To fulfill the mission of Help End Abuse for Life (HEAL) to end domestic violence in Lincoln County and New Mexico, each year the organization sends several board and staff members to Santa Fe to garner support for the cause during the legislative session. Throughout the years, HEAL staff have developed supportive relationships with several key legislators.
“HEAL realizes the importance of having a sound working relationship with each of our legislators and with those who hold key legislative committee assignments. Without this, we would be less effective at advocating for victim-friendly legislation and funding for critical services needed by the women and children whom we serve at the Nest,” said Rick Hutchison, HEAL board member and chair of the HEAL Finance Committee.
The three legislators who represent Ruidoso and Lincoln County are Representative Zach Cook, Senator Phil Griego and Senator William Burt.
According to Hutchison, who attended the HEAL Advocacy Days in Santa Fe this year, each of our legislators professed a commitment to addressing and ending violence in Lincoln County.
As an example, Hutchison pointed out that Representative Zach Cook’s commitment dates back to his early years of service as a lawyer. “I have participated in fundraising and other projects and have always been a supporter of HEAL and the Nest. I have provided pro bono legal advice to over 100 domestic violence victims, including those from the Nest, in court proceedings in the 12th Judicial District. I have a firm commitment to helping women and kids recover from domestic violence,” said Cook.
Cook recognizes the important role of teamwork, believing that it truly does take a village, and emphasizing the value of taking responsibility for positive change and justice. He said, “HEAL, the Nest and its leadership have made phenomenal progress since their beginning,” he said. “We all have to work together, and we all have separate and important roles to play in these efforts. This struggle will never end and we can never rest. We have to continue to protect the victims, educate the public and look for the next generation of leaders.”
Hutchison said Senator Bill Burt and Senator Phil Griego were unable to participate in this article but their concern and support have also been demonstrated in Santa Fe, as they are highly aware that each vote they cast related to domestic violence intervention and prevention directly affects Lincoln County and Mescalero, and the women and children who access life-saving services at the Nest.
Community members are invited to meet with our legislators at a public forum hosted at Sanctuary on the River on Wednesday, March 5, at 10 a.m. to hear about what was accomplished during the legislative session that just ended. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend this crucial opportunity to speak with legislators about the important work being done in Lincoln County, to hear updates about New Mexico’s progress firsthand and to provide encouragement and support for the legislators who work every day to ensure our community is represented, protected, and strengthened for the future.
Pictured are HEAL Board and staff members in Santa Fe during the legislative session: Julie Gilliland, Senator Bill Burt, Rick Hutchison, Brendan Gochenour, Coleen Widell and Senator Phil Griego.
