Across the nation, October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). At HEAL & The Nest domestic violence shelter in Ruidoso Downs, DVAM represents a month of many events and activities for the residents, staff and board members and our community.
Each year, the Day of Unity is celebrated the first Monday of DVAM and serves three purposes: (1) mourning those who have died because of domestic violence, (2) celebrating those who have survived and (3) connecting those who work to end violence in our communities.
The Nest celebrates this day each year with a very moving, private candlelight vigil inside the shelter where residents are invited to engage in a small ceremony with the HEAL family of staff, board members and their spouses or significant other. Residents often read their poetry or sing songs of being a strong survivor. At this year’s vigil, residents were honored by hearing “Our Promises to Survivors” – statements of support and advocacy read aloud to the residents by each board and staff member.
For several years, Ruidoso’s Parks and Recreation department has participated in DVAM by lighting three spruce trees in purple lights at the “Big Y” at Highway 70 as a reminder of the importance of ending domestic violence and increasing the awareness of those affected. Two large HEAL signs are displayed near the trees, one in English and one in Spanish.
According to Rodney Griego, Parks and Recreation Director, “It is widely known that persons in all stages of life are affected by domestic violence and the Village of Ruidoso Parks Department provides services to all those potentially affected.”
“As staff, we take our vision to heart and strive to provide the best services because we do realize that outdoor activities and outdoor-related activities are physically rewarding, have psychological benefits, including the prevention or reduction of stress, improved self-esteem, confidence and creativity, spiritual growth and an increased sense of exhilaration, adventure and challenge from life,” Griego explained.
Other local DVAM events included Walton Station’s Jail-N-Bail event at the Ruidoso Downs Wal-Mart, which raised “bail” money for The Nest and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Posse. On Sunday, October 18th at 1:00 p.m., HEAL will honor their 2015 Heroes with Heart at Gateway Church of Christ, 415 Sudderth Drive, in Ruidoso.
Continuing into November, HEAL will be hosting a Mac-N-Cheese Throwdown at the Christmas Jubilee on Saturday, November 14th from 11 AM to 2 PM. The public is invited to vote for their favorite comfort food prepared by five local chefs, with the winner being awarded “The People’s Choice.” Also offered that weekend at the HEAL booth is the opportunity for three vacations of a lifetime.
For more information, visit their website at http://www.helpendabuseforlife.org or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/HelpEndAbuseForLife. For additional information about Ruidoso Parks and Recreation programs, facilities, and events visit http://www.ruidoso-nm.gov/parks-and-recreation.html.