The Nest is a safe place for women and children. Employees of the Nest, as well as their families, offer constant support to the shelter, making the atmosphere feel like home to the residents.
“My husband Kevin has helped at the Nest on several occasions,” Shelter Supervisor June Shaughnessy said. “Most recently, he and a friend, Mars Capen, came to the Nest to do some much needed trimming and weeding around the building, driveway and parking lot.” Shaughnessy and Capen spent two days landscaping and taking care of waste removal of the weeds and branches afterward.
“Most families do not get the opportunity to help or participate at a family member’s place of employment,” Shaughnessy said. “The Nest, being family oriented, often provides that opportunity.”
Once a staff or board member joins in the mission at HEAL, they become part of what is called “the HEAL Family.” HEAL understands, recognizes and honors the immense contribution of the person’s family to the cause. According to HEAL Treasurer Rick Hutchison, “Ours is a working board and staff. The only way we can do this is with the support of our families.”
Family members are invited to attend various events throughout the year, HEAL event coordinator Myranda Waldo said. Waldo recently recruited her son to help at the annual Deacon Bob Open by collecting e-mail addresses from the golfers at the Deacon Bob annual charity golf tournament to be entered in a drawing for a Zocca Coffee gift certificate and an O’Malley Irish Pub gift certificate.
Other HEAL Family events include very special holidays at The Nest with the residents, including a special, private Candelight Vigil in October, Thanksgiving celebrations in November and a Christmas party with Santa Claus during December.
The unity between work life and home life among staff members creates a positive image for the residence in the shelter. “Our staff sets a good example,” said shelter manager Terry Thompson.
Jessica Martinez, HEAL’s Social Media Liaison, started out as a staff family member volunteer. She attended HEAL Family events because of her mother, office manager Sue Francis. Soon, she was hired to work with HEAL’s Executive Director Coleen Widell in managing social media marketing and outreach. “I first began volunteering on the Deacon Bob Open committee,” Martinez said. “My husband, Josh, now volunteers as a member of my family. He participates at most HEAL events such as the Empty Bowl, and also comes to HEAL Family holiday events.” Martinez and Francis have multiple family connections at the Nest.
“When I started working at the Nest, Coleen told me my family was now considered part of the HEAL family,” Francis said. “I loved the idea.” Her husband Dan has helped in many ways, varying from changing hard to reach light bulbs, fixing sticky doors to playing Santa Claus during the annual HEAL family Christmas party. “My son Ryan, with the help of his friends, have put together dog kennels and have moved heavy boxes and furniture up the stairs at the Nest,” Francis said. “I feel so fortunate to share my family with others, especially women and children who have not had been as fortunate to have a positive male role model in their lives.”
The employees of the Nest also need support from their own families. Thompson shared that her husband provides constant support for the work she does. “He has supported me every day, and at all hours, that I am needed at the shelter, including holidays.” She said staff at the Nest will always be on call for others. “When our family’s support us, it makes our work easier.”
“The Nest is all about family and promoting good relationships, so emphasizing family involvement with the staff is very special,” Martinez said. “For this same reason, I think it definitely sets a good example and a positive image to our community and our survivors.”