Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico - The State of Nayarit, Mexico has the second highest rate of domestic violence against women in the entire Republic of Mexico. According to the Mexican Federal Government 54.5 percent of women over the age of 15 have suffered domestic violence. The national average is 47 percent.

The good news is that the Banderas Bay Women's Shelter is now open! On December 18, 2014 the shelter began offering it's services to women and their children who are victims of domestic violence. Banderas Bay Women's Shelter is one of very few shelters in the country and the only shelter in the State of Nayarit.

The month of January was dedicated to meeting with various government agencies at the municipal, state and federal levels. We have formed working agreements with several agencies. At the federal level we have begun working with the Secretary of Health and the Justice Center for Women. We will receive psychological and legal services from these agencies. At the state level we have connected with the Secretary of Education and will be provided teachers and instructors for child education, adult education and adult jobs training. At the municipal government level we have formed positive working relationships with The Women's Institute Puerto Vallarta and with Social Services Puerto Vallarta. More meeting are still planned.

We are in the process of forming relationships with one of the premiere women's shelters in the U.S., the Sojourner Center in Phoenix. The sister shelter concept is very unique and will serve as a model for other shelters.

Sandi and Randy Nystrom and The John Ozzello Memorial Food Bank in Bucerías have generously offered to assist us with a monthly donation of food staples until such time that we can purchase all the basics without assistance.

The month of February is dedicated to the continued development of positive relationships with several other government agencies in the states of Nayarit and Jalisco, as well as in Mexico City. Federal government grants have begun to be offered this month. We will be participating in a few of these. We have already begun working on the first grant proposal. These grants can provide assistance in professional salaries, security, furniture, vehicles and small construction projects.

How You Can Help

• Participate in the March 8th 5K run and a dinner, which will be hosted by the Puerto Vallarta Women's Institute to benefit the shelter.

• Donate any of the following items, which are needed at the shelter: Women's Shoes, Children's Clothing and Shoes, Minivan, Living Room Furniture and Cash Donations for monthly expenses.

Donations can be made through Paypal on the CompassionForTheFamilymx.org website, by sending a check to Compassion for the Family, 115 13th Street SE, Altoona, IA. 50009, or by writing compassionforthefamily(at)yahoo.com.mx. Donations received from U.S. or Mexican citizens are tax deductible.

About The Banderas Bay Women's Shelter

The Banderas Bay Women's Shelter is working with Vida Reavivida/Compassion for the Family Inc. and Mexican Social Services to provide an immediate, temporary and safe living environment for women and children who are the victims of domestic violence; to prepare them to be financially independent through jobs, education, English second language education, non interest small business loans; and to assist them in living a life free of violence through professional counseling.

Vida Reavivida A.C. is a not for profit charitable organization that is registered with the state Jalisco. For more information about Vida Reavivida A.C. and the Banderas Bay Women's Shelter, please visit CompassionForTheFamilyMx.org, find them on Facebook, or contact David Zude at compassionforthefamily(at)yahoo.com.mx.