Why are we walking?
1. Sopheap's home country of Cambodia remains to this day a major source of human trafficking, and the impact of this horrific practice on Cambodian girls and women is a reality that cannot be ignored.
2. As parents of two young girls, we want to make this world a safer place for them, and as parents of two young boys, we want to teach them early about the importance of men taking an active role to stand with women and against violence towards them.
3. The event itself is just fun, entertaining, and an inspiring moment to witness as the community comes together in this way for a good cause.
Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts.
Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!
Walk a Mile 2019
Join Elizabeth Freeman Center's 9th annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes March to Stop Rape, Sexual Assault, and Gender Violence!
Five domestic violence murders in three years have rocked Berkshire County and are tragic reminders that every case of domestic violence can be a matter of life and death. #Metoo continues to raise survivor voices exposing the horrifying levels of sexual violence and demanding accountability and change.
WE IN THE BERKSHIRES ARE TAKING ACTION! Violence is preventable! For our children, families, neighbors, co-workers, our community- JOIN US!
On September 19, 2019, hundreds of passionate community members will take to the street, donning symbolic footwear, to literally walk one mile down North Street united to stop rape, sexual assault and gender violence. We gather at the corner of North Street and Columbus Avenue. Participants can register online. People can also register on the day of the event beginning at 5:00 pm. Look for the many red tents. There is no entry fee to walk, but participants are encouraged to raise funds to support Elizabeth Freeman Center's services to address and stop sexual assault and domestic violence.
All are welcome to participate- people of all ages, races, ethnicities, gender identities, and abilities.
Violence affects us all... our children, our friends, our neighbors, our coworkers, our community, and our future. Come add your voice (and your feet!) to those calling for change. Together we are making a difference. EFC depends on these much-needed funds. Let's make 2019 the best Walk a Mile yet!
A special thanks to our 2019 event underwriters:
Onyx Specialty Papers
Iredale Cosmetics
Annie Selke Companies
Berkshire Health Systems
Health New England
Berkshire Bank Foundation
Haddad Dealerships of the Berkshires
Greylock Federal Credit Union
J.H. Maxymillian, Inc.
Black Rock Foundation
Lee Bank
Blue Q
Unistress
Pittsfield UNICO
Rotary Club of Pittsfield
Adams Community Bank
Berkshire OB/GYN
NBT Bank
Cain Hibbard & Myers, PC
Guido's Fresh Marketplace
Crescent Creamery
Cohen Kinne Valicenti & Cook, LLP
Donovan O'Connor & Dodig, LLC
Interprint, Inc.
Only in my Dreams Events, LLC
Scarafoni Financial Group (ST Insurance Agency)
East Elm Pediatrics
GB Eats
Other corporate sponsors:
Hill Engineers, Architects, Planners, Inc.
Berkshire Orthopaedic Associates, Inc.
Adelson & Company PC
Teton Management Corporation
Berkshire Orthodontics, PC
Thank you for joining us to Rise Together for Safety and Justice.
Violence is a community problem and together we are part of a community movement to end domestic, sexual, and dating violence.
Please join us as we walk. Because of COVID, we will still have smaller walks. We currently have walks scheduled in Williamstown, North Adams, Pittsfield, Great Barrington, Lee and Lenox. See the full schedule and routes HERE.
When COVID hit, we never closed our doors, and Elizabeth Freeman Center continues to provide needed services to survivors and others in the community. No one deserves to be abused, raped, or assaulted.
Every hour of every day, Elizabeth Freeman Center provides lifesaving, life-renewing help to survivors of domestic and sexual violence and their families.
Each year we reach over 3,000 people from almost every city, town, and hamlet in Berkshire County and we know that we are only scratching the surface. During COVID-19, calls to our hotline increased over 40%. We are seeing situations more dangerous and difficult than ever before.
Elizabeth Freeman Center has offices in Pittsfield, North Adams, and Great Barrington, and staff at Probate and Family Court, Northern Berkshire District Court, Southern Berkshire District Court, Central Berkshire District Court, and the Adams and Pittsfield police departments. Our staff can meet people in safe locations almost anywhere in Berkshire County. We can provide transportation to help you reach us.
Call us for help – we are here for you. If you know someone who needs help, we can give you information.
Whoever we are, however we look, wherever we go – we all deserve safety and justice.
#RiseTogether #WhyWeRise