil ole broken, hot-mess, unqualified me!
I know what it is like to have lost and gained, I know what it is like to feel worthless, I know what it is like to be broke, I know what it is like to be broken, I know what it's like to be tormented by negative thoughts, numbness, cares, and worries of this world. But I also know what it is like to win, rest in God, and to be made whole! I am who I am today because in my darkest hour I not only discovered my praise but truly found myself. I found God! Today I wear my past like a badge of honor, today I rock that transparency with boldness and hope. I've traded my heels, titles, certificates, acknowledgements and eloquent speeches for intimacy with God. My goal, my purpose is not to be a walking billboard marketing my God or convincing anyone of His existence. My goal is that others discover who THEY are, become empowered, and become free to be themselves. That others experience true peace, liberty, growth, and intimacy in God for themselves! I want to be the change in the world around me, I want to leave those whom I come in contact with in a better state than when I first met them. That we be unfiltered, un-bothered, unstoppable, and free. Today in spite of my errors, mistakes, flaws, and past I'm proud to say I am #Free2BMe! Kathy R. aka "K-Rod" (no relation to the other famous #-Rod)
"Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much." Helen Keller
Martha Garcia-Rivera, Partner and Founder of Beloved Cards; Healing of the Heart
Cristina Santiago,
Partner and Ambassador
I am un-apologetically, wholeheartedly, a passionate HOT MESS! I don't know what I want to do with my life! My education, my accomplishments, and certifications are not important for you to know at this moment. However, here is what you should know, I LOVE GOD! I am highly favored and I am beyond grateful to be used in the ministry! I'm everything the church does not want me to be and I am nothing like the woman your Christian grandmother wants women to be friends with or their sons to marry.
Despite all of my craziness, my abrasive mouth, my sometimes reckless ways and my absolute filthy past.... I AM FREE TO BE EXACTLY WHO I AM AND STILL LOVE GOD! My drive, my ministry, my goal, my passion? To let everyone know to COME AS YOU ARE and stay just like that right where you are, because here Jesus comes to show you, "I love YOU for YOU and I can fix it!"
To all my young people, youth, young adults and singles: Get ready to be stripped, broken, rebuilt and refilled! Brace yourselves for reckless love and wild Grace! The only thing you need to bring is YOU!! EXACTLY THE WAY YOU ARE!!!! The more you feel like this isn't for you.... That's exactly why it is! Cristina Santiago