Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Soon, much needed services will be available to local women who are living in abusive situations. A local group called "Vida Reavivida/Compassion for the Family" is building an emergency shelter for women who are victims of domestic and sexual violence.

Currently, there is no safe place in the area for Social Services to send these women and their children to get the help they need. The shelter, called Banderas Bay Women’s Shelter, will have the capacity to house seven women and up to three children per woman.

In addition to emergency shelter, Banderas Bay Women’s Shelter will provide counseling, general education, job training, job search, parenting classes and teach English as a second language. After the women acquire the ability to be on their own, Vida Reavivida/Compassion for the Family will offer assistance in finding housing, and have small business loans available.

The goal is to provide these women with the skills needed to live, work, and raise their families independently. A facility like this means these families can stop the cycle of abuse, and renew their lives with hope and health.

Vida Reavivida/Compassion for the Family plans to fund the building of the shelter through private donations, fundraisers and grants.

On February 28, 2011 a fashion show fundraiser was held at Paradise Community Center. This event was a fun filled and successful day.

The next fundraiser was a showing of Rocky Horror Picture Show at The Palm on Olas Altas, on March 26th and 27th, 2011, where a portion of the proceeds went to benefit Vida Reavivida/Compassion for the Family.

In April 2011 there will be a Casino Night; the exact date, time and place to be announced soon. Tickets for events can be obtained by contacting David Zude at compassionforthefamily(at)yahoo.com.mx, or 044-322-103-2451.

There will be other fundraising events in the future to raise money for this worthy cause. Check the website and Facebook for the latest event planning information.

If you would like to discuss volunteer opportunities, make a private donation, or ask for more information, contact David Zude, or visit the website at CompassionForTheFamily.org. Your tax deductible donations can be made directly from the website.