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HEAL introduces board of directors [Ruidoso News, N.M. :: ](Ruidoso News (NM) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) May 06--One of the most crucial, yet often overlooked, elements of any organization is its board of directors. At Help End Abuse for Life (HEAL), the organization that runs The Nest domestic violence shelter and Sweet Charity Resale Boutique in Ruidoso Downs, the directors are expected to plan community activities for education and outreach, support and supervise the operations, and staff the agency and ensure all activities align with the mission statement. Beyond that, each director is charged with raising sufficient funds to keep the shelter doors open as well as HEAL's jail and teen dating violence outreach programs. All while holding down successful leadership positions around Lincoln County and the Mescalero Apache Reservation. As any director will tell you, it is a difficult, but highly rewarding, position. Board President Mark Chino has served as a director for almost two years. He is a former Mescalero Apache Tribal president and won one of HEAL's 2012 Heroes with Heart awards for his commitment to the organization and ending violence in the community. He posed for the Native Men Against Domestic Violence poster campaign in 2012 as well as being one of the red high-heeled men in the inaugural "A Walk in Her Shoes." He is known as compassionate, brave and humble. Vice President Julie Gilliland is a minister with Church Out of Church and acting general manager at KEDU Community Radio. She has served on HEAL's board for nearly three years and previously served on the Parks and Recreation commission. Gilliland is known for being ultra-busy but very dedicated to the mission of HEAL. "I believe being involved in our community is absolutely vital. It is great knowing that everyone can make a difference," said Gilliland. Secretary Sheri Rodgers is a local realtor who was welcomed to the HEAL board a year ago after donating a box full of hand-knitted scarves to The Nest at Christmas. Since beginning her term, Rodgers has played a key role in each of HEAL's fund raisers and organized a local knitting circle that raises money for the shelter through scarves which are sold at Josie's Framery. She is also known as the photographer at each of HEAL's events. "I am drawn to serving the women and children at the Nest. They pull at my heart's string. With my efforts, I can make life just a little bit easier for these courageous folks." Pastor Rick Hutchison of Angus Church of the Nazarene also joined HEAL's board one year ago. He led the organization's community-building efforts during this year's legislative session in Santa Fe and bravely marched in red high heels at Aspenfest for HEAL's 2013 A Walk in Her Shoes domestic violence awareness event. "The one thing that tugs at my heart is the children," Hutchison said, when asked what keeps him inspired. "I recognize that violence doesn't only affect women, but also the children, in a magnified way. One of the most valuable things HEAL does is that it affects and reaches to the whole family. I have a grandson that's about two years old and when I see those kids, it reminds me how important and valuable a family is to those children." Barbara Snowden, a local professional hair stylist at The Crystal Pistol, joined the HEAL Board after giving the residents of The Nest haircuts and styles for several years. Snowden chaired the HEAL float-decorating team for the 2013 Aspenfest Parade. She and her team constructed the beautiful nine-foot red stiletto that won HEAL first place in the small floats category. Snowden is also the head of the publicity committee for the Lincoln County Prayer Breakfast and National Day of Prayer. "I love how much more I've learned about what the board actually does for HEAL in the past few months," Snowden said. "What a dedicated group of people. We are so blessed to have this facility and the people who keep it running." Pat Shukis-Fraser, a retired attorney, worked as senior outreach coordinator for The Nest a few years ago, and latched onto the mission of The Nest almost as soon as she relocated to Lincoln County. "Although I have (thankfully) had no experience with domestic abuse, I am appalled with the prevalence and severity of the problem and in awe of the courage it takes for survivors to start fresh," she said. "I hope to use my experience as the person responsible for a 5,000 persons cadre of volunteers for a state judiciary to craft a small and committed band of volunteers to work for HEAL." Lynn Crawford is a business entrepreneur at heart. He currently owns The Dream Catcher Café and Catering Company in Midtown. He also serves as the general manager of the Ruidoso Jockey Club and was elected to the village of Ruidoso Council in March 2012. Crawford joined the HEAL Board in March of this year, adding to his long list of community service to Lincoln County. Though the work of a director is challenging, each of HEAL's board members is selected for their specific skills, excellence, dedication and a strong desire to embrace the community with love and respect. Each director is committed to helping survivors find hope, ending violence in our community and building a beautiful and loving environment in which healing and recovery can occur. Donor Spotlight The Nest has been very blessed in the last few weeks with community donations. Here is a big shout out to our loving donors: Joe & Mary Gomez -- steaks, Subway -- fresh baked bread, Ana Schermerhorn -- cash and toiletries, Robert Macfarlane -- a microwave, Tom Moorhead -- toys and books, First Presbyterian Church -- towels and lap robes, Carol Hare -- 4H Club -- Easter Baskets, Elke Cooper and Shepherd of the Hills -- toiletries, socks, money, Cheryl Clarke -- clothing, Barb Sanchez -- bedspreads and Andria Burgess -- boys clothing. With a house of 40+ residents, every donation is used and very much appreciated! ___ (c)2014 the Ruidoso News (Ruidoso, N.M.) Visit the Ruidoso News (Ruidoso, N.M.) at www.ruidosonews.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |