This month, we are proud to highlight Michele Lima, a dedicated board member at Family Services of Tulare County. Michele has devoted much of her life to serving the Tulare community through both business and nonprofit work. After the tragic loss of her son, Paulie, in a drowsy driving accident, Michele founded the Paulie P. Cortez Memorial Foundation to honor his memory, raise awareness about the dangers of drowsy driving, and provide scholarships to local students. She brings that same passion and commitment to her work with Family Services.
When asked what drew her to the FSTC Board, Michele shared, “I deeply believe in strengthening families, protecting the vulnerable, and providing the tools people need to heal from trauma. My personal journey has shown me how critical strong community support systems are, and I want to use my voice and experience to help others find hope and healing.”
Michele’s connection to Family Services’ mission runs deep. “Violence and trauma, whether from abuse, sudden loss, or crisis, can tear through families and leave lasting scars. Healing isn’t just about surviving—it’s about rebuilding and believing in brighter days ahead. FSTC’s mission represents compassion in action: making sure no one has to walk through pain alone, and ensuring that families have the resources and safe spaces they need to recover and thrive,” she explained.
She is especially passionate about supporting children and young people exposed to violence and sexual abuse. “Children often don’t have the words or tools to process trauma, yet it shapes the rest of their lives. Early intervention, safe housing, counseling, and mentorship can completely alter a child’s path and break generational cycles of violence. I’ve seen how giving them encouragement and support can change their outlook and future. Protecting and empowering children is one of the most meaningful investments we can make as a community.”
Michele also highlighted the critical role of programs like Karen’s House: “Programs like Karen’s House are lifelines for those in crisis. Too often, victims of domestic violence or families in unsafe situations don’t know where to turn—and having a place that offers immediate shelter, safety, and compassionate support can be the difference between despair and survival. These programs not only address urgent needs but also help individuals rebuild confidence, independence, and stability. For our community, they represent hope, protection, and the assurance that we stand together against violence.”
Outside of her board service, Michele enjoys spending time with her family, volunteering at community events, and finding ways to bring people together for meaningful causes. Most importantly, she finds purpose and joy in honoring her son’s legacy by turning pain into positive action for others.
Family Services thrives because of the generosity, dedication, and passion of our community. Whether it’s serving on the board, volunteering, or becoming a monthly donor, every action helps families heal, grow, and create safer, more nurturing environments for their children. We’re deeply grateful to everyone who joins us in this mission—together, we can turn compassion into real, lasting impact.
