History

The Reynosa shelter is managed by Catholic nuns from the order of "Our Lady of Charity of the Refuge". This unique order was founded by St. John Eudes in 1641, at the time of the French Revolution, to provide shelter for the Magdalens of Caens, France, which were poor women forced into prostitution.

The order spread throughout Europe, and the first American shelter opened in Buffalo, New York in 1855. Today, nuns from this order have independently started shelters throughout the world and there are eight such shelters in Mexico. Each shelter is responsible for supporting itself with funds they earn or from the generosity of others.

In 1979, Sister Concepcion, who had received her training at a shelter in Monterrey, requested permission to establish a new shelter in Reynosa, Mexico. Together with Sister Natividad "Nati", these committed and strong willed women set out to help the young girls in Reynosa. From a very modest room in the heart of the city, they began their crusade. They met repeatedly with reluctant city officials and civic leaders who offered little hope for success.

After many months of working with local churches, members of the community and government officials, they had obtained the majority of the funds needed for the first building. The city of Reynosa agreed to provide the land with the stipulation that the shelter must be operational in six months.

The two acres, located on the outskirts of Reynosa, were virtually open desert. The first construction was a one story building and a high wall encircling the property. Two additional nuns joined the effort and the first children were accepted. The first several years were difficult. Although the children were given loving care, the living conditions were poor even for a third world country.

Over the years, the hard work of the nuns and children has been blessed and several buildings and improvements have been added to the compound. The goal has always been to serve 100 girls. As they reach that goal, costs have proportionally increased in order to provide housing, food, and caretakers to meet the girls' needs.