ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The residents of Albuquerque’s S.A.F.E. House, one of the nation’s largest facilities that provides shelter and empowerment for survivors of intimate partner domestic violence, appreciate their new fenced courtyard. They now have a place to sit outside, enjoy nature, watch their children play and take a break from the obstacles they face, thanks to Heads Up Landscape Contractors.
“It was an honor to clean up the area of old plant material, sod the area with new grass, plant trees and flowers, and install irrigation to ensure that the landscape will be a beautiful, restful place for years to come,” said Eddie Padilla, Heads Up executive vice president. “The project was done in two phases, coordinated by Brandy Marr Hetherington and Amber Goon. We estimate the total donation of plants and trees, not including labor, was approximately $5,000. We thank our partners in the project, Neumark Irrigation Supply, Scott’s Fencing and the Hyatt Tamaya for their donation of materials as well.”
Heads Up staffers that participated in the project included Beth Adams, Andreas Birk, Corine Garcia, Kathryn Mclane, Andrew Madrid, Martin Chairez, Jeremiah Maria, Javier Reyes, Jesus Garcia and Ramon Varela.
S.A.F.E. House has noticed that the new outdoor area has reduced tension between residents. “People are happier because they can get outside in a beautiful area,” says Kellie Begaye, S.A.F.E. House director of operations. “The courtyard provides a look and feel of normalcy instead of a ‘shelter look.’ It has made a world of difference for residents and staff. We’re grateful and appreciative for the work that Heads Up did.”