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

Domestic violence is the leading cause of death in women. Every five years as many women are killed by their intimate partners as men and women were killed in the Vietnam War... 54,000.

What's Happening at the Banderas Bay Women's Shelter

Micro Loans - Economic independence is key to a woman's success in permanently separating herself from an abusive relationship or entering into another abusive relationship. A non interest business loan program was started in the shelter a couple of months ago. The first two participants were able to purchase materials, make their products and sell a number of their products before leaving the shelter. They left the shelter with several months of income. We recently received a $25,000 peso donation to help finance the program. Thank you Dean and Mitch!

What a Drag - February was the day of the big event. The event was a great success thanks to the efforts and sacrifices of many fine people, including Ray Vallarta and his team who organized the event, Danny Minnini and his crew at Act II Stages, the fairy drag mothers, the contestants, the sponsors and everyone who attended. What a great example of how a community can reach out to those in need.

Chili Cook Off - Our wonderful friends at the American Legion Post 14 Puerto Vallarta hosted their annual Chili Cook Off in February. Many local restaurants and the community as a whole showed their support for the American Legion's Torpedos American Football, DIF New Life Home for Young Boys, and the Banderas Bay Women's Shelter. A big thanks to the American Legion and the great community support!

Food Sponsors Needed

Proper nutrition is indispensable. Many women and children who show up at the shelter suffer from malnutrition and anemia. It's essential that they are provided a nutritious and balanced diet. Feeding 28 to 40 people runs about $3,000 USD per month. Please consider helping to cover this expense with a food or a cash donation.

Healthcare Sponsors Needed

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

How You Can Help

One time and recurring 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.

Website

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

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.