Event to help fund services to domestic violence victims.
The YWCA of Western Massachusetts, which provides shelter for victims of domestic violence, is sponsoring its first "Y Run? For Women and Girls" on Nov. 16 in Springfield. The 10K race is open to any runner, male or female, over the age of 16. It does not have a component for walkers.
“The economy has not been great the last 10 years, unemployment has been high, and the whole issue of violence in families has not improved," said Mary Reardon Johnson, executive director, who hopes the event will raise both funds and awareness.
The agency helps about 300 women and children every year in its shelter.
“We’ve served Springfield for over 145 years; that’s pretty amazing,” said Johnson, adding, “We wanted to do something that was a little unique, so we went with a 10K instead of a 5K."
The race begins at 375 Island Pond Road, and ends at the YWCA on Clough Street.
The YWCA built New England’s largest battered women’s shelter in Springfield 10 years ago.
“One of our inherent beliefs is that women are empowered and can take care of themselves, and we need to model that,” Johnson said. “We look for government grants, and individual and corporate donations, and we do fund-raising events.”
The YWCA’s shelter, with 48 beds, is filled to capacity every night.
“If someone leaves this morning, by this afternoon the bed will be filled up again,” Johnson said. “We turn away six women for every one we take in because we don’t have the space.”
The organization’s hotline, which is focused on issues of abuse, sexual assault and domestic violence, logs more than 8,000 calls every year.
The agency also provides education and job training programs to at-risk youth who have dropped out of school.
“We have seen no increases in funding, and it seems like every time we get a new service, we lose another one, but we don’t believe in whining. We really believe that it’s important for us to live within our means, state our case and move forward," Johnson said.
Funds raised will help the YWCA continue to provide for women and children fleeing violence in the home.
“It’s important for us to continually talk about what we do. There are opportunities out there for women and girls, and the YWCA is here to help," Johnson added.
Registration is at 9:30 on Nov. 16, with race time at 10 a.m. Early registration is $35. It is $40 after Oct. 1.
There are opportunities to sponsor the race at various levels. There is also a need for volunteers.
To register, sign up to volunteer or for more information on becoming a sponsor, visit www.yrunforwomen.org.