CHURCH SPOTLIGHT – First Presbyterian Church

The children at the Nest were surprised when Judith Howard, Chairwoman of the First Presbyterian Church Women’s Ministries, brought by a large flat screen TV for their play area. The rest of the ladies in the group are Lou Mariner, Ellen Blume and Ann Volte. What a delightful Christmas gift for the kids!

Humane Society Helps HEAL Help Survivor

The link between animal cruelty and domestic violence has been known for a long time, but recent studies into just how closely the two are linked has shed even more light on the importance of accommodating pets who provide unconditional love to victims of domestic violence. Not only are animals a powerful method of controlling a victim, in threatening harm …

ORGANIZATION HIGHLIGHT – PEO

The local chapter of the PEO (Philanthropic Educational Organization) has once again donated Christmas gifts for the residents of the Nest consisting of robes, pajamas, socks and hats.  The P.E.O. Sisterhood is passionate about its mission of promoting educational opportunities for women and have been holiday donors for the past several years.  Each Christmas morning, their generosity puts a warm …

Knitting for the Nest

Nearly one year ago, local real estate agent Sheri Rodgers dropped off a box of twelve hand-knitted scarves as Christmas gifts for the women and children residing at The Nest domestic violence shelter. Following her footsteps, many other realtors and property managers, both within her office and outside, joined together to offer even more support and gifts for the shelter. …

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT – J Bar J Country Church

J Bar J Church provided the HEAL family with a beautiful Thanksgiving spread this year.  HEAL Treasurer Brendan Gochenour, also a member of the church, coordinated the cooking of the meal.  Each Thanksgiving, the HEAL Board of Directors, staff members and their own families join with the residents of the Nest to express gratitude for our many blessings.  Thanks, J …

St. Eleanor’s to the Nest: “Come in from the Cold”

As an organization founded by a team of community leaders, Help End Abuse for Life (HEAL) and The Nest have a history of deep connections within the community of Lincoln County, but few supporters have spent as many hours contributing to the efforts to end violence in our community as St. Eleanor Catholic Church. Now, the church has announced a …

VOLUNTEER HIGHLIGHT – Don Ratay

Don Ratay has been a long-time supporter of the Nest, filling various roles including as a photographer of HEAL’s Men Against Violence posters, video-guy of the One Billion Rising mob flash dance in Wingfield Park and chairing the agency’s annual golf tournament committee for the Deacon Bob Open.  As a retiree of Chevron, Don submitted his volunteer hours to a …

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT – Bonita River Services

As this winter storm bore down on us, the Nest found itself in a chilly situation.  One of the shelter’s furnaces stopped working, as the temperatures dropped to the teens.  Not to fear…Bonita River Services pounced into action and fixed the heater.  The owners are feeling the spirit of the Christmas season too, as they provided the service for free. …

Karate Kids at the Nest

Since 2007, Help End Abuse for Life (HEAL) and The Nest have strived to provide top-notch services to victims and survivors of domestic violence. Despite good intentions and dedication, unfortunately, the shelter cannot offer everything residents need or want. It is in those unfulfilled hopes that volunteers and donors emerge…and shine. Exercise is well-known for its ability to aid mental …