Chula's Mission was founded in Texas in 2010 by Lyndsey Ruiz after the loss of her mother to cancer. While Lyndsey had always known how important her mother was to her, it wasn't until after her passing that she began to realize the sheer impact her mother had in her life. Upon realizing the void left by the absence of a mother, Lyndsey knew she wanted to start a non-profit for motherless girls. Lyndsey knew very quickly, that in Mayra, she had met a very special woman that could take on the role of Co-Founder of Chula's Mission. In the time since, their friendship has only strengthened, as together they pursue their dream in helping other young girls cope with the loss of a mother.
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Services Offered
Cooking Classes
Realizing the special bond that is made while learning to cook with your mother, Chula's Mission has created therapeutic cooking classes for motherless girls. While learning the fundamentals of cooking and baking, we also teach coping skills in dealing with the absence of a mother. Not only will these young girls learn to cook, they will also bond with other motherless girls.
Grief Counseling
Chula's Mission offers group counseling to help aid in the grieving process that so often comes with the loss of a loved one. Everyone expresses themselves differently and our groups aim to offer a safe place in order to explore the thoughts and feelings around the abandonment, absence or loss of a mother. Our groups offer a unique dynamic, allowing each member to be part of a bigger whole, which consists of peers that can directly relate to what one another are experiencing. Sessions consist of a myriad of therapeutic activities, as well as group discussions focused on meeting each individual where they are on their journey through grief.
Mentor Program
Our mentor program consists of adult women volunteers who are committed to supporting, guiding and forming a friendship with young motherless girls. The program matches young motherless girls with inspirational adult mentors who can guide them in developing life skills.
Body Positivity
Our Body Positivity and Self-Esteem program allows our mentees to understand their body as their own no matter their size or shape.
Fees and Payment
Programs are funded by generous individuals and corporations supporting Chula's mission. Chula's Mission is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (EIN 45-2508513). Your donations are tax deductible.
Services Offered To: Adults Teens Children
Special Groups: Bilingual
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A community counseling agency is a group therapy practice that offers affordable mental health services. Most are independent non-profit agencies, state agencies, or publicly-funded agencies. A few may restrict who is eligible for services, so it is a good idea to check when you call.
Community counseling agencies are generally more affordable than other therapy providers, but how much more affordable they are will depend on whether you qualify for a discount or sliding scale fee (or if they accept your insurance). Many, but not all, have a policy that they won't turn away anyone due to inability to pay. You should ask about their fees when you first call.
Expect to talk to kind people who want to help you find the care you need. Most community agencies strive to connect you with a live person within 24 hours, if not immediately. If you're asked to hold or leave a message, don't give up; just leave a message and wait. You should hear back pretty quickly.
Most agencies try to set up an initial assessment appointment within a week (some do within 24 hours), though the waitlist to start therapy is usually longer—about a few weeks on average. If you're not eligible or if the agency is not right for you, it's usually still worth it to call or drop in, because staff are knowledgeable about local options and can often refer you to one.