HEAL is greatly needed in the community and is the highest ranked program of it's kind in NM. HEAL, as well as it's dedicated and motivated staff, have made great strides throughout the years to become a safe place for DV survivors and their children to live. HEAL offers life changing skills and guidance to residents to help them overcome the past and move into a great new future. In the short time I have been a resident of Ruidoso, NM, I have gained a new found awareness and respect for the HEAL program. I have seen and heard first hand the stories of survivors and the incredible positive impact it has on the lives of all who are involved. May God Bless You All!!!
HEAL is a wonderful non-profit organization! After hearing so many wonderful things about this great organization from numerous people and previous board members, my husband and I knew we just had to become a part of it. All of the staff are wonderful and they have always been extremely helpful. I love knowing that everyone on that staff, including the Executive Director, Coleen Widdell, are actually there to really make a difference and help make the shelter the safest place to be for both women & children!! It's wonderful knowing that the residents are involved in so many programs which will help them to become productive citizens as well as gain new skills required to become more independent. I've also been fortunate to be able to work with the women and children as well. They are a part of my life now and they are like my family. I'm also amazed with the energy driven media team who strive to spread awareness to help end violence. My husband and I are proud supporters of the Nest!!
I credit my wife of 19 yrs. with giving me a clearer understanding of the scope and effects of domestic violence. As a DV survivor from her first marriage, she has a unique understanding and perspective of DV. Were it not for her, I would not have become involved with the fine people and services provided by HEAL/the NEST. For 2 years, my wife worked as an Advocate/Outreach Coordinator with HEAL/the NEST. During that time, I became associated with the staff and I came to know the dedication, devotion, and compassion given to each and every client served by HEAL/the NEST. In May 2012, I became a member of the HEAL board of directors and in July 2013, my fellow board members honored me with the privilege of serving as president of the board for the next year. HEAL/the NEST is blessed to have a fine staff, who are committed to assisting our clients in starting new lives free of violence and oppression. I am blessed to work with board members who are no less committed.
HEAL is widely recognized as the Number 1 program in the state. This title did not come easy. With a wonderful director at the helm and a great team consisting of trained advocates, a supportive board, employees and community volunteers, this domestic violence program is thriving. Never one to be in the back of the pack, HEAL is always one step ahead of the curve and constantly strives to be the leader in innovative programming.
I do not like to see one organization gain favor by trouncing on other non profits organizations and often, obstructing the ability of other agencies to network and secure donations. This is but one very small organization in our small town.
I have been a heal employee for the last 4 plus years, I have learned so much from these women they are truly amazing and have such strength, they just need a lot of hope and encouragement in this upside down world. although this a very stressful job the support that we receive from staff makes it all possible!
I would like to say that The Nest is a great program. It has served many women from the Mescalero reservation; empowering and getting women back on their feet. The staff have also come into the Mescalero community to share their knowledge of domestic violence prevention at health fairs and also in our Head Start program, having Domestic Violence Training for the parents and guardians. As a former employee, The Nest will always have an impact on my life, especially in understanding what Domestic Violence is really all about.
Both my husband and I got involved with The Nest (HEAL) because its goals and philosophy are what we strive to maintained.
Domestic Violence has touched our lives in a very personal way, and because of this we have supported The Nest in any way we possibly could.
Even though I no longer sit on the Board I volunteer any way I can. Whether it is on a committee or traveling to Santa Fe to Lobby for more funding, I will be there for them
Many do not realize that Grants are aimed at specific projects and are great in their own right), or that the funding received from the State is distributed through a single agency and must cover the entire state, and all organizations dealing with Domestic Violence and Child Abuse.
When the Grants run out or are not available and the state funding is cut, the expenses of running the The Nest still remain. Over the past several years the funding from all areas has begun to dry up. This means that programs like, Education and Outreach must take a back-seat so that the basic needs of the women and children of The Nest can be met in the best way possible.
Domestic Violence is a fact in the United States. Only we as citizens can change how Domestic Violence is perceived. Until that time the need for Women's shelters is growing at and alarming rate and that means that we as citizens must support them in any way we can. From personal donations, and volunteering to communication with our State and Federal Representatives to advise them of the needs of these women and their children.
It is my opinion The Nest (HEAL) is the best run and provides the safest environment of ANY shelter in the United States and should become the proto-type for all shelters.
It is further my wish the the need for shelters become non existent, but that can only happen with the ending of Domestic Violence and Child Abuse.
I've worked with Help End Abuse for Life for the better part of a year now. It has a great team driving it forward and a strong community supporting its endeavors. I have seen the advocates serving many women and helping them to create entirely new lives for themselves, the board members developing plans to make our services more accessible, available, broader, and better, and the administrative and managing staff acting as a shining example of how non-profits should be run. HEAL has acted as a catalyst of hope and change for hundreds of women setting out to make some of the most difficult decisions of their lives and it has excelled in doing so.
I love being a part of HEAL. some of my favorite people on earth are women; my Mom. My Sisters My Wife and my Daughters... I always strive to be an example to my girls to ensure they realize their importance and how they should expect to be loved and cherished by their future partner. being part of HEAL has opened my eyes to how many women out there wer not cherished and loved as they deserved to be. These Women have become like my own sister and daughters and I want to fight the great fight to make their lives and the lives of their children as great as it should have always been. being a part of this organization has made me a better man. im proud to be a member of a team whose goal is to make the world a better place
I recently worked with HEAL in both the shelter and at the Sweet Charity thrift shop. It was an amazing experience. The staff are gracious and serve as amazing advocacies for this cause. I would recommend this organization. It is a wonderful cause and the opportunity to be involved is something I will always be grateful for. I will continue to work with them.
As the only original Board member of Help End Abuse for Life (H.E.A.L.) who served as Vice-President twice, President once and Immediate Past President on the Executive Committee and who also worked for a short time as an employee of The Nest as the resident manager, I can attest to the fulfillment of a dream in Lincoln County. With various contiguous counties having DV shelters as long as 20 to 25 years when we began our quest to build, Lincoln County closed its eyes in recognizing that a need existed-until a great group of concerned community members began a very real discussion of DV incidents. In a period of two years, we had a piece of property and a goal. Today with the professional and superior leadership of Ms. Coleen Widell as the Director, the DV shelter known as The Nest is one of the most respected shelters in New Mexico. It embraced a progressive concept that the shelter is located on Highway 70 in clear and transparent view of all people passing by, instead of trying to hide the location from perpetrators. Training is a critical and vital part of The Nest as the staff give residents the skills necessary to go to court, file Temporary Restraining Orders, develop interview and job skills, and become productive citizens without fear of retaliation. This organization has survived the downturn of our economy and remains strong in its concept to reach out to the victims of Domestive Violence.
Hello my name is Terry Thompson, for the last 41/2 years I served at the NEST as a supervisor. What an honor and privilege to be able to find the resources for each individual family. One day one of our little boys had returned to the shelter with his mother, wiped the tears from his eyes, ran over to the other children, squared his little shoulders and asked how long have you been here? The answer was given to him and his response to the children was" I'm never going to leave again." As a advocate this reassured me that we as staff was doing a good job, and maybe just maybe as he grew older the shelter part of his experience of DV would be a bright spot. Safety for Mothers and Children is number 1.
I got involved with this organization three years ago with an invite from Joe Gomez. I knew little about the NEST, but after volunteering for a short time, I had been baptized into Domestic Violence. Shauna and I knew that it existed, but Holy Cow it does really exist. The most rewarding thing for me is the kids and seeing those happy faces in a safe place and then seeing them at Walmart and them running up to you and giving a big hug. The women have been a blessing to me, to see them be able to make a turn around and to go back out into the world is just an owe some experience. None of this could be done though without the dedicated staff. They work hard and have a passion! If you want to make a difference in a life, call me and I will get you enlisted today, 575-808-1075.
HEAL is an incredible organization. From the Executive Director, Coleen Widell, to the incredible staff and volunteers, here is a group of individuals who are commiitted to touching and changing the lives of women whose lives have been torn apart by domestic violence. As a pastor in this community and now as a board member I have seen first hand the care and commitment of all involved. Lincoln County is blessed to have HEAL!
The Nest is the most beneficial place in the whole of Lincoln County, in giving and providing a safe and secure place to heal, for women and their children who are survivors of domestic violence. I have had the privilege to be associated with the Nest, for over three years and I still continue to work for them when I can. The advocates and administrators are caring, dedicated, and so willing to help other women to become empowered and independent. The Nest is an asset to this community and I am more than proud to be a small part of this much needed facility.
HEAL and the NEST are very important to this community- this is the FIRST Domestic Violence shelter in their area, it is a vital part of protecting women and children who are abused by the very people in their lives that are supposed to love and protect them. The people who go there desperately need this time of healing in their lives- it is a wonderful place for them to be- They offer so much hope and encouragement to their clients- it is truly an amazing place
I admire HEAL for various reasons. First off they do so much with so little. Not that they aren't constantly busy offering some fun and worthwhile fundraiser, but what they do with the proceeds amazes me. The home/ facility itself...its a great gift we all give to our sisters when we gift that to those who cry out while we sleep. Compassion is under rated.
HEAL and the Nest are an extremely important asset to our Community. The facility is a safe haven for women and children that have experienced domestic violence. The staff is amazing, they truly care about the issues that their residents have. I have witnessed first hand that they are skilled at helping build self esteem and confidence.
HEAL and the Nest are truly a blessing to this community. As a member of the clergy, serving mostly on the Mescalero reservation, I know first hand the fine, life-saving services this organization provides.
HEAL is Lincoln County, NM answer to a prayer. With the highest rate of domestic violence in NM, HEAL has created the NEST as a perfect shelter for battered women and their children. HEAL has a great staff, trained to be advocates for victims of domestic violence. Victims are able to start their survival process, with numerous opportunities to learn more about themselves and how to be strong. There are many programs in place to assist the victims to educate them and increase their resolve to survive domestic violence.
HEAL has a devoted board of directors that works diligently to support and keep the work of the NEST financially strong.
Sweet Charity, the upscale resale shop, opened two years ago to raise money and give victims a chance to start over with clothes and other items. Most women have lost everything they have when they have to leave a violent relationship. Donations of furniture, clothes and household items from the public are gratefully received, sorted and displayed for victims to "shop". Sweet Charity is known in Lincoln County for having the best selction of resale items in a wonderful environment.
I have toured the facility and it is very impressive, homey and secure. The staff are genuine, caring and sensitive people. They provide a valuable service to the community and are highly regarded around this small town. It is the only non-profit organization that I have chosen to give my time to.
I've never been more impressed with the services HEAL provide and the care and compassion they exhibit for ANY who need their helping touch. The volunteers, staff and director are each concerned about being the best they can be for each client.
Kudos to all of them. I'm so grateful that we have the NEST in our community - sad we need it, glad we have it.
Great organization serving our Lincoln County. Not only do they take care of victims, but also the children and the pets of the victims. All aspects are taken care of and what an asset to our community. Everyone in our community should be very proud of the compassion and caring of this wonderful organization.
HEAL and the Nest are such a valuable asset to our community. I work in the human services arena, and their services have made such a difference in the lives of many of the people that I work with who are struggling to get back on their feet and rediscover their meaning and purpose, and set new life goals for themselves.
As a member of the health and wellness community I see and I know of the excellent service provided at HEAL/ the Nest. I have toured the site several times with visiting students and faculty from a University in Guanajuarto Mexico.
They are a genuine asset to our community. I am a holistic nurse and I see the work at Heal being holistic as it address body, mind and spirit.