Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Compassion for the Family Inc. takes domestic violence against women very seriously. So seriously that they have constructed the Banderas Bay Women's Shelter in a discrete location in the greater Puerto Vallarta area. Non disclosure of the location of the facility is imperative to provide abused women and their children with a safe refuge but, here, David Zude shares the non-profit organization's latest news.

Fact of the Month

The first symptoms of violence appear during the dating period, but often they are not detected because they appear to be "normal" however, violent behavior can present itself in youth. We think of jealousy as something normal in a relationship, but the reality is that it is a symptom of an unhealthy relationship.

What's Happening

We have a vehicle for the shelter! A dear friend organized a fund raising campaign to purchase a mini van for the shelter. Within a week several friends along with Timberline Church pitched in and bought us a vehicle. Thank you everyone. This is a true blessing for us and the women and children whom we serve.

Last month the board members attended a domestic violence seminar in Nuevo Vallarta at no cost to the not-for-profit. We had the opportunity to listen to a very interesting talk from Dr. Teresa del Valle, a well known expert on domestic violence from Spain.

What a team that we have working with us now! We now have a full time director in the shelter. Starting August 3rd we will have a "in charge" person working the days when the director is off. We have two psychologists, a psychiatrist, a coordinator, a social worker, a nurse and a fine lady teaching arts and crafts. Many fine individuals giving of their time and talents. Still looking for a lawyer who is willing to donate a little of her time and effort.

Curtains: All the doors and windows now have curtains! 64 panels for those who know about sewing. All thanks to LuAnn. They look great!

Later this month one of our board members will become certified as a coordinator for adult education classes. This will allow us to provide in-shelter adult basic education to women who have yet to complete the primary or secondary education.

We have been blessed with our first baby at the shelter - It's a boy!

With the new arrival, we need baby stuff including a car seat, stroller, rocking chair, everything. This is in addition to our ongoing need of children's clothing and shoes, as well as more women's shoes.

Please consider a cash donation to the shelter.

Donations can be made through Paypal on the 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.