The Security Service Charitable Foundation has presented $10,000 to Villa Maria. Located in downtown El Paso, just across the border from Juarez, Mexico, Villa Maria provides women a home to transition from crisis to self-sufficiency while living in a safe, supportive and spiritual community.
“This generous $10,000 donation from Security Service will be used towards rehabilitating 21 bathrooms that are in disrepair,” said Linda Velarde, executive director for El Paso Villa Maria. “Currently, plastic bags are taped around holes to prevent water from seeping through, shower heads and faucets are broken, and shelving is rotting. Fixing these bathrooms will help improve the quality of life for our residents.”
Residents range in age from 18 to 73 years old and usually stay 10 to 14 months. All residents are without financial assistance. Many have been victims of domestic violence; struggle with major mental health issues; suffer from alcohol, drug or gambling addictions; and have children in foster homes awaiting family reunification.
“Who we are as a community depends greatly on how we care for our most vulnerable members,” said Derrick Aguilar, senior vice president of member service—Mountain Region for Security Service. “Everyone deserves a place of safety where they can heal and hopefully reemerge in a state of self-sufficiency. We are honored to help El Paso Villa Maria through this $10,000 donation as they work to provide a home for women in need.”
The Security Service Charitable Foundation helps further Security Service Federal Credit Union’s corporate goal of community service by contributing to deserving organizations and causes in the credit union's market areas.
Security Service employees present a $10,000 donation to the El Paso Villa Maria leadership team and members of their board of directors.