Taking To The Streets: Annual Steppin’ Up to End Violence 5K scheduled for April 30

PROVIDED BY TURNING POINTS NETWORK
CLAREMONT — Turning Points Network is gearing up for their 16th Annual Steppin’ Up to End Violence 5K Walk and Fun Run to be held on Saturday, April 30.

For the last 15 years, Sullivan County communities have come together in a public show of solidarity both virtually and in-person for Turning Points Network’s vital services. Funds raised from the event through community participation directly support the agency’s mission to end domestic violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking, and stalking. TPN is pleased to announce that it is planning for another successful year, this time in-person, with Claremont Savings Bank serving as the honorary chair.

As the honorary chair of the 2022 Steppin’ Up walk, Claremont Savings Bank will be a key supporter of the event, leading the goal to raise $90,000 to support victim-survivors. It continues the bank’s established tradition of supporting TPN, whether it is through sponsorship or creating teams to fundraise for the event, or supporting the organization through the Claremont Savings Bank Foundation.

As a local institution, Claremont Savings Bank is not just a bank, it’s your neighbor. Its employees can be found at local events, volunteering for important causes, and helping to grow the community. In addition, the Claremont Savings Bank Foundation has awarded grants totaling more than $2,300,000 to local non-profit organizations that benefit everyone. It cares about its employees, customers, and community. Which is one of the many reasons why it is stepping up to support the 2022 5K walk and fun run.

Last year’s event, which had to be held virtually due to COVID-19, exceeded TPN’s expectations through the tremendous community engagement that raised over $85,000. Encouraged by this overwhelming support, TPN has raised the bar this year to $90,000 to cover increasing costs due to the pandemic.

“We recognize that, in these times, people have been uncertain about their futures and we are constantly inspired by our Sullivan County community that prioritizes coming together either in-person or virtually to support victim-survivors,” said TPN Executive Director Deb Mozden.

More than 50 teams are expected to “Step Up,” along with sponsors and donors who are pledging their support for the Saturday, April 30, event. Participants will follow a highly visible route starting at 10 am at Claremont Middle School, and continue their walk through historic downtown Claremont.

TPN’s team of skilled advocates provide safety planning, legal support, and housing services though comprehensive, trauma-informed, survivor-centered assistance. To this end, they provide advocacy through a 24-hour crisis and support line, case management, emergency and transitional shelter, peer counseling, financial empowerment services, and other critical assistance on an individual basis. The agency also offers school and community-based prevention education and outreach. And their support doesn’t end there. With donations provided by events like Steppin’ Up, TPN is able supply necessities such as food, transportation, prescriptions, clothing, and household items to victim-survivors of abuse. And the pandemic meant that TPN had to adapt and offer services remotely at times, advocates continued providing the high level of service as they always have to Sullivan County.

Those interested in fundraising, starting a team, or joining a team are encouraged to visit the Steppin’ Up webpage at turningpointsnetwork.org/steppin-up. For more information, contact Pascale N. Graham, assistant director, Turning Points Network at [email protected] or by phone at 603-543-015.