Our Mission
History
When my husband joined the Border Patrol in 1998, it was not a easy transition. We moved over 1,200 miles from family and friends we have known all of our lives.
During my husbands' time at the academy, I did a lot of research on the internet concerning Border Patrol. I came across a forum that a spouse of an retired agent ran. Honorfirst forum and web site (which had a different name back then). I became a regular on both of these forums to learn as much as I possibly could.
I was fortunate enough to run across a woman from Yuma that was a part of the "wives club," and she got me in touch with the woman that was the leader of the "wives club.” She and I corresponded for a couple of months as she helped me find a house in Yuma.
I totally gravitated towards her, due to the fact she was very friendly.
I had no other choice but to rely on her, and her opinion about housing I was enquiring about. She helped me a great deal that gave me insight that I would not have had if I had not been in contact with her.
Approximately a year passed, and I wanted to give back to the new trainees' what was given to us. In the beginning, I started a "one-page" web site on what to take to the academy. During this time, I also started the forum "BP Spouses,” I asked the lady that was running the other forum if it were ok and she said yes, and hers soon shut down thereafter.

A couple of years past, and the "Yuma's wives club" faded away due to cliques and gossip that occurred with-in it.
Her husband took a job elsewhere within the Border Patrol, another wife took up some of the responsibilities on greeting the EOD (Entering on Duty) classes, and she had given them information about Yuma and local contacts.
In 2000 we revamped "BP Spouses" web site, added town information, to our web site and now the web site has over 200 plus pages in depth.
First part of 2001, I started attending the EOD's for the Yuma Sector as well, but as BP Spouses, we were separate from the local "welcome wagon.” In October that same year we had an article done on BP Spouses. I received a call from our Chief (Michael Nicely) a few days later, asking me if there is anything he could do to let him know. That is how the BP Spouses - Yuma became in existence. (Thank you Sir)
He gave me an excellent person to work with, which is A-Chief (Kenny Morris). I cannot speak highly enough of this man; he has been my sounding board. (Thank you Sir)
November 2001, BP Spouses - Yuma is officially recognized at the local level. We greeted every class that EODed for Yuma Sector, and we gave the trainees' pertinent information.
December 2003, our relationship dissolved with the Border Patrol at Yuma Sector. We took it up on our own to continue the service we provide to the trainees in a public place and give the Trainee's the same great service as we always had in the past. Best thing is that it is free to all of the trainees and their families.
2011, Now that we are stationed here in Tucson, Arizona, I now offer these same great services for the Trainees and agents that come to this sector.
2014, BP Spouses relocation and support system is going strong. The following are our statistics:
BP Spouses Website - 250,000 - 450,000+ hits a year depending on the needs of the service (created 1999)
BP Spouses Forum - Over 13,000+ members (created 1999)
BP Spouses Facebook - Over 800+ members (created 2011)
April 2015
"The trademarks, logos, and service marks (collectively the "Trademarks") displayed herein are registered and unregistered trademarks of BP Spouses, its affiliates and others. You can view trademarks owned by BP Spouses on LegalForce Trademarkia at this link: . Nothing contained herein should be construed as granting, by implication, estoppel, or otherwise, any license or right to use any trademark displayed herein without the written permission of BP Spouses or such third party that may own the trademark displayed herein. Your misuse of the trademarks displayed herein, or any other content on this web site, except as provided herein, is strictly prohibited."
Mission:
Although, CBP cannot officially endorse BP Spouses, I have received many emails from our Headquarters in D.C. thanking me for creating BP Spouses.
BP Spouses is not a wives group or just a social group, but a relocation and support group for the whole family.
Our service has been a God sent for many agents and their families. It would be awesome and an honor if CBP would take part in our system to help THEIR trainee's relocate to their station with a lot less stress on them and their families in having to find a home in the short time period that is given. I personally know its not impossible, but is very stressful. We make their move with the minium amount of stress possible and CBP gets well rested trainess, ready to work in the short period they are given from the academy/Spanish to report to their station.
If you would have told me back in 1999 when we had just a "one page" web site, that it would have made it this far, I would not have believed you. We are on our way to help everyone we can, rather or not the CBP officially endorses us or not! I think our success rate and our tenure says something about our relocation and support system and it not being a "wives club."
BP Spouses goal - is to continue to help every Border Patrol Agent or employee with real estate relocation and have support in every Sector/Station. I totally believe in this relocation/support system, not because I am the Founder, but because it has already helped hundreds of Agents/Employee's and their families.
We've had numerous of support groups that had started up due to BP Spouses. This is an awesome and an honor! BP Spouses doesn't endorse these individual support groups, but is honored to have a system that others want to build from.
I am not anyone special, I am a spouse that had/has a vision, and that is willing to dedicate a lot of time to make these programs as effective as it has been in the past as well as it will be in the future. The successfulness of these programs is due too and depends on all the efforts of everyone that volunteers their time.
Thank you everyone for your dedication and continual support!
Sincerely,
Vanessa Crelia
BP Spouses
BP Spouses - Forum
BP Spouses - Facebook