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Local businessman honored by New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence for efforts on behalf of Grammy’s House

 

Bill Morton holds his Community Heroes Award from the New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence Sept. 24 in Taos. Also pictured is Celina Bryant, executive director of Grammy’s House. (Courtesy Photo)
Bill Morton holds his Community Heroes Award from the New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence Sept. 24 in Taos. Also pictured is Celina Bryant, executive director of Grammy’s House. (Courtesy Photo)

When Artesia local Bill Morton was performing general maintenance on Grammy’s House properties earlier this month, he never thought he would be called a hero. In fact, he didn’t even know awards for this type of volunteer work existed.

“You don’t do it for the recognition,” Morton said. “I just thought I needed to help, so I did.”

Morton received the New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NMCADV) Community Heroes Award Sept. 24 in Taos. Each year, the NMCADV honors select community members for their contributions and support of domestic violence work.

“From simple fixes to major remodeling jobs, [Morton] has answered many of our agency’s needs, sometimes after hours and sometimes with no compensation,” said Celina Bryant, executive director of Grammy’s House, who was present at the award ceremony. “He is an exemplary individual who supports our mission.”

Morton owns Cherokee Builders, a general contracting firm, which operates in Artesia. Through his business, he works with Grammy’s House, Artesia’s domestic violence shelter, on regular occasion. He has helped by remodeling their office space, remodeling domestic violence shelters, and performing standard maintenance.

“If the toilet breaks, I’m there to fix it,” Morton said. “Anything they need, I can be there.”

Morton’s desire to help domestic violence victims begins at home.

“I have two sisters who are both victims of domestic violence,” Morton said. “It’s always stuck with me.”

Morton wants to bring awareness to domestic violence because “it used to be a dark secret in people’s families,” and according to him, silence hides violence.

The month of October, as proclaimed by Mayor Phil Burch Tuesday, is Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Artesia. Grammy’s House is hosting events throughout October that revolve around the issue of domestic violence, including a walk from Eighth Street and Texas Avenue to Central Park at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, and a showing of “The Saga of Diamond Bessie: A Tale of Love and Murder” at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, at First Christian Church.

Grammy’s House is also encouraging Artesians to wear purple Tuesday, Oct. 13, and email photos to PurplePicDVMonth@mail.com, and invites the public to a facility tour and coffee in appreciation of its donors, supporters, staff and volunteers from 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 811 W. Texas Ave.

For more information, contact Celina Bryant at 748-1198 or Grammy’s House’s 24-hour Crisis Line at 365-5144.

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