By Renee Worthing 

Register Reporter 

Not only will Sanford’s domestic abuse resource program, Caring Unlimited, remain open, but its work continues with a walk/run July 13 in memory of domestic abuse victim Nicole Oliver, a Wells resident who police said was killed by her husband in a murder-suicide in 2007.

Caring Unlimited received word Feb. 29 that Gov. John Baldacci’s proposed 2008/2009 Supplemental Budget would slash $168,000 from domestic violence support programs. Coupled with President George Bush’s proposed cuts to federally funded programs, the $1.1 million in reductions spelled potential disaster for Caring Unlimited.

The cuts would have forced Caring Unlimited to close its doors by October.

But, in response to the proposed cuts, several women who used Caring Unlimited’s services along with hundred of women from the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence showed up at the State House in Augusta to speak.

Baldacci signed a revision to the state’s 2008/2009 budget March 31 with no cuts to domestic violence programs.

“I believe our showing at the State House made a difference as well as testimony from survivors of domestic violence,” Caring Unlimited Public Awareness and Community Support Coordinator Jill Barkley said. “We heard from several legislators that the testimonies were very effective and powerful.”

“We’re very proud of the brave women,” Barkley said.

Caring Unlimited Community Response Coordinator Sherry Lane said the staff at Caring Unlimited was “very pleased with the way things turned out.”

She said anticipated federal cuts also are not likely to take place.

“We might be in the same position next year, but at least we are not taking dramatic cuts this year,” Lane said.

“You know you are doing your job right if the people you are trying to serve want you to keep serving,” Barkley said. “The women really showed that we’re all in this together. At Caring Unlimited, we don’t separate ourselves from those who use our services.”

Barkley said she did not anticipate this would be the last time state and federal funding cuts would be discussed, but in the meantime, Caring Unlimited will continue its work as a domestic abuse resource program, helping women and children escape from their abusers, offering temporary shelter, assisting with safety planning and being advocates in the courts.

The walk-run is in memory of Oliver and proceeds from the event will benefit victims and survivors of domestic violence, Barkley said.

  “Nicole’s friend Amanda Vanasse took it upon herself to organize this walk,” she said. “We are excited and honored to be working with Amanda.”

Vanasse said she had known Oliver since fourth grade.

“Her dream was to become a nurse and she was attending York County Community College, pursuing that dream,” Vanasse said.

She described Oliver as a “very energetic, very vibrant” person who enjoyed walks along Kennebunk Beach.

“She loved her two boys with everything she had,” Vanasse said.

She said Oliver had a positive outlook despite her situation of being in an emotionally abusive marriage.

“She left him many times,” Vanasse said. “But, she kept going back.”

Vanasse said the abuse turned physical in the last year of Oliver’s marriage.

“Her self esteem fell through the floor,” Vanasse said. “That’s what kept her there. She could do it (get out), she just had to believe it.”

Vanasse said she wished Oliver had been aware of the support that was available through friends, family and organizations like Caring Unlimited.

  “That’s why I want to do this walk,” Vanasse said. “One in seven people are affected by cancer, but one in three people are victims of domestic violence. People just don’t talk about it.”

  Vanasse said the 5K walk/run will take place along Kennebunk Beach.

  She said while the primary means of raising money will be the registration fee of $13, she said registrants are welcome to obtain sponsors. Parking fees at Kennebunk Beach will be waived the day of the walk/run, she said.

  Vanasse said she hopes the event will become an annual event.

  Information about the walk-run will be posted on www.action.com at a later date. 

  To contact Renee Worthing, email news@intheregister.com or 282-4337 ext. 240