Meet Our Staff

 

Jim Duran
Executive Director
Jim Duran was born and raised in Ventura and has a passion for his city. Jim currently serves as the Lead Pastor of The River Community Church in Ventura, a ministry his team began in 2004. Jim has a B.A in Biblical Studies and an M.A. in Theology from Channel Islands Bible College & Seminary.

Jim is the Executive Director of The City Center Transitional Living, a facility for homeless children and their parents. He is also the Executive Director of Tender Life Maternity Home, servicing homeless pregnant women and their babies.

Jim has been honored with various awards over the years including the “Heroes Among Us” award from the Ventura Police Community Foundation, The Golden Triangle Award from the YMCA, and the “Hometown Hero” award by the Ventura Chamber of Commerce; Jim was honored in 2020 with the first ever Legacy Award, awarded to those citizens who go above and beyond to make a difference in Ventura.

Jim and his wife Pam, serve on the board of Marriage Well, a non-profit organization that provides support for couples to achieve excellence in their marriages. He is actively involved with solving the homeless crisis in Ventura County through the Homeless to Home collaboration, by partnering with the Downtown Ventura Partners and being involved with the Ventura Social Service Task Force.

Jim and Pam have been married for over 31 years and have six children, two daughter-in-laws and three incredible grandchildren. Jim’s passion is to serve his community and to be a blessing to his neighbors through partnerships and collaboration.

Brandi Brown
House Manager
& Case Manager

Brandi Brown serves as the House and Case Manager at Tender Life Maternity Home, where she supports women as they navigate pregnancy, motherhood, and the journey toward a stable future. Having faced addiction and homelessness at a young age, Brandi understands the challenges that can come with rebuilding a life.

After becoming a mother at 15, Brandi found hope through her relationship with God and began making changes for herself and her daughter, Jaime. She came to The City Center in 2017 and, after returning to complete the program, graduated and continued building a stable life for her family.

Brandi’s personal journey gives her a heart for walking alongside women facing difficult circumstances. She is passionate about helping others discover hope, grow in their faith, and build a strong foundation for themselves and their children.

Natasha Andrade
Assistant House Manager
 

Natasha Andrade serves as Assistant House Manager at Tender Life Maternity Home, working alongside House Manager Brandi Brown to help oversee daily operations and keep the home running smoothly. From coordinating household chores to assisting with residents’ needs, Natasha plays an important role in the day-to-day life of the home.

Having graduated from The City Center, Natasha brings firsthand experience to her role. She lives onsite with her six-year-old daughter, Sophie, and is part of the team helping maintain a welcoming, supportive home for the mothers and children at Tender Life.

Cynthia Long
Communications Director

Cynthia Long serves as Communications Director for Tender Life Maternity Home, where her work is shaped by her experience as a former resident. Having personally experienced the support and hope Tender Life offers, Cynthia is passionate about sharing the ministry’s mission, highlighting the lives being changed through its programs, and helping coordinate events that support its mission.

She is grateful for the opportunity to give back to the organization that helped shape her future and to encourage mothers as they build a strong foundation for themselves and their children.

Cynthia married the love of her life, Chris, in 2020, and together they are raising their beautiful daughter, Harper.

Terry Long
Administration and HR

Terry Long serves in an administrative and HR role at Tender Life Maternity Home, bringing more than 40 years of ministry experience and a heart for serving others. Since moving to Ventura in 2000, she has faithfully supported The River Community Church and Tender Life through administrative support, event coordination, and her service as Scribe for the Tender Life Advisory Board.

Terry and her husband, Doug, have been married for 41 years. They have two adult children and are blessed with a growing family of in-laws and grandchildren. Together, they continue to serve God and His people with a heart for ministry.

Corky Marquez
Finances

Born into a large family (12 brothers and sisters!), Corky has spent most of her life in Ventura. Like the family she grew up in, Corky has raised a large family of her own with three sons, a daughter, 13 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.  Professionally, Corky spent most of her working life in Human Resources and accounting for JC Penney. This has benefited the Kingdom of God greatly as Corky functions as our bookkeeper! In her leisure time, she enjoys spending time with her family and making cross-stitch pictures.