Nest Staff – In the Service of Immigrant Victims

Nest Staff – In the Service of Immigrant Victims Reyna Flores began her service to the Nest as an on-call translator in the Spring of 2007, bringing with her fluency in four languages – English, Spanish, French and Italian. A full time advocate position came next and five years later, Flores is one of two supervisors at the Nest Domestic …

An Average Day at the Nest

Shelter Manager Carrie Calkins arrived at 430 this morning instead of the usual 6:00 a.m. so she could get a client to work on time. It is just another day at the Nest. A resident wakes up and carries her feverish two-year-old to Advocate Mona Earnest in the staff office. Together, they take the child’s temperature. As they are trying …

HEAL/ The Nest’s Amazon Wishlist

The Nest continues to expand its online presence to educate the public about domestic violence and the services available at the shelter. And now, in an effort to make it easier for people to donate online, The Nest has set up a Wish List on Amazon. The list contains items that are needed in the shelter for daily operation or …

2012 Heroes with Heart Selected for Public Awards Gala

HEAL board members have completed the evaluation of the 2012 Heroes with Heart nominations that were submitted this year for consideration. Twelve winners were chosen from the community at large and a HEAL Advocate Hero was chosen from the Nest staff. The thirteen winners will be honored on Sunday, March 4 at 2PM during the Heroes with Heart Awards Gala …

Chili for Charity

Lifelong Ruidoso resident and firefighter Michael Friberg fondly recalls the chili cook-offs formerly  held downtown in unison with the Aspen Parade.  He misses the event but recognized an opportunity to generate funds for community programs by re-initiating the competition.  Thus, the First Annual Hook & Ladder Firefighter Chili Cook Off. Firefighters from around the state as well as local chefs, …

Heroes with Heart Nomination Form

Heroes with Heart Nomination Form Please mail or fax completed nomination (575) 378-1027 to the Nest to the attention of Coleen Widdell. “Heroes with Heart” celebrates local heroes who have shown exceptional and unselfish caring for others. According to HEAL Treasurer and Committee Chair Lynn Myers, “By honoring ordinary people who perform extraordinary acts of kindness, philanthropy and significantly impact …

The Nest Seeks Donations for “Off the Beaten Path” Art Auction.

Lorraine Gebo, mother of board member Lyn Meyer, has generously donated the first painting for the Nest’s “Off the Beaten Path” art competition. The work is by famed Western artist Lester Hughes. Hughes rose to fame after Presidential candidate Ronald Reagan discovered him during a 1976 campaign stop in Hughes’ home town of El Paso. Gebo’s husband was a collector …

Local Man Speaks at Legislative Press Conference

Ruidoso resident Raul Luevano was a featured speaker at the annual press conference of the New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence in the rotunda of the Roundhouse in Santa Fe. He shared his story of growing up with an abuser and discussed the long-term effects of being a child victim and witness to domestic violence perpetrated by his father. Luevano …

The Nest “Oh Baby!” Diaper Drive Begins

The Nest is kicking off a month-long diaper drive to benefit the babies living at the domestic violence shelter in Ruidoso Downs. Each year, the Nest serves over 300 women and kids each year, over half of whom are children. “It’s not unusual for us to serve a family with more than one child in diapers. Despite the economic downturn, …