cope 1 — COPE Executive Director Kay Gomolak oversees the esteemed Center of Protective Environment, which aids victims of domestic violence in Lincoln and Otero Counties.

COPE: Pledged to Abate Domestic Violence in your Community

Every 15 seconds a woman in the U.S. is battered by physical abuse. This does not include the continuous emotional assaults they suffer. It has been approximated one in four females will be assailed in the course of their lives. Eighty-five percent of household attacks take place against women.

These gloomy statistics unfortunately necessitate counter measures to greatly help lessen physical and mental destructiveness in the home. Enter, the Center of Protective Environment (COPE), a non-profit agency that provides domestic violence services in Lincoln and Otero Counties. Since the early 1980s it has afforded a full range of assistance, including advocacy (for medical, jobs, and protection), legal services, counseling, shelter, and community education. COPE works closely with the local shelter in Ruidoso Downs, the Nest, but remains a separate non-profit agency.

Community support in the two above-mentioned counties, such as cash, cars, milk to toilet paper enables COPE to offer these amenities to those in dire need. And these essentials – that supply aid to people affected by corporeal cruelty and other forms of injurious offenses – have currently, never been greater.

“It takes time to change behaviors,” COPE Executive Director Kay Gomolak explained. “Our program initially started as a 20-week agenda but has since been increased to 52 weeks. Offenders are charged $10 a session while victim’s needs are paid by other sources (grants). It is the only state certified domestic violence offender concept. Many victims are isolated, intimidated, and feel worthless. The question arises, are individuals using power and control over another?”

A COPE Community Educator provides instruction for community high schools, elementary schools, and senior centers to develop healthy relationships.

“Our primary concern is making sure people are safe and to get them the help they may require,” Gomolak clarified. “Both parties should learn to communicate. Victims need to recognize their own potential.”

COPE has an attorney on staff who affords legal representation for the victims of domestic violence, sexual assaults, stalking, protective orders, and child services. This service is extended to Lincoln and Otero Counties and is roughly equal in number of cases. In Ruidoso, this esteemed organization has a new Victim Advocate in Lisa Maue. For those in need, COPE is there for assistance and relief. In Ruidoso its address is 1204 Mechem, Suite 12, White Mountain Plaza, 575-258-4946. In Alamogordo, 909 S. Florida, 575-434-3622. The COPE crisis line is 1-866-350-COPE (2673).

cope 2 — Rebecca Williams will be partnered in the eight-couple dance competition at the COPE fundraiser on April 22 at 7 p.m. at Alto Lakes Country Club.

Last year in Ruidoso alone, this agency saw nearly 200 individuals in dilemma. If you find yourself in a critical situation requiring the help of the Center of Protective Environment do not hesitate to call or stop by. It just may allow you to close your eyes for a moment and see an opportunity to chase your dreams.

COPE Fundraiser April 22
For those who wish to support the much-needed COPE, this agency will hold its annual fundraiser – “Dancing for the Cause” – April 22, at Alto Lakes Country Club at 7 p.m. This was originally the idea of Ms. Susan Kolb and will be the second year for the event (the first at Alto Lakes Country Club). Eight local (Lincoln County) VIP couples will dance for your enjoyment and exhibit individual routines in this competition for a coveted trophy.

Due to food ordering requirements, tickets for the buffet closed on April 18, but tickets to the show are available by contacting the Ruidoso COPE office (575-258-4946), the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce (575-257-7395) or at the door. This is a tax deductible affair. All funds will support the domestic violence programs and services COPE provides to Lincoln County.

Sponsorship cost is $300, includes four tickets and the buffet or the option of not dining and receiving eight tickets (and featured advertisement). Tickets for the dance event are $30. There will be open dancing and a cash bar.

MC Brian Scott of Palm Springs, Calif. (formerly of Ruidoso), will also sing and be joined by Susan Kolb.

“Our sponsors greatly help to make this event a success,” Gomolak said. “Last year we had more than 20.”

—Michael Curran