By Jessica Martinez, HEAL Staff Writer
Recently, Lincoln County’s first and only domestic violence shelter, The Nest, has been the subject of some sprucing up. You might recall that earlier this year, the shelter was able to install much needed new carpet and tile with the help of Golden Yarn Flooring and Joe Eby.
“The beautiful new carpet and tile highlighted the fact our walls were in desperate need of new paint after almost 9 years,” said Victoria Gandarilla, Nest lead advocate. The Nest is staffed with professional advocates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and they keep very busy working with clients. However, over the past couple of months, during the rare moments when all residents were at work, children at school, or everyone sleeping, the Nest staff undertook the task of painting the bedrooms.
“The fresh paint in a warmer off-white color was a welcomed change, and has made the shelter feel even more like home than the previously stark-white, hospital-like walls did,” said Rozylne Long, Nest lead advocate. “Our residents deserve to live in a nice, comfortable environment while they get back on their feet.”
This week, shelter staff received some help from local painter, Shannon Galbadon. “I saw the post on HEAL & the Nest’s Facebook page about them looking for volunteers to paint and I jumped at the chance to help out,” she said. Galbadon brought her own brushes and painter’s tape to paint the hallways of the bedroom wings.
Born and raised in Lincoln County, Galbadon relishes every opportunity to give back to her community. For instance, she served on the Parks and Recreation Board for five years and has worked with the food pantry in Capitan for four years. She has owned Girls for Hire, her licensed painting company, for 21 years.
“We truly appreciate people like Shannon Galbadon who donate their talents and time to the shelter,” Gandarilla said. “Many people might not think they have anything to offer, but there are many different ways they can make a difference to the women and children who enter these doors.”
Galbadon would encourage anyone wanting to give back in the community to consider what they have to offer, even if it isn’t cash. “It is so important to a community for its people to help one another,” she said. “It is what makes Lincoln County such a great place to live.”
Anyone interested in helping at The Nest should contact Sue at (575) 378-6378.