Debbie Haines-Nix, owner of Sanctuary on the River Inspired Living Center, has been a long-time supporter of HEAL and The Nest Domestic Violence Shelter. In fact, she was not only a charter board member, but was involved before The Nest was opened in 2007. “We were simply a small group who knew our community could no longer be number one in incidence of domestic violence in New Mexico,” Haines-Nix explained.
Haines-Nix was also instrumental in the development of Sweet Charity, the resale boutique that benefits The Nest Domestic Violence Shelter. “Starting Sweet Charity really began with the generosity of our community. So many people were donating, and we needed some organized way to facilitate dispersing the wonderful items,” Haines-Nix said. “First and foremost, we wanted our residents to be able to shop with dignity. Second, the proceeds from sales would be used to further facilitate independence for our survivors.”
Although Haines-Nix no longer serves HEAL as a board member, she still supports the organization every chance she gets. In fact, each year she and Sanctuary on the River graciously host HEAL’s staff and board retreat. “Sanctuary on the River was built as a retreat center and it has been our honor to host their yearly retreats,” she said. “I feel it is my way of still being an active participant in our community effort to alleviate the far-reaching impact of domestic violence.”
Haines-Nix also held a tent/patio sale last month at Sanctuary on the River and donated the $500 in proceeds to the shelter. The sale was a result of “simply needing to clear some space physically and mentally to make room for some new exciting projects we are considering here at Sanctuary on the River,” she said.
“As a life coach, I work with people in the area of reinvention, and one of the first ares we address is ‘clearing’, not just physically but emotionally and spiritually as well. If you want new good things to appear in your life you must make actual room for them,” Haines-Nix related. “Choosing HEAL as the benefactor was an easy choice when I decided to do this cleansing of my own space, because the example of strength the women show when they choose to come to the Nest is so inspiring to me.”
Sanctuary on the River, located a short walk from Midtown Ruidoso on Eagle Drive, next to the tranquil Rio Ruidoso, prides itself on being a full-service event center for corporate and social events, like weddings. They also offer culinary classes, art, writing and journaling workshops, as well as a full menu of health, wellness spa and salon services.
Haines-Nix said, “Sanctuary on the River Inspired Living Center as the full name suggests is about inspiring you to be all you want to be, all you can be, and providing a healing venue where this can take place.”