October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). Each year, The Nest offers a very moving candlelight vigil inside the shelter for the residents and members of the HEAL family.
“The first Monday of October is the Day of Unity across the country,” said HEAL Executive Director Coleen Widell. “Its purpose is to mourn the loss of those murdered by their intimate partners, celebrate the spirit of survivors and unite advocates across the country and within agencies in their work against domestic violence.”
Though each agency celebrates in a different manner, The Nest has a special evening filled with quiet moments as well as stories from survivors who are willing to share their past experiences. “We encourage survivors to share their stories, sing empowering songs and read inspiring poems,” said Widell.
For the first time, The Nest will offer a second candlelight vigil but this time, the public is invited to attend and celebrate with survivors on Tuesday, October 14th at the Sanctuary on the River at 6pm.
The impetus of the second, public vigil lies in Dan Francis, husband of The Nest Office Manager Sue Francis. Both Dan and Sue have attended the last four vigils in The Nest.
“The night is really cool and filled with stories told by some of the clients,” Dan Francis said, “We need to spread the word out for everyone to hear. The vigils should be in the public eye.”
The vigils touch everyone who attends. “It is empowering, when survivors’ voices are heard loud and clear by those who work with them to heal and find peace and strength in their lives, “ said Widell. “It reminds advocates, both on the board of directors and on staff, how powerful and meaningful our work is.”
Each year, the evening begins with a medicine woman from the Mescalero Apache Nation who smudges the house with sage to ward off evil spirits and bless the people and facility. This year, Janice Merino performed this spiritual tradition. After the vigil, Deacon Jack Shuster blessed The Nest with holy water.
“This vigil encourages us to trudge forward and reminds us of the importance of continuing to be the voice of survivors in our community and state,” said Sue Francis.