Helpers in Hard Times: Casa de Paz and Latina SafeHouse

Think back to a time in your life that was hard. Could have been years ago, could have been last week, could be happening right now.

Without even knowing the situation, we can guess that probably someone helped you through. A parent, a friend, clergy, medical professionals. No one gets through the hard times in life without help. Mr. Rogers wisely told us, when things go wrong, look for the helpers. There are always helpers.

We recently delivered books to two amazing organizations whose entire missions are about helping people through what is likely the hardest part of their lives. Casa de Paz and Latina SafeHouse are the helpers.

Casa de Paz is a one-of-a-kind nonprofit, providing a place to stay for families visiting their loved ones locked in detention. The work that Casa de Paz does to support people going through unimaginable transitions, to bring families together, and to provide emotional support is incredibly important now and always. 

Staying flexible and adjusting with our ever-changing world, Casa de Paz has recently renovated more space, allowing their volunteers and guests to remain safely physically distanced during the pandemic. Additionally, they’re placing a special focus on – and this is where BookGive comes in – books. 

People who are locked in the Colorado immigrant detention center are especially bored right now that all in-person social visits have been suspended. Books are one of the few activities they can do to mentally escape. But most books are not in their native language – and that’s how BookGive became a helper to the helpers at Casa de Paz, with a donation of books in Spanish.

Casa de Paz: Thank you for all that you do!

Latina SafeHouse provides bilingual and culturally sensitive services to Latina survivors of domestic violence and their families. They host support groups, provide intake sessions and safety planning, and staff a 24/7 crisis line. These essential tools and resources are exactly what many women and children need to navigate the horrible world of domestic violence. 

Enduring domestic violence is something no one should ever experience and sadly, COVID-19 is making some families even more vulnerable than before. In these disruptive times, it’s important for families to experience some type of normalcy. BookGive was able to bring a mix of titles for parents and children in both English and Spanish. Reading a book together before bed brings a little moment of reprieve from the chaos.

Latina SafeHouse: Thank you for all that you do!

You wanna be a helper too? Use these links to donate directly to Casa de Paz and Latina SafeHouse, the helpers who serve our neighbors who are going through the hardest times of their lives.

Contriubtions to this blog post generously provided by BookGive volunteer writer, Colby Leggett. Click here to join our volunteer writing team.