Although The Nest is a joyful place full of strong women and children reclaiming their lives and recreating their futures, the very task of “becoming survivors” can weigh deeply on a person’s soul. Because of that, shelter staff has engaged with supporters and the business community of Lincoln County to provide some light-hearted reprieve to the residents of The Nest.
Karaoke nights: Long-time advocate and former Chief Operations Director Kathryn Walker and her partner Marcia King purchased and donated a new karaoke machine last Christmas. When life gets overwhelming, staff and residents host karaoke groups to let go and relax. The groups allow residents to keep a sense of fun in their lives and also help otherwise shy and timid clients to participate in a way that feels safe.
Movies and theater: The Spencer Theater and Sierra Cinema have collectively donated several dozen tickets to the women and children residing at The Nest. Being able to engage in arts and culture has permitted the residents to build on their creative sides and given the children opportunities to have fun and be children outside of the shelter walls.
Skiing: Ski Apache provided lift tickets for the residents so they could take their kids skiing this winter. Two wonderful volunteers donated instruction about skiing and snowboarding so clients could feel prepared ahead of time and tackle the mountain with confidence.
These four amazing donors help the residents of The Nest focus on their lives after leaving the shelter. It reminds them they live in an engaging community that promotes safety, freedom, happiness and health, rather than fear and anxiety.
Through these donations, residents became empowered and were given a choice to learn to trust others again.
Pictured are skiers at Ski Apache: Picture courtesy of Tori Quemada.
