History
A timeline of Seguro y Sano
In 2017, spurred by a global surge in women’s equality movements, a small group of women in San Carlos, Mexico, organized the first Women’s March in their community, part of the Guaymas municipality. The March attracted more than 200 participants who, after listening to music and brief introductory remarks, walked down the main boulevard to demonstrate their support. The following year, a second March included speakers from the local National System for Integral Family Development (DIF) office, focusing on domestic violence prevention.
This growing awareness of domestic abuse and femicide in Mexico led the participating women to establish a non-profit organization. Consequently, Seguro y Sano-Safe & Sound was registered as a 501C3 in Arizona to facilitate donations from the numerous winter visitors in and around San Carlos. In Mexico, the group sought recognition as a Civil Association to legally receive donations from businesses. Their initial application was under the name Seguro y Sano, AC, but was stalled by the Covid pandemic. After the initial application expired, they successfully registered under a new name, Sana y Protegida, in 2021. A Board of Directors has established policies and procedures that govern both organizations; we operate under both U.S and Mexican laws concerning not-for-profit organizations.
Each year, the organization hosts the “Run to End Domestic Violence/Correr Para Poner Fin a la Violencia Doméstica,” featuring options for a 10K run, 5K run, or 5K walk in San Carlos. The event has gained popularity, with over 295 participants in 2024. Local businesses and individuals have contributed through sponsorships or donations, A generous supporting couple even donated land for a future shelter. An architectural firm from Hermosillo has designed the building pro bono, and an engineer will oversee the construction and obtain necessary permits without charge.
The planned facility will accommodate 10 women and their children. It will be staffed by an Adult Psychologist, a Child Psychologist, a Nurse, a Social Worker, an Attorney, a Director, and a Teacher. The children will be able to attend school on-site. Once operational, the organization will seek a Federal Grant for Refugios, which could cover up to 80% of the operating costs, in line with Federal Guidelines.
First women’s march in Guaymas, Mexico
More than 200 participants at the first Women’s March in San Carlos.
Awareness grows
Second Women’s March features speakers from DIF who explain the extent of domestic violence in the Guaymas Municipality
Seguro y Sano-Safe & Sound founded
Seguro y Sano-Safe & Sound founded as a 501C3 not-for-profit organization in Arizona. A Board of Directors elected. The first annual “Run to End Domestic Violence” event to raise funds and awareness in the community about the need for a shelter attracts more than 160 participants. Lynn Cannon speaks at Deportivo about Domestic Violence in Mexico; volunteers are recruited. We participated with women’s groups in a March in downtown Guaymas to end domestic violence and femicide.
Second annual “Run to End Domestic Violence”
Second annual “Run to End Domestic Violence” with an increase of participants in January. Seguro y Sano joins women’s organizations to demonstrate in Guaymas the need to end femicide and domestic violence. We hosted the International Women’s Day brunch in Guaymas featuring a victim of domestic violence who spoke about the need for services.
Dolphins for Hope project
Due to the Covid pandemic, we did not hold an event, rather, we began the Dolphins for Hope project. Lucia Apodaca, the creator of the large dolphin sculptures in San Carlos, gave permission to use her design for small ceramic dolphins that are hand painted by local artists to sell as a fundraising option. At least 12 Dolphins of Hope were sold the first year.
Civil Association, Land Acquired
After applying and waiting more than 2 years, we are granted status as a Civil Association (AC) in Mexico under the name of Sana y Protegida. This allows the organization to receive donations from Mexican businesses. The “Run to End Domestic Violence” resumes on Feb. 15, 2022 with more competitors. Runners came from Hermosillo and Obregon. 29 Sponsors were added to help increase the fundraising amount. We purchased a Ceramic Kiln which allows us to cast our own Dolphins for Hope (rather than paying) and continue to sell beautiful dolphin sculptures. The Kiln will go into the shelter to help teach women a skill for independence. A generous couple donated a piece of land in the Guaymas Municipality for the shelter.
Vino and Van Gogh
The “Run to End Domestic Violence” received more than $28,700MX in sponsorships and more than 275 participants. New trophies were designed using the dolphin theme. The organization was again invited to participate in the Guaymas March to end femicide and promote women’s equality. A new fundraising concept, “Vino and Van Gogh” featuring a painting workshop with wine was initiated. The women who participated are now an on-going fundraising group to help build the shelter under the leadership of Mindy Hicks.
Community rallies to goal
Several 3rd Party fundraising events occurred in 2024 including the “Great Gadsby Mystery Dinner” that included an auction, a New Year’s Eve Party, the Ceramic and Crafts Baked Potato and Soup fair, several small workshops, and the Hawaiian Pork Dinner event at Deportivo. These events were planned by the Sea and Sand group who raised more than $90,000 US for the shelter. Additionally, the “Run to End Domestic Violence” increased the number of participants and raised additional money.
Most importantly, in 2024 we obtained an architectural firm in Hermosillo, Zalas Architects, who completed the plans for the shelter (pro bono), and is assisting in the obtaining the permits and surveys needed to begin construction. An engineer in San Carlos, Fabiola Graves, is acting DRO, and will facilitate the permits and surveys.
Shelter completion
The domestic violence shelter will accommodate 10 women and their children. It will be staffed by an Adult Psychologist, a Child Psychologist, a Nurse, a Social Worker, an Attorney, a Director, and a Teacher