More than 300,000 American girls are growing up without their mothers, a situation that puts them at high risk for poverty, depression, substance abuse and even suicide. Chula’s Mission, a San Diego nonprofit, is the first to offer programs to help these girls, teaching them the same life skills that a mother would. Times of San Diego spoke with Lyndsey Ruiz, founder and president, about the organization’s mission and programs.
What’s the goal of Chula’s Mission?
The goal of Chula’s Mission is to mentor and nurture motherless girls through our many different programs and grief therapy sessions. Chula’s Mission is a safe, supportive place where every motherless girl can grow into a well adjusted, successful young woman. It is the first of its kind in the United States, and the organization’s programs are specifically aimed at addressing issues young girls may face after losing their mothers. Hope Edelman, author of “Motherless Daughters: The Legacy of Loss,” calculates that about 330,000 girls under 18 years old in the United States have lost their mothers, and her research shows that those who have lost a parent are at higher risk for depression, suicide, poverty, and substance abuse.
Why are young, motherless girls uniquely at risk in our society?
Young motherless girls are uniquely at risk in this society because of having to grow up without a mother at such a vulnerable age, and to not have the proper coping skills to deal with what has happened. Grieving children are at much greater risk than their peers for depression, suicide, poverty and substance abuse. Mothers teach us about self-esteem, love, how to manage the difficulties of puberty, and how to have relationships with other girls. Without the guidance of a mother figure, these important life lessons might not be learned.
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