Excellent interview. Marlena is an angel for helping others that are struggling down a path she once walked. She is right, sometimes you just need someone to hold your hand through it, and not many will do that for others. ❤❤❤ May God continue to Bless her and her family.
You're an Amazing strong Woman!!! You're real about your past, present and future!!! I've been A Domestic Violence Advocate for 34 years who also was a victim at one time! You beautiful Woman are a Survivor from so many different situations in your life!!! Keep going strong Marlena!!!!
Damn I remember riding the LACJ bus to court and was chained up with someone who had same story. He was from San Fernando . You are a true leader / warrior. God is good.
Kosher we have to give all praise to Mohawk Matt who has become such a trusted and solid friend of the Company. He has introduced us to so many interesting and inspiring people. Thanks to him and friends like yourself we can continue to build a special platform.....Thank you Kosher.....
I'm from Pacoima I left there in 1987 and Chola's were so cool. That wasn't my choice to get into gangs but I do remember the gangs Latin Times Pacoima (LTP) And Pacas Trese P-13. I went to Haddon Avenue elementary and Pacoima Jr. High. I remember all the streets like, Van Nuys, Laurel Canyon Blvd, Terra Bella . I actually lived on Glamis St. & El Dorado Ave. The Whitman Airport was just up the street on San Fernando Rd. I loved all the food places too. Del Gaudios, Tacos El Oso, El Indio. Other places I roamed were Roger Jessup Park, Hansen Dam, Lake View Terrece. Paxton Park, Fernangeles Park, The Siver Meat Market, Foothill Police Dept. And the list goes on and on. I loved growing up in Pacoima California.
Arlene, you’re a total badass. I am so impressed with your ability to be self aware and grow. It makes sense you had a strong grandma and faith because you carry great strength and power. I was around gangs when I was a teenager and dated a gangster. I blocked that part of my life out. I graduated and went to college and got married. I am now 36 and I thought I hated the people that I partied with, hung out with, and I especially despised my ex because he left me hanging when I needed him which left me with lifelong trauma. I pulled out pictures from high school that I haven’t seen in 10 plus years. I felt deeep love for all of them. People I thought I hated I never did. We were all lost kids trying to connect and protect each other. There were really fun times and there were really fucked up gut wrenching moments. I am bonded to them and if I saw my ex now I would hug him and tell him I love him and see him, he had to be violent and cruel to survive. He had to turn off his emotions. I also feel deep empathy for some of the girls who I judged for fighting with the guys. Man, what a ride you took us on Arlene. Taking us along, describing your experiences. It really touched me that you mentioned looking at the sky. I am going to look up at the sky when I take a deep breath. A breath into a vastness and higher power instead of the abyss I usually breathe into. Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. I am a social worker now and I do diversity and inclusion trainings which allows me to talk about different topics in different settings. I am inspired to do a presentation on the sociological and humanistic perspective on gang life and culture.
Surviving the lifestyle and being around to tell your story is a story in itself! Thank you for sharing your story. We need to know what people hardships are like for many teenagers. It’s tuff!
AMAZING WOMAN U ARE AND THANK U FOR SHARING UR STORY.GOD IS GOOD AND GOD BLESS U 2DAY AND ALWAYS U HAVE OVER COME THE MOST PAINFUL HURTFUL LIFE STRONG WOMAN U ARE UR FAITH, BELIEVE IN GOD SAVED U AND THE WILL TO LIVE AND CHANGE UR LIFE FOR THE BETTER UR AMAZING. MUCH LOVE STAY STRONG AND LIVE BY GOD'S FAITH ❤❤❤
I give this Chica alot of credit. She's so down and honest. She's doing it, most Mom's just take the easy road and stay in the game in that repeated cycle. I thank God for this lady's second chance at life. The good Lord knew she would change her life and be a wonderful mother and person. I like the fact that she takes of her own. Very determined woman. Must love and respect to you. May God continue to watch over you and your family. Stay strong ! I love your testimony.
A comment to the interviewer: I gasped when you mentioned that if you have to hit a woman she is not for you. As someone who has worked with victims of violence I think we have to tread carefully with comments like that because the undertone is- you are getting hit because you are not the woman for this man. The message is that because of a strong need to be loved, we will crapfit ourselves to adjust to the abuse and to “work” to get them to stop being violent, thinking if we become the woman my abuser wants the abuse will stop. It tricky territory. I am sure that’s not what you meant by your comment but it does have larger implications and I felt Arlene also didn’t know how to respond. It can be triggering especially when speaking to a survivor. No judgement, I have gotten a lot of feedback in my career about stuff I wasn’t even conscious of. Keep up the great content.
Your comment is well received and your right. There's never ANY excuse for violence especially against women. Some couples love each other but are very volatile. Sadly, we sometimes stay in relationships that aren't healthy. Its best to part ways then escalate the situation.
Stay strong and keep a softened heart. It’s ok to “feel”. Make sure your kids know that and see that so that they grow up not “hiding” or afraid to express feelings. Be strong, be true, be free.
Cps taking children away from a domestic violence survivor is not helpful it is an extra trauma to a mother who just went or is going through the trauma of abuse from a partner. Cps taking those children away from their mother when she's never abused them is nothing other than a trauma and an abuse by Cps to those children having to suffer not having their mom. I'm glad to know she got her children back and she is all around doing so much better.
Russ thank you for telling me about this channel on the LA to ATL flight Friday. Compelling story of redemption in progress . Well told and produced. The language is real and raw but should be blanked to reach a broader audience. God bless.
Sherm stick was named for the cigarette brand Nat Sherman. Brown cigs dipped into some PCP, after a while people just started referring to PCP as Sherm. Also sometimes called Super Kools too, after Kool brand cigs, which were way cheaper in price. I know because I smoked it and sold it. A long time ago...
I have the same understanding about having à change in my life, because I was shot in the head trying to escape from prison for a term of 17 yrs for my addiction...but some how God told me that I'm not gonna die...and he was right other wise I would not be here writing this.,but it a blessing to be alive and have recovery over my addiction of abuse for 35 yrs.....I give it to Jesus and god in my life ..her story is awesome and she gets it.
Hi! I watched your video, and I can totally relate. I too have a remarkable story too. But I was in my Twenties. Got out in my 30’s. Now I’m in my 50’s. I have 6 kids
FKN CRAZIE... UR SOOO BLESSED 💯🙏 MAAAN IVE BEEN HIT 5 TIMES... OUT OF ALL THE BS IVE DONE & BEEN THREW I SHOULDVE BEEN DEAD LOOONNNG TIME AGO... IM ALSO BLESSED TO BE HERE LIVING LIFE AS A FATHER TO MY BOYS 23 & 18 ALSO A GPA OF A BEAUTIFUL LIL 3YR OLD BOY!!! WE ALL HAVE A STORY TO TELL IM JUST GLAD IM HERE 2DAY!!! 💯💪💪💪😎🫡
seen many things been thru many things. life and death situations but made it. sober off everything except marijuana, ive got 3 kids n i been thru most of that. about to be 24 and ive fully changed. changed for my babies to raise them as respectful girls.
Desiree raise your girls to value their intellect and not get pregnant until married. So glad you made it - a Mother is the most important thing in this world. Sobriety is the key - be the woman you admire and give that woman to your children. Bless you.
Spanish speaker here. The caption needs to be corrected. It’s “chola” with one L, not cholla. The 2 L’s change the pronunciation to “Choya” and that makes no sense at all.
Christian family, let us focus, on believing and proclaiming, the gospel, unto our eternal salvation. We must believe, how, Christ died for our sins, he was buried and he rose again the third day, amen. 1 Corinthians 15 3:4 Maranatha.🎉
crazy! 6 kids!!!!! me ....nope. i had two and had a vasectomy at 22 because i thought to myself. I cannot afford to put more than 2 kids thru college plus give them the down payments for their first homes. mygirls are in their late 20s now and now i play with the 4 g kids lololol i can send them back after i spoil them
That sherm n dust ✝️❎.... I stayed away from. An older Vato in my city thought he was Rambo or RoboCop they 5 0 shot him 80Xs. That or Vatos got Buknaked n ran down the street. "Like the greased up deaf guy"🤣
Such an intelligent and strong woman. SO proud to call her my friend🙏💯
@@Freebliss13
She needs to keep her legs closed what a shame what a PUTA 👎
I was Born and raised in pacoima it’s crazy there in pacoima … 👍🏽…… Great interview very strong woman
Thanks for listening - Marlena is a special vessel......
Marlena 7 Kids, what a blessing may God continue blessing you and your family
Same to you!
It’s a pleasure to know this woman I’ve only heard part of the story and this is so hard and amazing to hear at the same time🙏🏻🙏🏻💯💯
Mohawk Matt we can't thank you enough for your friendship and bringing such life inspiring people to our Channel Bro. Respect!!!!
Excellent interview. Marlena is an angel for helping others that are struggling down a path she once walked. She is right, sometimes you just need someone to hold your hand through it, and not many will do that for others. ❤❤❤ May God continue to Bless her and her family.
Such a powerful message and a beautiful woman. Love that girl.
Strength and beauty. Thank you for sharing your story. Many blessings and prayers for you 💐🙏🏼💛
You are so welcome
You're an Amazing strong Woman!!! You're real about your past, present and future!!! I've been A Domestic Violence Advocate for 34 years who also was a victim at one time! You beautiful Woman are a Survivor from so many different situations in your life!!! Keep going strong Marlena!!!!
Damn I remember riding the LACJ bus to court and was chained up with someone who had same story. He was from San Fernando . You are a true leader / warrior. God is good.
Thank you for bringing this Woman on.
You have an eye for interesting people and excellent interviewing techniques.
Kosher we have to give all praise to Mohawk Matt who has become such a trusted and solid friend of the Company. He has introduced us to so many interesting and inspiring people. Thanks to him and friends like yourself we can continue to build a special platform.....Thank you Kosher.....
@@cinemillstv
Good content deserves loyal audience 👍🏽
What a strong woman has been through a lot God has protected her in every way a miracle to share her story God bless you and your family 🙏🏻
Ok I have watched this interview on I don't know maybe 10 times. Much love and respect to Marlene Vasquez
I'm from Pacoima I left there in 1987 and Chola's were so cool. That wasn't my choice to get into gangs but I do remember the gangs Latin Times Pacoima (LTP) And Pacas Trese P-13. I went to Haddon Avenue elementary and Pacoima Jr. High. I remember all the streets like, Van Nuys, Laurel Canyon Blvd, Terra Bella . I actually lived on Glamis St. & El Dorado Ave. The Whitman Airport was just up the street on San Fernando Rd. I loved all the food places too. Del Gaudios, Tacos El Oso, El Indio. Other places I roamed were Roger Jessup Park, Hansen Dam, Lake View Terrece. Paxton Park, Fernangeles Park, The Siver Meat Market, Foothill Police Dept. And the list goes on and on. I loved growing up in Pacoima California.
Beautiful woman....soul...spirit. keep on shinning queen❤❤
Thank you 🙏 for sharing your story! You are a amazing mom !💚🙏💯
You are so welcome
Arlene, you’re a total badass. I am so impressed with your ability to be self aware and grow. It makes sense you had a strong grandma and faith because you carry great strength and power.
I was around gangs when I was a teenager and dated a gangster. I blocked that part of my life out. I graduated and went to college and got married. I am now 36 and I thought I hated the people that I partied with, hung out with, and I especially despised my ex because he left me hanging when I needed him which left me with lifelong trauma.
I pulled out pictures from high school that I haven’t seen in 10 plus years. I felt deeep love for all of them. People I thought I hated I never did. We were all lost kids trying to connect and protect each other. There were really fun times and there were really fucked up gut wrenching moments. I am bonded to them and if I saw my ex now I would hug him and tell him I love him and see him, he had to be violent and cruel to survive. He had to turn off his emotions. I also feel deep empathy for some of the girls who I judged for fighting with the guys. Man, what a ride you took us on Arlene. Taking us along, describing your experiences. It really touched me that you mentioned looking at the sky. I am going to look up at the sky when I take a deep breath. A breath into a vastness and higher power instead of the abyss I usually breathe into. Thank you so much for sharing your story with us.
I am a social worker now and I do diversity and inclusion trainings which allows me to talk about different topics in different settings. I am inspired to do a presentation on the sociological and humanistic perspective on gang life and culture.
What an amazing beautiful strong intelligent woman
Bless your heart love. Super proud of you and over comings. May god continue to give you strength and blessings
Marlena you are an inspiration! Sending my love from Pico Rivera 🤎
👏 Proud of you. You’ve came a long way girl. And still strong and determined!
Surviving the lifestyle and being around to tell your story is a story in itself! Thank you for sharing your story. We need to know what people hardships are like for many teenagers. It’s tuff!
AMAZING WOMAN U ARE AND THANK U FOR SHARING UR STORY.GOD IS GOOD AND GOD BLESS U 2DAY AND ALWAYS U HAVE OVER COME THE MOST PAINFUL HURTFUL LIFE STRONG WOMAN U ARE UR FAITH, BELIEVE IN GOD SAVED U AND THE WILL TO LIVE AND CHANGE UR LIFE FOR THE BETTER UR AMAZING. MUCH LOVE STAY STRONG AND LIVE BY GOD'S FAITH ❤❤❤
I give this Chica alot of credit. She's so down and honest. She's doing it, most Mom's just take the easy road and stay in the game in that repeated cycle. I thank God for this lady's second chance at life. The good Lord knew she would change her life and be a wonderful mother and person. I like the fact that she takes of her own. Very determined woman. Must love and respect to you. May God continue to watch over you and your family. Stay strong ! I love your testimony.
That's my girl, we go wayyyy back , love you my girl ❤
God bless you and your family, Marlena ❤
Beautiful, inside and out! ❤
Thank you so much!
A comment to the interviewer:
I gasped when you mentioned that if you have to hit a woman she is not for you.
As someone who has worked with victims of violence I think we have to tread carefully with comments like that because the undertone is- you are getting hit because you are not the woman for this man. The message is that because of a strong need to be loved, we will crapfit ourselves to adjust to the abuse and to “work” to get them to stop being violent, thinking if we become the woman my abuser wants the abuse will stop.
It tricky territory. I am sure that’s not what you meant by your comment but it does have larger implications and I felt Arlene also didn’t know how to respond.
It can be triggering especially when speaking to a survivor.
No judgement, I have gotten a lot of feedback in my career about stuff I wasn’t even conscious of.
Keep up the great content.
Your comment is well received and your right. There's never ANY excuse for violence especially against women. Some couples love each other but are very volatile. Sadly, we sometimes stay in relationships that aren't healthy. Its best to part ways then escalate the situation.
There’s no recipe to leaving a horrible situation you just have to get up and do it 🙏🏻❤️
So true!
Stay strong and keep a softened heart. It’s ok to “feel”. Make sure your kids know that and see that so that they grow up not “hiding” or afraid to express feelings. Be strong, be true, be free.
❤️ very beautiful woman!
Such a strong beautiful resilient woman! 💗 thank you for sharing your story. I can relate to so much 🥺
Sage - Marlena is a special vessel. Thank you for your support...
God bless her💯
Cps taking children away from a domestic violence survivor is not helpful it is an extra trauma to a mother who just went or is going through the trauma of abuse from a partner. Cps taking those children away from their mother when she's never abused them is nothing other than a trauma and an abuse by Cps to those children having to suffer not having their mom. I'm glad to know she got her children back and she is all around doing so much better.
Amazing story girl ❤😭
God loves you so much Marlena!
Russ thank you for telling me about this channel on the LA to ATL flight Friday. Compelling story of redemption in progress . Well told and produced. The language is real and raw but should be blanked to reach a broader audience. God bless.
Thanks!
Don thanks for the love bro.......
That’s my girl!!! I love you I’m so proud of you!!! ❤❤❤
Sherm stick was named for the cigarette brand Nat Sherman. Brown cigs dipped into some PCP, after a while people just started referring to PCP as Sherm. Also sometimes called Super Kools too, after Kool brand cigs, which were way cheaper in price. I know because I smoked it and sold it. A long time ago...
Relatable, respect
I have the same understanding about having à change in my life, because I was shot in the head trying to escape from prison for a term of 17 yrs for my addiction...but some how God told me that I'm not gonna die...and he was right other wise I would not be here writing this.,but it a blessing to be alive and have recovery over my addiction of abuse for 35 yrs.....I give it to Jesus and god in my life ..her story is awesome and she gets it.
Jim that's an amazing story you have - Praise God for keeping you here to help others. Thank you for your comment and support.
Much love &respect🙏♥️🫶
Thanks Nicole.
Love your story
God bless u 🙏
Hi! I watched your video, and I can totally relate. I too have a remarkable story too. But I was in my Twenties. Got out in my 30’s. Now I’m in my 50’s. I have 6 kids
Thanks for sharing!!
Marlena .. if you didn’t hear i love you today..❤ i love you
What a sweet message Flawless - Marlena is so happy because she's sober and the pain of regret is so much worse than the pain of discipline.
Wow I'm so happy you made it out🙏 God is good 🙌
Crazy what some people put themselves and their children through.. thats good she lived and changed..
Damn thats so cruel dude screw that guy
Love this beautiful ❤
Thank you!!
FKN CRAZIE... UR SOOO BLESSED 💯🙏 MAAAN IVE BEEN HIT 5 TIMES... OUT OF ALL THE BS IVE DONE & BEEN THREW I SHOULDVE BEEN DEAD LOOONNNG TIME AGO... IM ALSO BLESSED TO BE HERE LIVING LIFE AS A FATHER TO MY BOYS 23 & 18 ALSO A GPA OF A BEAUTIFUL LIL 3YR OLD BOY!!! WE ALL HAVE A STORY TO TELL IM JUST GLAD IM HERE 2DAY!!! 💯💪💪💪😎🫡
PACTOWN!!!
Gods Favorite 🖼️ God always shows the favorite the most attention 🤲🏾
Hey girl its me Nini linda
seen many things been thru many things. life and death situations but made it. sober off everything except marijuana, ive got 3 kids n i been thru most of that. about to be 24 and ive fully changed. changed for my babies to raise them as respectful girls.
Desiree raise your girls to value their intellect and not get pregnant until married. So glad you made it - a Mother is the most important thing in this world. Sobriety is the key - be the woman you admire and give that woman to your children. Bless you.
Spanish speaker here. The caption needs to be corrected. It’s “chola” with one L, not cholla. The 2 L’s change the pronunciation to “Choya” and that makes no sense at all.
Alicia Gracias! - we didn't catch that mistake. Much appreciated.
Girl how can I get a hold of you
I can’t find her Instagram profile. What is it?
I don't know you you strong woman I left the drugs too I been clean for 17 years .
❤💯
So your kids have. ADD ALL DIFFERENT DAddies.
Puro Pacoima 👌
Marlene loved me when I didn't love myself
Becky Marlena has inspired us all to keep fighting no matter what comes our way....
👍🏽
Ok if your getting high while pregnant your child will have issues so he isn't exactly healthy buddy he probably has learning disability
Christian family, let us focus, on believing and proclaiming, the gospel, unto our eternal salvation. We must believe, how, Christ died for our sins, he was buried and he rose again the third day, amen. 1 Corinthians 15 3:4 Maranatha.🎉
How many baby daddy's?
7 kids from different Father's. Keep your legs closed 👎
I don’t agree , if a man beats on a women there’s some kind of trauma/he’s broken himself. Just 2 peas in a pod
crazy! 6 kids!!!!! me ....nope. i had two and had a vasectomy at 22 because i thought to myself. I cannot afford to put more than 2 kids thru college plus give them the down payments for their first homes. mygirls are in their late 20s now and now i play with the 4 g kids lololol i can send them back after i spoil them
A cigarette dipped in pcp aka sherm stick
That sherm n dust ✝️❎.... I stayed away from. An older Vato in my city thought he was Rambo or RoboCop they 5 0 shot him 80Xs. That or Vatos got Buknaked n ran down the street. "Like the greased up deaf guy"🤣
Pacoima Tappin in!
Cayuga st.. was the spot to get that water
10400. Right here
SFV - Sunny place for shady people
WHO CARES 😂👎😅
I'm from the SFV 818 born and raised 80s and 90s grew up around cholos and cholas. I was always afraid of them