A group of Solano Beach Mothers got up bright and early for the water at the Boys & Girls Club of San Dieguito pool. Over the course of the past several months, the women in the support group have been learning how to swim and enjoying physical and emotional benefits of doing so.
A group member, Josephina Ledesma stated, “I am so happy and proud of myself that at my age I could learn to overcome my fears and do something new, I am now encouraged to learn new things and know I can overcome my fears. I was always taking my kids to the pool and now I can go also. Thank goodness for this wonderful community that gave us their time and taught us this life skill.”
The support group meets weekly to talk about topics such as mental health, family problems, and the experience of immigration. Monica Stapleton, founded the group in 2018 with a grant from the city of Solana Beach. Each year she has been able to offer more opportunities and activities to the mothers, from yoga to painting, with last year’s events being an art show.
What began as a four week pilot program quickly tuned into an eight week swimming program with the Boys & Girls Club. Stapleton added, “The Boys & Girls Club was extraordinary in the way that they taught them…it was magical.”
In order to donate towards the group you can visit platicasdemejorar.com
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