Hi Friends!

It is that time of year again. Elizabeth Freeman Center's Walk A Mile Fundraising event will look a bit different this year as most things do. But one thing hasn't changed, and that is the tireless work EFC does in this community to end intimate partner violence and sexual assault. Please check out my fundraising page and donate if you can. At a time when we are encouraged to stay at home in order to keep ourselves and the world healthy, it is important to acknowledge that not everyone is safe at home. In fact, uncertain times actually raise the likelihood of violence in the home. Elizabeth Freeman Center is there for survivors 24/7. Your donation allows EFC to continue this work with the hopes that one day there will be no need for their services.

Thank you! xo

Emily

Last year more than 900 Berkshire County residents of all ages and backgrounds took to the street and walked a mile united against rape, sexual assault, and gender violence. Together we raised over $90,000 to support Elizabeth Freeman Center's life-saving services. Thank you!

This year we take the walk virtual! And we need your help to make this year's Walk a Mile as memorable and successful as ever. Here's how you can participate:

• Spread the word that EFC is here, open, and ready to help;
• Take photos and videos at various Walk a Virtual Mile displays and share on social media with #wereherewewalk to join Elizabeth Freeman Center in spreading awareness about sexual and domestic violence in Berkshire County;
• Walk a Virtual Mile with us between Tuesday, September 8th, and Friday, September 18th (Click here for schedule of socially distanced planned walks and suggested routes);
• Register and help us raise funds with your family, friends, and coworkers;
• Donate so that we can raise the funds that we desperately need to continue to fight gender based violence. 

Stay tuned for more details!  Visit our Facebook and Instagram pages for updates, acknowledgements, and to follow the hashtag #wereherewewalk  

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

• Kate Hocker donated $50.00 September 18, 2020 ... "Thanks for all you do to support those in need, especially at this difficult time. "
• Emily Borsody donated $50.00 August 24, 2020
• Kelly Naughton donated $25.00 September 18, 2020
• Kelly & Bill Jones donated $25.00 August 24, 2020 ... "Em- Thanks for putting your" best foot forward " for such a worthy cause!"