This article originally appeared in the Hobbs News-Sun.
By Mayra Lovas
Not feeling safe in our daily lives is a tough feeling for most to imagine. We like to believe that the majority of us live our lives tucked away safely in our own homes with supportive friends, family, and neighbors just a phone call away. However, the statistics surrounding domestic violence are staggering. With 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men the victims of violence by their partners and loved ones, the need for resources to support those experiencing domestic violence is vital.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a month dedicated to raising awareness of the signs of abuse, promoting prevention strategies, sharing survivor stories, and providing valuable resources for those in need. Fortunately for Lea County, several local organizations have made it their mission to not only provide resources for victims but also work toward driving change and eliminating abuse for good. Option, Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides a safe-haven and community support for victims of domestic violence who reside in Lea County and has been operating in Lea County since 1978. Using a crisis intervention model, Option, Inc. seeks to empower victims and give them space to grow into a transformational change. They also address the offender side of domestic violence by offering educational programs to increase awareness and reduce incidents in the larger community. Another local organization making a difference for domestic violence victims is The Phoenix House. The Phoenix House was established in 2019 by two sexual assault nurse examiners and provides sexual assault and domestic violence education and prevention information. Their services use a holistic approach by providing trauma-informed services such as forensic exams, crisis and legal advocacy, and resources for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, human trafficking, and more. All services are offered to victims free of charge within the rural southeast area of New Mexico.
Sheri’s House of Hope is also joining them in this space. Founded in July 2009, the organization offers long-term transitional housing and support services to women and children displaced by or fleeing domestic violence. A 9-bedroom, 4-bathroom home was generously donated to Sheri’s House of Hope by The Opportunity House. At the House of Hope, residents learn how to rebuild their lives by living in a safe home while working with trained staff to set up a progress plan to help them reach their goals. By the time they graduate from the House of Hope 18-month program, residents will be self-sufficient and ready to become assets to the community. Women and children served by Sheri’s House of Hope also learn that violence is not a part of a normal, healthy life and that they have the power to stop generational violence.
With each organization serving very specific needs and timelines in the cycle of abuse and rehabilitation, they are able to collaborate and work together to provide more resources and make an even greater impact than they could individually. Not every community is as lucky as we are. In addition to Option, Inc., The Phoenix House, and Sheri’s House of Hope, we have shelters such as Unity Recovery Solutions, Hearts Desire and Antionette’s Haven. These organizations have all committed themselves to working together and by doing so, have created a powerful force for change for Lea County. Through their collaboration, we can provide the best support systems for victims of domestic violence and their families, and work towards hope and healing.
“We are grateful to work alongside all of the organizations in Lea County who help address domestic violence. Together we make a bigger difference in our community,” said Robert Guthrie, Executive Director at Option, Inc.
“The Lea County community has been so supportive of our organization. We are proud of the work we do together to address this issue that impacts so many in our community,” said Gretchen Koether, Executive Director at Phoenix House.
While Domestic Violence Awareness Month offers an opportunity to raise awareness, we believe that by continuing advocacy long after October ends, we can work to eliminate abuse for good. For more information on local resources and educational information related to domestic violence awareness, please contact the JF Maddox Foundation at (575) 393-6338.
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Mayra Lovas is the Vice President of Grants at the JF Maddox Foundation, a family foundation in Lea County, New Mexico. Alongside its partners, the foundation invests in education, social services, and community development for a greater quality of life for Lea County reside
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