A Ruidoso couple is helping making a difference for women and children living at the Nest. The couple teamed up with a group of church folks to plant a garden at the shelter.
Jeff and Jeni Pinar, founders of a Matthew 25 Ministries, and several volunteers from Novato Presbyterian Church in Novato, California, worked to bring the project together.
The idea of planting a garden began as an alternative to going on a mission in Juarez, because of the volatile state of the border town. The couple has been working with women’s shelters, safe houses and orphanages in Juarez for about 14 years.
The Pinars, who moved from Juarez to Ruidoso in 2009, learned the only women’s shelter in Lincoln County was right in their backyard. They contacted the Nest and proposed the idea of planting a garden.
The Pinars planted more than 70 gardens and 200 pecan trees for similar organizations in Juarez. They brought their experience, passion and friends and began to work.
The team transformed a 750 square foot area of weeds, leftover concrete, rocks and dirt into a tidy garden of tomato plants, squash, rhubarb and other vegetables. The garden team brought in 8,000 pounds of rocks, according to Jeff. The youngest of the ladies working was 58 years old. When he told them how much work was needed, the ladies didn’t back down, he said.
“The Nest garden project provided an opportunity for the older church folks to continue their mission work in a safe environment,” said Jeff, an Ohio native who began going to church when he was 25. “The project was fulfilling for them and they are excited to come back.”
The Nest residents and staff appreciate the work and the team’s commitment to serving the women and children here. Nest resident advocate Terry Thompson tends to the garden and keeps the plants healthy. Fresh squash, cucumbers, peppers and tomatoes are a treat for the residents and staff. It’s a gift that keeps giving, she said.
“We are so thankful for the team of folks who brought this gift to us,” Thompson said. “It is a symbolic representation; a garden can flourish in a place that was once just weeds and rocks. Some of our clients find peace working in our garden.”
Pictured are the members of the Matthew 25 Ministries at the garden at the Nest Domestic Violence Shelter in Ruidoso Downs.