Purple in the Park: Survivor Shares Path from Abuse, Addiction and Incarceration to Redemption 530pm Thursday

ALAMOGORDO — Domestic violence survivors, families and community members are invited to gather Thursday, Oct. 15, at Washington Park for “Purple in the Park,” a free evening of awareness, education, fellowship, music and local vendors hosted by COPE (Center of Protective Environment) in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The event runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to wear purple to show support for survivors. Light refreshments and entertainment will be provided. COPE’s message for the evening is “Listen. Believe. Support.”

Keynote speaker Grace Nagamine, a lifelong Alamogordo resident and domestic violence survivor, will share her personal story of abuse, homelessness, addiction and incarceration—and the path she has walked in the 18 years since that chapter of her life. Nagamine has publicly described surviving childhood abuse, domestic violence, substance abuse and time in the criminal justice system, experiences she has also detailed in her book The Grace Nagamine Story: Your Neighbor: Living the Fight. She has spoken of navigating systems including Child Protective Services as a grandparent, the welfare system as a mother in poverty, and the mental health system while dealing with personal trauma.

Those experiences now shape her advocacy. Nagamine founded Royal Angels, a nonprofit serving children with special needs that was inspired by her granddaughter Melanie. She has worked as a certified nursing assistant, served in the nursery at Mountain View Church for more than a decade, and is a former Mrs. New Mexico titleholder. She has publicly supported expanded funding for COPE and victim servicesWith Kids Inc and other advocacy organizations. 

COPE, which operates a shelter and provides crisis intervention, counseling, legal advocacy, safety planning and education across Otero and Lincoln counties, organized the park event as part of its annual Domestic Violence Awareness Month efforts. The agency’s mission is to help people affected by domestic violence and other forms of abuse through direct services and community education. Its 24/7 crisis line is 575-437-2673 (toll-free 1-866-350-2673).

Organizers describe the evening as an opportunity for education, resource information, fellowship and community connection, with local vendors and musicians contributing to the atmosphere. Washington Park has long served as a central gathering place for community events in Alamogordo.

The event is open to the public. Attendees are asked to wear purple as a visible sign of solidarity with survivors.

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