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

Why Mexico? A frequent question that I hear is "Why Mexico? Why not help women in your own country?" It's true that domestic violence is a worldwide problem and the U.S. is no exception. It is estimated that 25% of women in the U.S. are victims of domestic violence. In Mexico the number is 47%. In 2012 there were reported to be 1,500 shelters for women who are victims of domestic violence in the United States. In the same year there were only 60 shelters in Mexico. In 2012 the number of women 18 and over in the U.S. was 62,800,000 and in Mexico 40,000,000. In the U.S. there is one shelter available for every 10,467 women who are victims of domestic violence. In Mexico there are 313,333 women for every shelter!

What's Happening

There's lots of activity now in the shelter. Daily activities include meal preparations, cleaning, studies for the children and job preparation for the women. In addition there are visits from the psychologist, the social worker and the nurse every week.

On September 4th our director was interviewed on Radio Acir in Puerto Vallarta. The intention of the interview was to help raise awareness of domestic violence and the resources available to women and their children.

On September 11 we accompanied the director of the Secretary of Health for the state of Nayarit in a visit to Social Services. The purpose of the visit was to offer our combined services to women who find themselves in the situation of domestic violence and look for help from Social Services. Social Services doesn't have the resources nor the expertise to deal with domestic violence victims.

On October 1 our soon to be instructors attended the second training session sponsored by the National Adult Education Institute (INEA). Soon they will be able to provide primary and secondary education to women in the shelter.

On October 11 we were blessed by a visit from the Director of the Latina Safehouse in Denver, Colorado, Diana Chavez. On the 21 we signed a memorandum of understanding with Latina Safehouse and now enjoy another international partner working with us to serve women and their children.

October 14-16 our shelter director attended a training seminar on sexual violence sponsored by the Secretary of Health in Tepic, Nayarit.

On October 22 we officially became part of the National Network of Shelters (RNR) in Mexico. Being part of the network is a big thing. In order for a shelter to become part of the National Network of Shelters it must meet the standards set forth by The Women's Institute, Guidelines Attention to Women who are Victims of Domestic Violence. As a result this provides confidence to the Mexican government and other shelters in Mexico that Banderas Bay Women's Shelter will provide the best of services to the women and their children who come to the shelter.

Alexia, the owner of Colorízimo Hair Studio in Puerto Vallarta came to the shelter on the 24 to provide new looks for the women in the shelter. A new look is often very helpful for a woman to help her recover her self confidence and in creating a new start in her life. Thank you Alexia! Colorizimo Hair Studio is located at Fco. Medina Ascencio 2898 (inside the BE Health Center), Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. Call Alexia for your appointment at (322) 113-0160. You can listen to Alexia talk about her training, experience and her hair studio on Youtube.

Education Sponsors Needed

75% of the population of a shelter are children. While in the shelter these children need to continue in their education. Any costs associated with their education is paid for by the shelter. It is imperative that children continue with their studies once the family leaves the shelter. Most of the women will need financial assistance to help cover the costs of the education for their children. These costs include, but are not limited to uniforms, educational materials and transportation. Many, many children only complete a partial primary level education due to lack of funds. For only $10 per month you can sponsor a child's education. Please, please consider helping out.

Food Sponsors Needed

The shelter has many monthly expenses. By far the greatest expense is providing for the nutritional needs of the women and children. Thanks to a monthly donation of food basics from the John Ozzello Memorial Food Bank these cost are lessened a bit; nevertheless we still spend approximately $1,300 every month.

Healthcare Sponsors Needed

Many women and children arrive at the shelter with parasites, medical issues and malnutrition. Of course every cold or flu case is quickly shared by all of the children. Medications and medical expenses are currently running between $200 and $250 USD every month.

Upcoming Events

Planning for the annual "What a Drag” fund raiser has begun. Please consider sponsoring this event. You can check out event updates on Facebook.

Website

Our website, compassionforthefamilymx.org has been updated and is now available in Spanish and English. Please check it out.

Needs

New baby stuff. Car seat, stroller, rocking chair, everything. The shelter is in need of children's clothing and shoes. There is also a need for 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.