Floored at The Nest

Think about flooring for a second. No, seriously. Think about it. Think about carpet and tile and hardwood floors.  Now think how a newly finished floor can make a house or office look terrific.The interior of the NEST looks even more terrific today thanks to some dedicated individuals who gave of their time and money to help make residents’ lives …

Healing and Discipline through Art

In the Ukraine, there’s an ancient tradition which turns eggs into intricate works of art. We’re not talking about Easter eggs, although they could certainly be used as such. The tradition in Ukraine is really meant as a way to pass the long winter months in the central European nation. “Winters were very hard in the Ukraine, so women would …

Picture Perfect: Helping to Teach New Volunteers

Volunteering your time at the Nest requires a lot more than just compassion and the desire to help others.   Those qualities are imperative, of course, but serving victims of domestic violence is a delicate proposition, which is why the NEST has put together a training video dedicated to teaching the basics of domestic violence to future volunteers.  It will …

Happiness Makeover at The Nest

When Naomi McCullock first started selling Mary Kay cosmetics in July 2014, she did so because she knew how using the products changed how she viewed herself. “I know how great it makes me feel,” McCullock said. “It gives you more pride in yourself.” McCullock wanted to help others feel that special, which is why she began selling the products. …

Everybody Wins with this Court Decision

While it may be popular not to trust the government, here’s a government policy most people can get behind. Katie Lund is the Judge for Lincoln County Division II Magistrate Court.  Each day, she has a full docket, many of which are misdemeanor traffic violations. If the defendants in the cases are willing to donate to a local charity, the …

Team HEAL…Around the Roundhouse

Team HEAL, consisting of the board of directors and staff at Help End Abuse for Life, is in full force again this year at the New Mexico Legislature.  While the ongoing battle against domestic violence continues on multiple levels, that battle is always ramped up come legislative time, when the state House and Senate convene in Santa Fe to debate …

True Meaning of Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is about love, but there’s different types of love than the one usually promoted at this time of year. For Ruidoso Middle School teacher Yelena Temple, the season can be about giving just as much as at Christmas. “Show your love for those in need,” Temple said. “Valentine’s day isn’t about spending hundreds of dollars on flowers. People …

Saving Money: Always a Good Cause

A penny saved is a penny earned. A cliché, maybe, but clichés always have a kernel of truth. That truth has been put into action at the Sweet Charity Resale Boutique in Ruidoso Downs, which is operated by Help End Abuse for Life (HEAL). The entire store was recently converted to energy-efficient lighting, thanks to a Reduce Your Use grant …

Bringing Joy and Cupcakes to the NEST

Sometimes, we do something so well, people think of us in one dimension. Your accomplishment in that one thing defines who you are. In the case of Kitty Callender and Diana Grace, there are worse things they could be known as besides the “Cupcake Ladies.” “One little girl told me I must be so happy,” Grace said. “I asked why, …

At the Corner of Caring and Helping

At just 26 years old, David Bustamante has gone out of his way to make a difference in Ruidoso. He moved to the area from Albuquerque in October when he was given a chance to manage the Ruidoso Walgreen’s store.  He is making it count with both his business sense and his obligation to make the community better. “This is …