About

Our History

Shamwari: A Shona word (African language), meaning ‘friend’.

The Lace, Grace and Gears (LGG) rally for women was founded in 2016. At the time, LGG was an annual motorcycle event for female motorcyclists. LGG was incorporated as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in 2019 and celebrated and promoted the strong bonds that come with the sisterhood of female motorcyclists. The idea to build Shamwari was born in 2018 and in 2021 a decision was made to change the name of the LGG nonprofit to Shamwari Village and to make the LGG rally an annual Shamwari fundraising event.
​
The name change from Lace, Grace and Gears to Shamwari Village was approved by the Texas Secretary of State’s office. Currently we are waiting for the IRS to issue our letter of determination to reflect this change.

Going Forward

Shamwari’s initial three-year-plan includes three main components:

Acquisition of land

Our development plans show that 60+ acres of land will allow for the development of Phase I and Phase II. We plan to build 60 residential units in each phase, with a community center, playground, medical center, counseling center, work skills development building, therapeutic equestrian facilities, community garden, child development center, parks, and more. 

Establishment of community partners

We do not believe in the duplication of efforts and as such, we are looking to partner with strong nonprofits who are leaders in their fields. These include organizations that provide mental health services, workforce development services, addiction specialists, health, and nutrition services, and more. 

Fundraising

We will embark on a vigorous capital campaign to raise the funds needed to purchase land and secure all the required permitting ahead of breaking ground. Once this is achieved, we will implement a unique fundraising program that will raise money for each component of the village.

Our Philosophy and Goals

We believe that every woman going through personal challenges brought about by unexpected traumatic developments, mental health diagnoses, and addiction deserves a safe, secure environment in which to heal.

We believe in a holistic approach: treat the mind, body, and spirit simultaneously.

We believe in time being the greatest ally when it comes to healing. A 30- or 60-day approach to ‘get their act together’ is unrealistic and short-sighted. This approach is akin to sending home a cancer patient with a bag of chemo or a diabetic with a few vials of insulin and a message to ‘get better on your own’.

We believe that homeless female veterans and young women with mental health and addiction challenges have unique challenges.

We believe that a village community will provide a sanctuary for a full recovery.

Goals

Phase I

Build a village for 60 young women. Shamwari will provide an opportunity for these women to regain their dignity and sense of purpose. Without a looming 30- or 90-day deadline to ‘get their act together’, Shamwari will be a welcoming community where veterans will stay for as long as it takes to find gainful employment, deal with mental health and/or addiction challenges, and re-enter society as whole women.

Phase II

Build an extension of the village to include another 60 homes, this time for non-veteran women challenged with anxiety disorders that have led to addiction. Shamwari will provide a specialized dual diagnosis program that will address both anxiety and addiction simultaneously. These women will take advantage of other programs at Shamwari including financial management classes; work skills development; parenting classes and more. No pressure will be put on these women to ‘get their act together’ in 30 or 60 days. They will stay at Shamwari until their team of health care professionals helps them transition to a successful independent living arrangement.

Make Shamwari a model that can be replicated

Thousands of women across the country can gain considerably from the benefits of the Shamwari village/community concept. Think of women trapped in abusive and/or domestic violence situations, young girls aging out of the foster care system, or single mothers. Villages based on the Shamwari model can restore the lives of women so that they find peace, healing, and purpose in a safe and secure environment.

Our Mission

To serve homeless female veterans and young women battling mental health challenges holistically by addressing their physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs so that they gain economic stability, gain meaningful employment, and realize their purpose in impacting the world.

Our Vision

Every young woman facing life-altering challenges deserves to find solutions for her and her children in a place that she can call home, a place that provides safety, health, and hope while she finds healing and purpose.

Our Core Values

Belonging

Few things are more damaging to a child than not being wanted. It is important for children to know they belong, which is why they stay with their mothers as part of the family’s healing process.

Safety

We establish and sustain safety through a positive environment, which is vital to our women and their children’s mental, physical, and emotional health, development and education.

Relationships

By forming strong relationships, change and healing are possible.

Permanence

Traumatized homeless women and women battling mental health challenges and addiction reach their fullest potential when they are part of a stable and supportive family, one where their children become part of their healing journey. 

Education

We are committed to inspire and teach our community and future generations the value of protecting the most vulnerable.

Support

Services will be provided at no cost to women through the generosity of our supporters, major events, and fundraising campaigns. We will not accept Federal funding.

A Village That Heals & Empowers Families

Be a Superhero!

Be Kind and Make a Difference

Become a Volunteer Now!
No Thanks

Worlds Need Your Kindness

Nullam lectus tortor lobortis sed condimentum in rutly.

Supporters and Strategic Mission Partners


No Thanks