Rose LaZurs’ car is packed with handbags. A few months ago she was trying to unload 200 pairs of shoes. And every so often she finds her garage filled with cosmetics or clothes or various hygiene products.
At first glance, one might think LaZurs is a shopaholic, but anyone who knows the Hacienda Heights resident recognizes she is simply on a mission to serve women in need.
As the CEO and Founder of Women to Women Fellowship, LaZurs established the interfaith organization a decade ago with the intent to provide love and encouragement to abused and homeless women living in shelters.
Her organization collects donated goods to deliver to the women, and hosts an annual signature Mother’s Day event designed to treat all attendees to a day of beauty and love.
“These are women who fall through the cracks,” said LaZurs, who notes many of the women are victims of domestic violence and verbal and physical abuse. “They need a break. They need our help. They need some love.”
Last spring, Women to Women Fellowship made the trek to Long Beach, bringing their Mother’s Day event to His Nesting Place, a shelter servicing families in need.
Women were treated to massages, manicures and hair styling, courtesy of volunteers from local cosmetology schools. Volunteers additionally cared for children at the facility, hosting arts and crafts for the youngest shelter members, so their moms could enjoy a break.
“The girls had a wonderful time,” said Diana Cattani, administrative director at His Nesting Place. “Anyone who comes out and shows these women some love is appreciated. They are living on food stamps and have no means to afford beauty treatments. Even the most basic care packages can be out of reach for them.”
Beyond the Mother’s Day event, Women to Women Fellowship also works to transport shelter moms and their kids to various fun outings during the year.
“Bowling, the movies or a day at the park – many of us take these adventures for granted in Southern California, “ said LaZurs. “But the women and children living in shelters don’t get to experience these luxuries.”
As word has spread about Women to Women Fellowship, more agencies and companies have contributed goods and services to benefit the shelters.
“We find a use for all of the items we are given,” LaZurs said. “We gather clothing suitable for employment, basic hygiene products and goods for the kids.”
Even doctors have volunteered their time at events, giving basic medical screenings.
“I’m proud of the Women 2 Women Fellowship’s efforts to help women and children, who are suffering from the physical and mental torture of abuse,” said Supervisor Don Knabe. “They have already been through hell together, and giving a woman the opportunity to spend time with her child outside of the cycle of violence can help put them on a path to a better tomorrow.”
Women to Women Fellowship serves shelters throughout LA County. To learn more about how to donate goods, money or services, visit www.w2wfellowship.com.