For the past year, Wednesday nights have been especially lively at the Nest Domestic Violence Shelter. It’s on these nights Ruidoso Downs Police Officer and licensed Zumba instructor Carolee Sandoval arrives in the evening to teach Zumba to the residents.
Sandoval is the mother of four children and a domestic violence survivor herself. She says, “The residents need every little bit of kindness and encouragement they can get. I like to stay in shape because of my job and I want to help people who might not be able to get to the gym or afford classes.”
“It’s a fun way to stay in shape and if you have fun, you’re more likely to continue doing it,” Sandoval noted. She also offers free classes to the community and is looking for a new location to hold her Tuesday and Thursday evening class.
How does this busy working mother make time to volunteer? “I’ve learned that you can use all the experiences you’ve had in your life as an excuse to be bad or to be phenomenal and I work towards being the best that I can be,” explains Sandoval.
The residents can’t help but be affected by Sandoval’s contagious enthusiasm. “I always wanted to try Zumba, but I’d never be able to get to a class. The only time my children aren’t with me is when I am at work,” says one mother whose children were upstairs sleeping while she participated in Sandoval’s Zumba class.
Shelter Advocate Miriam Moreno keeps an extra pair of shoes on hand so she can join in Wednesday night’s class. Moreno states, “I couldn’t pass up the opportunity. The music is great and everyone is in such a wonderful mood during and after. It’s been such a blessing for the residents.”
Moreno tells of one evening when a small boy was tucked into a corner, watching his mother doing Zumba. He began dancing to the music, following the movements of Sandoval leading the class. Moreno advocated for a Zumba for Kids program, which Sandoval now happily co-offers at the Nest.
Pictured is Carolee Sandoval teaching Zumba at the Nest.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT: Ted Durham and his staff at Sierra Blanca Motors are on the forefront of supporting many valuable community organizations in Lincoln County. HEAL and the Nest are proud to work in partnership with this wonderful local business. For each of the last four years, and despite the economic downturn of late, Sierra Blanca Motors has found a way to continue supporting the courageous women and children living at the Nest. Many thanks to Ted and the SBM gang!