Dominguez was born in El Salvador and grew up experiencing poverty, abuse, and domestic violence. She finally decided to leave the trials in her home country when her brother was killed by gang members. Dominguez and her son Juan Pablo (JP) arrived in Los Angeles on a bus and immediately asked a local police officer where they could find help. The officer simply replied, “Call 2-1-1.”​

“The (211 LA) care coordinator, Monica Velazquez, she’s my angel,” said Dominguez. “If they would let me, I would hug Monica. I owe them my life in this country.”​  After securing shelter with the help of 211 LA, Dominguez was diagnosed with breast cancer. 211 LA was then able to connect her with cancer support services, and she received the health care necessary to get on the road to recovery. 211 LA also helped her with permanent housing, counseling, and mentoring for JP, who was diagnosed with autism and ADHD.  “211 is not just a number, and it’s just not a program,” Dominguez said. “It’s my family. Without 211, life would be much harder. It was the best thing that could have ever happened to me.”