Men who are down on their luck in Rocky Point can grab a squeegee and a bottle of soapy water and get enough money for dinner and maybe a room for the night. But what can a woman with children do? Where can she go when domestic abuse, divorce or abandonment leave her with no home, no job and no hope?
This was the concern that haunted Nancy Britos, founder of Women Helping Women, and she set out to find “empowered women” to help “empower women.” Her organization has served two women’s shelters in Rocky Point and now supports a Transition House where women and their children can get a new start.
It took her more than four months of searching to find and secure a lease on a home that was suitable and affordable. It is a place where the residents are safe and can begin to improve their lives. WHW volunteers want to teach the residents English, help them develop job skills and raise funds to support the house and its residents.
Britos said, “Our goal is to create a safe place where women and their children, can live and improve their lives. We want to help them continue their education, learn English, find jobs, legal aid and psychological assistance, for both themselves and their children. There is still a lot to do at the house and we are very grateful for all the support we have received.”
There are currently openings at the house for several more women and children in difficult situations; and WHW is now reaching out to single moms whose homes are in poor and unsafe conditions and need repair.
The fifth annual “Women’s and Children’s Benefit Breakfast” fundraiser will help make the assistance possible. It is set for Thursday, Nov. 17th at 9:30 at Manny’s Beach Club. It is a fun event with a delicious American breakfast, bottomless mimosas courtesy of Manny’s owner Jorge Ganoa, in a beautiful setting with fresh flower centerpieces courtesy of Shayna Sargent.
In addition to the breakfast, there will be a live and silent auction, and a raffle for dozens of great items that would be unique Christmas gifts. Attendees will enjoy live music by the Frida Band and the company of some of the most generous, caring women and men in Peñasco.
Attendees will be able to view photos of the progress that has been made at the house over the last year, thanks to the funds raised at the fourth annual breakfast. They will also hear a touching testimonial from a single mother who will share how the Transition House has changed her life.
Major sponsors for the event are Manny’s, Tekila Bar, Shark Bite, Diego’s Tiki Bar, Banditos, Encántame Soleil, Casago, Alejandro Portugal Insurance, Rocky Point Scuba Dive, Chango’s, Leo’s Bar, Jolie’s Place in Chandler AZ, Wrecked at the Reef, KW Rocky Point Real State, JJ’s Cantina, Bri-Sol Massage, Dream Living Rocky Point.
Seating is limited to 120 so reservations are available only at time of purchase. Tickets are $30 (USD) or $600 (MXN) and are available at Manny’s Beach Club or they can be requested by e-mailing WHWpenasco@yahoo.com or by calling 602-846-1736.
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Attendees at the 2021 Benefit Breakfast enjoy bottomless mimosas, delicious food and great company while supporting a worthy cause.
A silent auction, live auction and basket raffle are a major part of the fund raising to support the transition house for single women and their children.
The Transition House was fenced this year to create a safe place for children to play and for all residents to be secure.