‘Stepping Up’ event is May 5

CLAREMONT — “Any of us who sponsor Turning Points Network could be the tipping point for one of our Sullivan County neighbors seeking relief from domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or human trafficking,” said Harold LaValley as the agency named Harold and Geraldine LaValley of LaValley-Middleton Building Supply as Honorary Chairs and Prime Sponsors of TPN’s 2018 signature fund raising event.

Serving Sullivan County for 40 years, with offices in Claremont and Newport, TPN provides a 16-bed emergency shelter and wraparound services for survivors of violence that include court advocacy, peer counselling, financial empowerment and sustainable transitional housing. The agency also offers a wide range of interactive violence-prevention education programs for more than 2,400 pre-K-12th grade students annually in Sullivan County.

“TPN services are free to all who need them,” explains TPN President, Carol Calkins of Claremont, “which means the agency is totally grant and donation dependent, making this event with its goal of $100,000, responsible for one-sixth of our budget.” Over 800 women, children and men receive direct services, resources and information each year from TPN.

The Steppin’ Up to End Violence Walk and Fun Run has become a popular and enthusiastically supported event, bringing out as many as 1,100 walkers, runners, strollers and rollers on a three-mile route through historic downtown Claremont.

On Saturday, May 5, Steppin’ Up will begin and end at Claremont Middle School with pre and post rallies, raffles and participation prizes. For many, it’s a family event. Teams are currently forming from local businesses, families, organizations and churches with 90 teams anticipated.

Sponsors, beginning with North Country Smokehouse and Crown Point Cabinetry, are signing up to join LaValley-Middleton Building Supply in supporting the work of Turning Points Network through Steppin’ Up 2018.

LaValley-Middleton Building Supply has been serving contractors and homeowners since 1962. Started in Newport by Harold and Geraldine LaValley, LMBS has become the largest independently owned, building materials supplier in Vermont and New Hampshire with eight locations and manufacturing roof trusses, wall panels, door units, kitchen countertops as well as operating a custom planing mill. Today, LaValley-Middleton is a second generation-owned business headed by Lawrence Huot.

For more information about Steppin’ Up, to form a team or to become a sponsor, please contact Deb Mozden, Executive Director, Turning Points Network at 542-8338, Extension 109.