Why Were Those Men Walking in High Heels?

 Attendees of Ruidoso’s Aspenfest Parade were thrilled, amused and excited by one float in particular, the float that was put together by a team of progressive  volunteers at  Help End Abuse for Life (HEAL) and The Nest. The float was unique in many ways.   It contained a large, six-foot red stiletto surrounded by men strutting the streets of midtown in …

Letter to the Editor – Rachel Weber

On behalf of the Board of Directors for Help End Abuse for Life (HEAL), I would like to extend a very heartfelt message of thanks to the elected leaders in our area for their public support of the efforts of the Nest domestic violence shelter. We are proud to thank the Lincoln County Commission, the Village of Ruidoso Village Council, …

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT – Cloud Nine

Cloud Nine is a retail store in Ruidoso that sells, amongst other things, new mattresses.  As part of their giving program, they have essentially adopted Sweet Charity as the place to donate their customers earlier mattresses when they upgrade.  This constant flow of donation means that other folks in our community can now find gently used and affordable mattresses for …

The Nest Finds A Link

The link between domestic violence and animal abuse has long been suspected, but research has now proven how deep the connection runs. In response, the National Link Coalition was formed. The Coalition is building on strong foundational work built by the Humane Society, which runs a research and education program called First Strike: The Violence Connection. It’s studies have focused …

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT – Dustin Wyszynski

Dustin Wyszynski, owner of a tree removal company in Alto, recently went to the Nest to remove tree limbs that were blocking the security surveillance cameras.  Add Dustin’s company to the very long list of local businesses that take pride and ownership in ensuring the women and children residing at the Nest continue to live safe lives.

Local Artists Offer Classes at The Nest

Art surrounds and encompasses our spirits. Where there is darkness, beauty, doubt, mystery or a mix of each, humans create art. On many occasions, art helps people who have seen trauma and misfortune in the healing process. It allows them a target for their energies, a channel to funnel their emotions and the promise of beauty from dedication. Art is …

Dear Editor – From Zack Cook, State Representative

Dear Editor, October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time when every person should consider what she or he can do to help end the epidemic of domestic violence that plagues our county and our nation. The statistics are staggering. In the United States, nearly one-third of American women (31 percent) report being physically or sexually abused by a husband …

Men Taking a Walk

Since 1987, October has been recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Every year, across the country, shelter workers and advocates unite with survivors and supporters to discuss progress and issues surrounding domestic violence, remember those whose lives have been lost and celebrate the spirit of survivors. Here in Lincoln County, Help End Abuse for Life (HEAL), the mother organization of …

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT – Golden Yarn Flooring

Many businesses in Lincoln County have been reliable partners for HEAL and The Nest.  Amongst them is Golden Yarn Flooring in Ruidoso.  Not surprisingly, with a shelter consistently full of romping children, the area rug in the kid’s playroom gets serious wear-and-tear.  Recently, when it came time to replace the tattered rug, Golden Yarn offered a new remnant to cover the tiled floor.  In …

Giving Cheerfully – Local Girl Begins Tithing The Nest

“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”  – 2 Corinthians 9:7   Within each person is a wealth of passion and energy that can be harnessed to make good things happen. Passion awakens for different people at different times and by different means. Some of …