Casa de la Mujer Mayra Calderón
La Casa de la Mujer Mayra Calderon is a collective voice for those who share a commitment to issues concerning women in the greater San Juan del Sur area. Their mission is to facilitate the empowerment of women by providing support, education and alternatives.
This organization benefits many women and children of San Juan del Sur and surrounding communities. To date, they have installed a water system in the building, painted interior and exterior of the building, and have been providing free English classes to women and children for the past 6 months. In addition, they have hosted 2 small fundraisers.
Recently, a recipient of the free English classes expressed her appreciation for the opportunity by saying,
“Gracias por todo. Ahora, tengo más habilidades a buscar trabajo. [Thank you for everything. Now, I have more skills to look for work.]”
The main activities being developed by this organization are:
- Job training, interview preparation, and employment resources
- Language classes in Spanish literacy and English
- Classes in computer skills, cosmetology, sewing, jewelry making, housekeeping and hospitality skills, starting a business
- Workshops in family planning, domestic violence awareness, health and nutrition, prevention of sexually transmitted diseases
- Assistance with law enforcement and the judicial process
- Counseling support groups and psychological services
- Co-op style daycare for children
- Referrals to other community agencies
- Creation of businesses within the center to generate financial support
Ongoing needs
- Assistance in fundraising for center
- Repair of sewing machines
- Help to create a working kitchen
- Landscaping
- Legal advocacy
- Medical care
- Psychological support
- Volunteers to teach a class (Spanish, English, cooking, business skills, resume writing, sewing, cosmetology, family planning, nutrition, prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, legal rights regarding domestic violence, hospitality skills, housekeeping skills, retail employment skills).
Amounts that can make a difference:
- The salary for local teachers (3 hours/week) can be covered with $50/month
- A 1-day workshop can be made with $100
- Electric bill payment: USD$50/month
- Water bill payment: $20/month
- A desk and chair can be purchased with $300
- Computers can be purchased with $1,000
- New light fixtures for building can be covered with only $200
- Gym equipment: $500 (per machine)
- A Stove/Oven can be purchased with $400
- A Refrigerator: $400
- Faucet for kitchen: $75
- Propane tank for kitchen: $50
- Outdoor plants (landscaping): $5 (per large potted plant)
- Pots and pans: $100 (set)
- Plates: $50 (set)
- Glasses: $20 (set)
- Utensils: $30 (set)
- Serving Dishes: $30 (set)
- Books, games, and activities for children (age newborn to 18): $5 (per unit)
- Toys (age 2-10): $5 (per unit)
