Cindy Bobé
Founder SpeakLove
Civilian

Cindy Bobé has had a very difficult existence, living with her past traumas of: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety, depression, and chronic body pain. Looking at her, you would never suspect that anything was mentally or physically wrong. She always has the biggest smile, cheerful disposition, and eagerness to send prayers your way.

Unfortunately, during the pandemic the worlds’ hardships became too much to bear, she said. She then went through a horrible mental breakdown. Instead of running to medication, she chose a more spiritual and holistic approach to battle her demons. She then devoted her time through her faith by speaking to others going through the same struggles, while feeding and clothing the homeless. This is how, SpeakLove, was born. 

From a young age, Cindy’s life has been a difficult one. This started with bullying from other children because of her looks, having a big smile all the time, and for living in poverty. The same problems followed her throughout her teens and adulthood. By the age of fifteen, she was already living on the streets after leaving an abusive lifestyle. These relationships caused her to struggle with her identity and in her 20’s, she became a mother to two children, one of which is autistic. Being a single mother during that time period was a hard decision, but she thought it best to not have her children suffer through the abuse as she did.

Before the pandemic, she worked at a local library helping individuals with learning how to read, completing assignments on the computer, and checking in books. When the pandemic started, she chose to focus on her children and her wellbeing. At some point during the pandemic with the many restrictions, life became too much for her. The issues like income problems, becoming isolated, and her past traumas began affecting her deeply. During one panic attack, she had to be taken to the hospital for observation. Once she recovered, she decided she needed to make changes in her life.

Her solution to fight these many negative issues was to begin, SpeakLove. SpeakLove, is a nonprofit in its infancy, but is already helping hundreds of individuals across New York City. Her clients and friends have given her the nickname, the Peanut Butter Jelly Girl, because she loves making peanut butter jelly sandwiches for those in need. But she prefers to be known as, Amor aka Love. Accompanying the sandwiches are gift bags containing clothing, prayer notes, engaged conversations, and many other types of healthy foods.

Cindy believes her dilemmas were resolved by living a faith based lifestyle and by helping others who are in need. Her resolve is knowing that those suffering, have the knowledge that someone loves them and is praying for them at all times.

If you are a Veteran or an individual with a mental health condition and would like to be featured in an article, please send an email to: gonzaloduran@devildogusainc.org.