What I hope is that we can inform the community of the existence of HEAL & The Nest Domestic Violence Shelter, but also have more information about what violence is through all the radio and social networks.
Salvador Lopez, HEAL Board Member
HEAL Board Member Salvador Lopez tells us about himself, why he was drawn to volunteer with HEAL & The Nest Domestic Violence Shelter, and what he hopes to accomplish during his time on the Board.
Interviewer: Tell me how you first got involved with HEAL & The Nest Domestic Violence Shelter.
In the year 2003, I was the radio host of the community radio station, it was the first radio station in Spanish. Of the topics that I transmitted were everything related to the community (social security, worker’s compensation, activities of the city, etc. ), the one that mattered most to me was Domestic Violence, for which I contacted COPE of the State of New Mexico, and thus brought to the community important information about domestic violence. During this time of two years, I dedicated an hour to the subject. I interviewed survivors in the State, making contact with the State and County which was very high; at that time according to the numbers in the first year (Hispanic community), the numbers dropped which meant a lot for the fight against violence.
Interviewer: How long have you been a member of the Lincoln County community?
I moved from Southern California (Anaheim) in early 2003. We have a cleaning business, and I live part-time in California.
Interviewer: What was your first impression of HEAL?
The dedication to the victims, the care, the protection, something that the victims really need, and the community’s support.
Interviewer: What do you wish other people knew about HEAL?
I am a survivor of domestic violence as a child. I saw how my mother was beaten physically and mentally, remembering my mother’s face is something that I will have in my mind. At that time my life was hell since I was also beaten and thanks to God and my wife was able to break the chains of violence and see how children currently have their traumas, the suffering that at some point leads them to drugs, gangs, and alcohol leads them to a life of problems. We must do something to help both women and children.
Interviewer: What are some of your strongest beliefs about HEAL/The Nest/domestic violence?
The power to protect those women who need us as well as the children who are the ones that concern me since what I lived through is something I would not want them to experience.
Interviewer: What might our readers be surprised to know about you?
I just try to help my community. Currently, my family is the founder of a Christmas program that we have had for many years bringing joy to low-income families so that each Christmas is happy. Currently, the Episcopal Church of Lincoln County joined us in donating. We bring toys, clothes, and food. If you would like to participate you can contact us as we have donations from Texas, California, the UK, and local businesses and the community.
Interviewer: What do you do when you aren’t volunteering as a Board Member for HEAL?
I usually try to be busy, at home or helping someone, especially the elderly. I also love to cook.
Interviewer: What are you looking forward to most about this coming year for HEAL?
I hope that we can inform the community of the existence of HEAL & The Nest Domestic Violence Shelter and also have more information about what violence is through all the radio and social networks.