Meet Susanna Padilla | Child of God – Community Leader

We had the good fortune of connecting with Susanna Padilla and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Susanna, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
“Truthfully, many might think I’m crazy, but there wasn’t a calculated ‘thought process’ behind this.
It was simply God. He inspired the ideas, and I chose to say ‘yes’ immediately because I knew those ideas were meant to help others.

My first divine assignment was to pivot our 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The catalyst was my daughter’s 5th birthday in February 2020. I’ve always loved decorating and planning—a gift from my own mother—but that day was different. Usually, I’m rushing, but I found myself with 20 minutes to spare. I watched my daughter, Desea, sitting quietly, admiring the Minnie Mouse decorations. She looked at me and said, ‘Mom, thank you. I love you.’

In that moment of pure gratitude, my heart overflowed. Then, I heard a clear knowing: ‘Not all children have this moment.’ Immediately, my mind went to children in foster care. My heart swelled, and I had to step away to process the vision God was giving me. A few months later, life took a difficult turn when my ex-husband passed away peacefully in my arms. Through that grief in August 2020, God strengthened and restored me.

We officially rebranded the nonprofit to Rescue Our Children Organization. God has a sense of humor, too—when I worried the name was too long for a website, He whispered, ‘Acronym.’ I realized it spelled R.O.C.O., and I laughed with joy, thinking of my innocent admiration for Chef Rocco DiSpirito.

By July 2021, I was led into the funeral industry. I became a licensed Pre-planning Advisor, helping families lock in funeral costs and remove the future inflation and financial burden from their loved ones. After two years of learning from the best, I opened my own pre-planning agency: God’s Kingdom Returns Inc.

My journey didn’t stop there. I became fascinated by water cremation and the need for more compassionate industry practices. Following God’s lead, I recently received my funeral license for God’s Kingdom Returning Home. It is a funeral home without the word ‘funeral’ in the title. While I am still stepping into full function, I am active, obedient, and loving every bit of the plan God has laid out.” for me and my children.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Rescue Our Children Organization is here because God inspired me to do and I said YES!. As he used my daughter to show me that all children do not have the loving experience in celebrating their birthday because sometimes children are being moved on their birthday in the foster care system. Others are forgotten because of a tragic accident of losing a parent or a love one and cannot afford to celebrate or are not emotionally capable.

R.O.C.O is adding another inspired blessing from up above is our “Home Away From Home” program we had the space but I thought it was for my children when I pick them up to have a space for them to play or relax all this time. Not until I had to go to renew my plate sticker for my car is when I it was revealed what God had in store. I was so happy I was in and out at the the Drivers License State building when I hear in my ear “turn back” I was like huh? oh! no I’m done I got it already. “Turn Back” I returned and just when I am entering the doorway it HITS ME never saw it before 10 years coming here and never noticed. FAMILY SERVICES I asked the security guard :What is family services? he responded its on the 2nd floor. So I proceeded up on the elevator and as soon as it opened “he is mistaken they closed the 2nd floor due to covid” it felt abandoned, cold and scary. Florescent light flickering…. I swear I thought I was Jaime Lee Cutis in the movie Halloween when she was being followed in the hallway in the hospital which by the way these walls were painted cinder blocks. It was so awful. I then see a security officer head down on the table sleeping! I asked what is this place and responded Department of Family and Children Services DCFS which is Foster Care. I saw the room where they would have their visitation days and I was just …… shocked and sad. As I was walking back to the elevator that is when God revealed what I was doing decorating, writing out family programs and more. I just began to cry in how he knew that I would just love it.

I am now in communication with the manager at DCFS. Let’s see what Gods will unfold in the coming months.

The only reason how got where I am today is because of God. It had to take a life altering moment to realize that I was to attached to the physical items that the world offers. That I was too distracted with so many things and I realized that I never had my eyes set on the Lord first. I placed other things first and not even acknowledging him for all of my 12 years being married and when we divorced we were together still as a family for another 12 years before passing in 2020.

I remember after I was able to be focused I said ” this is it? this is what my life will be alone?” I hear “no, now you will live with me” and yes I understand now when I surrender to God things started happening that I was in awe. He healed my heart and restored it. I am learning to place God first. It wasn’t easy because there was so much to reprogram but God is so patient and loving I enjoy his ways of teaching his adult children.

I have seen many miracles from the small to huge, I am just in awe of his power.
I am saving and writing down all what he has done for me and my children to be a testimony of his Glory.
I now understand what Faith truly means. I understand now that having a relationship with God is not the same as repetitive prayers which I had no prayer life since my teens! There is so much that I look back on and how I was lost when it comes to spirituality but I always thought I was fine. I had a loving family with some troubles but loving out weighed the hard times. I was always kind and respectful to others, helped when I can and be a loving mom but now with bible knowledge
I put culture first and followed culture patterns and not Gods word.

For the 1st time in my life Jan. 2025 I began reading the Bible.
Several times in my life I have heard “there is no manual for life” “there is no baby manual on how to raise kids”
WRONG, WRONG, WRONG we do the BIBLE and God answers me everyday when I am in doubt about something. A certain verse comes to mind in the morning after I have asked or conversed with God about things and had questions before going to sleep. Never fails I get clarity with the Bible verse that HE leads me to read. AMAZING!!!

I pray to God for wisdom, guidance and protection because I was totally dependent on my partner.
I was lost and having now begin my prayer life I became an obedient faithful child of God.
Here are the few inspirations to start with that he guided me on that we both have completed within 3-4 years from 2020:

-Rescue Our Children Organization a 501c3
-He has provided me with how to bring fund to R.O.C.O so that we are God reliant and not government reliant.
-I became a licensed Foster Care Parent
-I always dreamt of being a dancer and a choreographer when I was in my teens. God made it happen in 2022-2023 we performed on channel 9 and for 23k people Chicago’s large 3 day event El Gran Colombiano Festival I met the owner and his wife and just like that on the stage with professional singers from Colombia dancing our choreography
-He gave me the courage and wisdom to figure out how to obtain a funeral license
-He answered my prayers on how to help the community, while obtaining constant donations to R.O.C.O and he did more than that. R.O.C.O being an affiliate to a company that also is God Led and focuses on health & wealth for generations to come to anyone that that takes the time to analyze. As this golden nugget was shown to me 6 months earlier but guess what I was to distracted to see what God was giving me. (I could laugh with love with him because that is how I learn he is so patient and so loving He is amazing with all of his children)
He gave me the wisdom and the right people to help me to obtain a dismissal on a Foreclosure on our commercial property for unpaid property taxes because I said yes to him that I will do his will so that R.O.C.O will occupy for the community center to help others.
-He gives me strength to go on when I at times feel overwhelm when I get too attached to the physical world.
-He gives me more time to be with my children and somehow I am able to plan community events for the public as a family.

What I want othesr to know about me, my story and brand… We are all children of God whether we know it or not. We could be disconnected because of our own doing with out noticing but he is always there waiting for us to reach out to him and forgive ourselves with true repentance. He wants us to succeed in anything our hearts desire and HE WILL PROVIDE IN PERFECT TIMING through the name of Jesus why God provides. Rescue Our Children Organization is our dedication to the Lord and I am so grateful that he showed me what I do best the gift-my purpose. I forgot what I am capable of. Just the thought of being part of bringing smiles to children in dire need bringing families together and creating joyful memories it just touches my heart so much……We are doing God’s will. Please be part of our family, you can also support by donating or purchasing our delicious gourmet coffee that I personally have been drinking for 2.5 years. My daughter loves the hot chocolate which provides 150 antioxidants & 200 phytonutrients same goes for all types of coffee
https://us.ganoexcel.com/roco Free shipping with orders of $100 or more.

We are privately funded through my work, local community donations and local business had never received fund from the government as we are always provided my our Heavenly Father through his guidance with our actions.

The important lesson that I have learned and lived it unknowingly was that our marriage was led by the Spirit of Mammon and not led by the Spirit of God. With God everything possible, much calm and pleasant without God its like in a rat race always in fear needing to find the next deal or chaos will be in our home because the fear of not having enough.

Thank you and we hope that all will always feel Gods grace upon you and your family.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
OMGOSH! this is so me!!!!! I love taking them on what I call my Windy City Tour…
I become a total bunny energizer.
We are fed and out the door by early morning to avoid highway traffic.

1st stop THE MAGNIFICENT MILE in Chicago downtown. Driving towards it I would take them on the LakeShore Drive to show off our beautiful Lake Michigan and our beaches. Depending on the day I might do a detour stop at our quaint Lincoln Park Zoo especially in the Holiday season where they cover the zoo with Christmas lights and a dancing show lights.

Walking the Magnificent mile with many restaurants to see and just soak in the ambiance the energy it is amazing.
Even though I am born and raised in Chicago I just love it every time I have a chance to come down. I currently live 30 mins away with no traffic.

I would definitely take them to the Oven Grinder pizza..what a beautiful location by the zoo surrounded by greystone building I love the architecture and the mob history for exciting conversation. Across the street close by the Valentine massacre occurred and till this day dogs bark at the fence. as for the food its not what we are famous for but the experience is unique…having the pizza brought out to you in a bowl upside down and being server to you by the server taking out the bowl. Just with that you need to come and visit!

Definitely will fine out if they are up to a dinner and show for another day to plan. Tommy Guns is a MUST!!!!
I had my __th birthday there and this is where you are transformed to the 1940’s era Al Capone it is amazing so is the food. So many laughs and history. I loved the original spot at this was hidden under the train tracks and you needed the PASSWORD to get in just like the abolish era. Done is secret.

Depending where they are coming from another day to Great of America a mini mini version of Magic Kingdom.

There must be another day at Chicago’s downtown and discover the Millennium Bean enjoy the stroll to Grant Park and know its history depending on the season if its summer there are dance festivals or public ice rink and enjoy the holiday decorations. Taking a stroll to State street where we have the stores for shopping and theaters and of course depending on the time I love to show our City Hall. THE ARCHITECTURE inside and out is just breathe taking. Across the street there is always something going on during lunch time.

Another day will be at our Navy Pier so amazing you have access to everything but one exciting thing is going on a water taxi and take a tour down our Lake Michigan up close to magnificent buildings and our river walk.

Night life anyone? yes, salsa, merengue, jazz you name it we got it and with beautiful scenery. Along with great food I love the CARNIVALE Restaurant with Brazil dancers or if you prefer another dinner and show at the Alhambra WOW! WOW! Again the decor the MASSIVE space it is amazing. The location is also another day to spend and it is so close to downtown that sometimes we are at the theater and afterwards we come to Alhambra.

I definitely was asked for a day off so one day we just enjoyed being home and enjoyed shred recipes and have a beautiful dinner.

There is a gorgeous Mosque all white stone brought from their country it is called BAPS the grounds are gorgeous as well. At times we see peacocks but getting to know other cultures and their beautiful architecture is amazing while a little meditation is a bonus.

Woodfiled Mall is another attraction in the Schaumburg area next to The street of Woodfield.

OH! definitely a Japanese garden in Rockford which is 45 minutes away from us beautiful to experience.
Is it time to go home yet? I can go on….

One of my favorite places is a the State park by the name of Starved Rock in Lasalle County beautiful!!!

And of course depending on the time of year just 2 hours away Wisconsin Dells! The water park state.

By now I would probably need to have a vacation and just rest and enjoy the memories we just created.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
“My first shoutout is to our Almighty Creator. Without God, I would not have the peace and serenity I enjoy today with my two children. By His grace and wisdom, I have learned to act on His guidance and provide for my family. I am still learning to quiet the ‘noise’ of life through morning prayer and meditation so I don’t miss the divine messages He has for me that day.

Shoutout to my sister-in-law Laura Padilla for introducing me to mediation which led me to the next shoutout

Shoutout to Dr. Taryn Crimi. Her mentorship and courses in 2020-2022 were the start of my intentional spiritual journey, leading me back to my identity as a child of God with authority through Jesus Christ. Thank you, Taryn, for your meditations courses and so grateful of our one on one session. I am dreaming again and loving it again!!! Are you possibly thinking of doing another course in the near future? I know I would love to join!

I also give a shoutout and thanks to Sammy, a gentleman God placed in my path at the perfect moment. Because of our conversation, I felt a divine confirmation not to sell the commercial building intended for R.O.C.O.’s new future home, protecting the organization from plans that weren’t meant for us in that time and he came with his crew and cleaned out all the debris that others dumped in our property in the rear.

A shoutout to Steve our dumpster guy. He donate a large dumpster to haul out all the debris that other dumped illegally

A shoutout to my friend Belem Franco and her family: thank you for being there since the beginning of R.O.C.O.’s transformation. Helping us with the hard lifting and cleaning

A shoutout to Steven Jimenez and his dad. My son’s friend since grade school. Thank you for drywalling our storage room after the water leakage

A shoutout to Rafael he donated his time to paint our community center

A shoutout to Luis Avila and his painting crew of 7 for donating their family time to paint our community center

A shoutout to my neighbors who donated supplies, and specifically to Rhea Mistry for launching our social media and for her mother encouraging her, Archna Mistry not to mention for always being a listening ear—I am so grateful for your support.

A shoutout to Alex the owner of Las Poblanitas a Mexican restaurant that would help and donate for our family workshops

A huge shoutout and big warm hug to my children, DeVino and Desea. Thank you for your patience and love and forgiveness as I introduced God recently into our lives and home as I was unaware how lost I was. I am so grateful to have reconnected with the Holy Spirit; it has saved and strengthened our family and I will continue to learn to live by faith and teach my children Gods way.

Lastly, I thank Mayra Casares donating her time and for introducing me to Genesis Resendez and Sarai Jaimes leading Rescue Our Children Organization to be an authorized affiliate with Gano Excel. In 2023, educating coffee drinkers to upgrade their daily COFFEE JOLT by switching to a NUTRITIONAL one, begin to detoxify process sugars and toxins, rejuvenate their body & find balance and clarity. I was aware and introduced to me while studying to be a Community Health Worker at Malcolm X College-Chicago, I learned the links between health issues consuming acidic coffee and osteoporosis. At first I thought I’d have to quit my coffee habit as I just recently started in 2018!

But then God answered my prayers placed those to ladies in my path and now I am loving my nutritional coffee and provides the funds R.O.C.O. needs to continue celebrating children in the foster care system and children in need with our affiliate link: https://us.ganoexcel.com/roco

I am looking forward to our next journey with my children, acknowledging and worshipping our Heavenly Father every step of the way.”

Website: https://www.rocousa.org

Instagram: rescueourchildrenorganization

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rescueourchildren.organization

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@rescueourchildrenorganizat946

Other: tic tok is under Rocousa777

Image Credits
credits to
Loren Calvert, photographer
Melvina Lewis videographer and Photographer
Gil Feliciano