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WomanHaven Celebrates Grand Opening of New Office and Program Services Location in El Centro

Writer: IVRCC Newsroom
IVRCC Newsroom
5 hours ago
3 min read

The Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce joined WomanHaven on October 14, 2026, for a ribbon cutting celebrating the grand opening of its new office and program services location at 1225 W. Main Street, El Centro.

Since 1977, when founders Alice Armstrong and Virginia Samaha of Holtville opened the organization’s first emergency shelter, WomanHaven has remained Imperial County’s only state-recognized domestic violence shelter provider. Nearly five decades later, under the leadership of Executive Director Gina Vargas, who has devoted more than 30 years to the organization, WomanHaven continues to grow alongside the needs of the community it serves.


A New Chapter, Built on Nearly 50 Years of Service


WomanHaven’s mission is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves to live in safety, with dignity, respect, and the opportunity to build a better future. That mission is carried out through a full range of services, including:


  • Emergency shelter and a 24-hour crisis hotline

  • Legal advocacy, including help with restraining orders and court accompaniment

  • Wellness and mental health services, including counseling and therapeutic support

  • Housing assistance, including rapid rehousing and transitional housing

  • Economic empowerment programs, including employment readiness and life skills

  • Community outreach and prevention education

  • A community thrift store that supports the organization’s mission while offering affordable merchandise


The new facility brings these services together under one roof, creating a more welcoming and accessible environment for individuals and families seeking support.



A Celebration Backed by the Community


IVRCC President Victor Nava welcomed a full room of elected officials, community leaders, and supporters to mark the occasion, including Imperial County District Attorney George Marquez; Imperial County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Peggy Price; El Centro Mayor Pro Tem Claudia Camarena; El Centro Council Members Sonia Carter and John “Marty” Ellett; Central Union High School District Clerk of the Board Deby Ellet; and Rocío Vázquez, Consul de México en Calexico.


Certificates of recognition were presented on behalf of several elected offices, including Jazmine Guilin, representing Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez (36th District); Larissa de la Torre, representing Senator Steve Padilla; and a certificate from Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz’s office, presented in absentia for field representative Sara Solorzano. IVRCC also presented WomanHaven with a certificate recognizing its contribution to the Imperial Valley business community and its commitment to local economic growth.


Mayor Pro Tem Camarena noted that the evening’s theme, “Opening Doors to Hope,” reflected what the celebration meant: a new chapter for WomanHaven and continued support for individuals and families throughout the Imperial Valley.


Celebrating People, Partnerships, and Dedication


Executive Director Gina Vargas opened her remarks by calling the celebration “more than a ribbon cutting and opening a new building, it’s about a celebration of people, partnerships, and dedication.” She thanked WomanHaven’s board of directors, leadership team, and shelter staff, recognizing team members who have grown with the organization over the years, as well as the community partners and supporters who helped bring the new facility to life.


Vargas specifically recognized Michelle Hollinger, VP of Sales and Marketing for Victoria Homes, for her role in helping design the new space, from colors to flooring to office furniture.


As WomanHaven marks this milestone, Vargas reflected that the organization’s greatest achievement “is not measured by buildings or programs, but by the lives we touch, the families we support, and the hope we help restore.”



Growing to Meet the Needs of Imperial County


Among the milestones WomanHaven is most proud of: the opening of this new facility, the relocation of its community thrift store, expanded counseling and wellness services, the establishment of transitional housing apartments, continued emergency shelter services, and strengthened partnerships with law enforcement, local government, businesses, donors, and community organizations.

Support WomanHaven’s Mission


IVRCC congratulates WomanHaven on nearly five decades of service to Imperial County and this exciting new chapter. To learn more about WomanHaven’s programs or how to support their mission, contact WomanHaven directly or visit their new location at 1225 W. Main Street, El Centro.

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