SDSU Calexico students help those affected by domestic violence

Liberal studies majors chose to collect donations for WomanHaven as their community project - Vanessa Gongora reports.

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - A group of liberal studies students at San Diego State University (SDSU) Calexico campus are collecting donations for WomanHaven which shelters families affected by domestic violence, stalking and human trafficking.

According to the Liberal Studies Lecturer Stacy Bodus, her students had to choose a Community Learning Engagement Project (CLEP).

"The project requires them to survey the community to discover what is needed, and then to engage with the community three times, after which they give a presentation on the project in class and reflect on what they've 
learned by doing it," explained Bodus.

WomanHaven says they aim to help survivors rebuild their lives, be safe, self-sufficient, and independent through an array of services such as; case management, counseling, advocacy, educational classes, employment assistance, support groups, food, clothing, legal services, court accompaniment, housing assistance, wellness services, children services, and transportation services.

Nicole Villalobos, one of the students, said her group chose to support WomanHaven as their way to help our community.

"One of my group members gathered information on what items the WomanHaven needed and in which ways we could help support them. We have tried to collect a few things amongst each other but wanted to try and seek help
from the community to increase collections as much as possible before our project ends," Villalobos began.

Villalobos made a donation box and put it in a local Starbucks in El Centro on 4th St. and Wake Ave.

"I asked the Starbucks manager if he would allow me to place the box so we can start our collection. He was more than happy to help and support our goal to help assist the community," Villalobos said.

The group says their goal is to collect hygienic items because it is what's needed most for WomanHaven.

Items such as: toothpaste, deodorant, socks, shampoo, conditioner, feminine hygiene products and more.

The group is placing more donation boxes in different locations today and is dropping off what they have collected so far at WomanHaven.

"The support we have received is unreal and I love how the community is responding and joining on this project. It truly is transforming from a class project into small Imperial Valley community project," Villalobos said.