Ramona Convent’s Class of 2016 “We Are Family” Retreat Ends with a Visit to Casa de Las Amigas

John Bonar, Retreat Coordinator, with the Class of 2016 at DePaul Retreat Center.

On February 3rd, the Ramona Convent class of 2016 traveled to DePaul Retreat Center for their annual retreat, “We Are Family”, to share fellowship, pray, and serve the community. This year, the girls created Valentine’s Day Care Packages for the women served by Casa de las Amigas, a comprehensive drug and alcohol treatment center in Pasadena. Jacqueline Fox, Casa’s Director of Development, shared her personal experiences of recovery, the unique challenges faced by women recovering from addiction, and the work done by her agency to help women reclaim their lives. Casa’s focus on women empowering other women has resulted in a 70% recovery rate for their clients and families.

The candy treats, homemade cards, and hand-decorated gift bags were a hit at Casa when they were delivered the next day. The outpouring of gratitude and joy in the room was visible on so many levels. One of the “Casa girls” (as they are known) said simply “No one has ever done anything like this for me,” while others remarked “How nice that the girls at Ramona would take the time to do this for us and remember us on Valentine’s Day.”

Sophomore Caitlyn Creapualt said it best: “Helping the women at Casa meant a lot to us because almost everyone deals with some addiction in their lives.” Alyssa Herrera remarked: “Humility, compassion, and understanding of others’ needs make us beautiful young women of Christ.” In all, 90 bags were delivered, one for every woman at Casa and the staff who serve them. Ramona Convent thanks everyone for their generosity and willingness to be of service Class of 2016!

Ramona Convent, 1701 West Ramona Rd., Alhambra, (626) 282-4151 or visit www.ramonaconvent.org.