As an activist and advocate, issues of sexual and gender violence, equity, and safety for all really matter to me. These are issues that affect every community, and nearly every household. That's why in my hometown in the Berkshires, we all need to support Elizabeth Freeman Center. Every day, Elizabeth Freeman Center provides life saving services to survivors of sexual and gender violence. They work to end the cycle of violence with community outreach, mobilization, advocacy, and education.

No one person, no one organization can do this work alone. It takes all of us to care, and donate, so that we can have a more just, equitable, and safe society for every one of us. I hope that you'll join me in supporting Elizabeth Freeman Center, because your money and your donation provides hope, help, and healing to those who need it most.

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

• anonymous donated $2,500.00 September 8, 2020
• anonymous donated $250.00 September 9, 2020 ... "Thank you for your message Elizabeth and for remembering your local community. "
• Mark Miller donated $110.00 September 9, 2020
• Olcay yavuz donated $100.00 September 10, 2020
• Samantha and Colin donated $100.00 September 8, 2020
• Kerry&Ray donated $100.00 September 8, 2020 ... "Walk to support women and children."
• Betsey Selkowitz donated $100.00 September 8, 2020 ... "Thanks goodness for the work and care of the Elizabeth Freeman Center - and Elizabeth Banks - who "gets" it!"
• anonymous donated $50.00 September 9, 2020 ... "Best wishes for continuing support and help to local women!"
• Jennifer Kimball donated $50.00 September 8, 2020 ... "Thank you for your incredibly essential work! "
• Mandy Stein donated $50.00 September 8, 2020 ... "❤️ you Liz! "
• Joan donated $40.00 September 19, 2020 ... "Thank you!"
• Dan donated $30.00 September 8, 2020
• Stephanie Martin donated $25.00 September 30, 2020
• Deb donated $20.00 September 13, 2020
• anonymous donated $20.00 September 9, 2020
• Cindy Noel donated $20.00 September 8, 2020
• Deana F donated $20.00 September 8, 2020 ... "Thank you for your support "
• anonymous donated $11.00 September 18, 2020 ... "Thanks for always remembering the Berkshires!"