Sunday’s Walk and 5K Run Against Domestic Violence in Roger Sherman Baldwin Park to benefit YWCA Greenwich had the advantage of both glorious weather and a great turnout. Runners headed out from the orange arch first, led by Greenwich Police to show them the route. From there the walkers set out on their walk – all to mark October Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month and to raise funds for the the Harmony Project, which provides free domestic abuse and sexual violence services.
YWCA Greenwich President and CEO Mary Lee Kiernan thanked Greenwich Police chief Jim Heavey who co-chaired the event with YWCA board members Krissy Schmitz, Heather Sahrbeck and Tracy Guarnera.
She also thanked Greenwich Police for their ongoing partnership with the YWCA Greenwich to address domestic and sexual violence and the shared goal of providing victims with crucial support, resources and protection.
Mary Lee Kiernan, with event co-chairs Krissy Schmitz, Heather Sahrbeck, Tracy Guarnera, and Greenwich Police Chief Jim Heavey at the Walk and 5K Run Against Domestic Violence in Roger Sherman Baldwin Park. Oct 5, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager
“By being here and supporting this event – you are not just walking-the-walk, you are talking-the-talk about domestic violence. It is, sadly, the number one violent crime here in Greenwich, as it is in many communities. It is a widespread public health and criminal issue,” Kiernan said.
Kiernan introduced Jacqueline Collazo, Director of the Harmony Project at YWCA Greenwich, noting that Collao came to YWCA Greenwich from Volunteers of America Greater New York where she ran seven domestic violence and human tracking shelters.
“She brings so much expertise in domestic violence, human trafficking and sexual violence,” Kiernan added.
“One in two women and two in five men will experience some form of intimate partner violence in their lifetime,” Collazo said. “Today we walk for those who are still suffering due to domestic violence, for those who are survivors of domestic violence, and to those who are no longer with us due to domestic violence.”
Director of the Harmony Project at YWCA Greenwich is Jacqueline Collazo at YWCA Greenwich’s Walk and 5K Run Against Domestic Violence in Roger Sherman Baldwin Park. Oct 5, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager
Crowd listens to remarks by YWCA Greenwich President and CEO Mary Lee Kiernan at the Walk and 5K Run Against Domestic Violence in Roger Sherman Baldwin Park. Oct 5, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager
Simone Quartay, Director of the Center for Equity and Justice at YWCA Greenwich, greets participants at YWCA Greenwich’s Walk and 5K Run Against Domestic Violence in Roger Sherman Baldwin Park. Oct 5, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager
The Walk and 5K Run Against Domestic Violence in Roger Sherman Baldwin Park was a pet friendly event. Oct 5, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager
Collazo said last year the Harmony project served 610 victims of domestic violence and sexual violence, and responded to more than 2,300 calls to the YWCA’s hotline.
“We are proud to be the local provider meeting this critical need,” Collazo said, going on to share the hotline phone number where a trained counselor will answer and help with crisis intervention, counseling and even shelter and legal: 203 622-0003.
First Selectman Fred Camillo read a proclamation declaring October Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. He noted domestic violence is prevalent in every community and affects all people regardless of age, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion or nationality.
Nineteen percent of intimate partner violence involves a weapon and an abuser’s access to a firearm increases the risk of intimate partner homicide by 500%; and
One in three teens in the United States in a serious dating relationship report that they have been physically abused by their partner; and
Each year in Connecticut an average of 14 individuals have their lives taken by their intimate partner and intimate partner violence accounts for 15% of all violent crimes. Domestic violence is the most reported violent crime in the Town of Greenwich, and last year, YWCA Greenwich Domestic Abuse Services responded to more than 3,600 calls to its hotline; and YWCA Greenwich, is the only agency in Greenwich designated by the State of Connecticut to provide services to victims of domestic abuse.
Collazo noted that on Oct 22 at 6:00 pm the YWCA Greenwich will hold their annual candlelight vigil and honor victims of domestic violence. Also, at that event the YWCA will honor Demetria Nelson with the purple ribbon award for her steadfast commitment to serve the needs of victims of domestic violence and sexual violence, as well as educate young folks about health relationships. Nelson is Greenwich’s commissioner of Greenwich’s Human Services Dept.
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Jenny Byxbee and Barbara Zappavigna at the Walk and 5K Run Against Domestic Violence in Roger Sherman Baldwin Park. Oct 5, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager
Lisa Johnson with GHS Health and Safety Education teacher Kathy Steiner and Barbara Swartz at the Walk and 5K Run Against Domestic Violence in Roger Sherman Baldwin Park. Oct 5, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager
Jessica Fenton at the at YWCA Greenwich’s Walk and 5K Run Against Domestic Violence in Roger Sherman Baldwin Park. Oct 5, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager
Runner after completing the 5K at YWCA Greenwich’s Walk and 5K Run Against Domestic Violence in Roger Sherman Baldwin Park. Oct 5, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager
Runners and their dogs at the Walk and 5K Run Against Domestic Violence in Roger Sherman Baldwin Park. Oct 5, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager
Rachel and Sophie Khanna with two of their family’s rescue dogs at the Walk and 5K Run Against Domestic Violence in Roger Sherman Baldwin Park. Oct 5, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager. Oct 5, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager
YWCA Greenwich President and CEO Mary Lee Kiernan shares remarks at the Walk and 5K Run Against Domestic Violence in Roger Sherman Baldwin Park. Oct 5, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager
State Rep Steve Meskers (D-150) at the Walk and 5K Run Against Domestic Violence in Roger Sherman Baldwin Park. Oct 5, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager
Greenwich Selectwoman Lauren Rabin at YWCA Greenwich’s Walk and 5K Run Against Domestic Violence in Roger Sherman Baldwin Park. Oct 5, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager
Holli Cutting with super-chill dog, Maxx, a rescue dog from Texas, at the Walk and 5K Run Against Domestic Violence in Roger Sherman Baldwin Park. Oct 5, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager
YWCA Greenwich Communications Manager Danielle Nugent and YWCA Greenwich’s Chief Advancement Officer Kathy Seiden at the Walk and 5K Run Against Domestic Violence in Roger Sherman Baldwin Park. Oct 5, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager
Greenwich First Selectman Fred Camillo read a proclamation declaring October Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month during the Walk and 5K Run Against Domestic Violence in Roger Sherman Baldwin Park. Oct 5, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager
YWCA Greenwich’s Walk and 5K Run Against Domestic Violence in Roger Sherman Baldwin Park. Oct 5, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager
Greenwich Board of Estimate and Taxation member Leslie Tarkington at YWCA Greenwich’s Walk and 5K Run Against Domestic Violence in Roger Sherman Baldwin Park. Oct 5, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager
Meghan McCreary and Veronica Chiavaroli set out on the YWCA Greenwich’s Walk against Domestic Violence. Oct 5, 2205 Photo: Leslie Yager
State Rep Steve Meskers (D-150) and Selectperson Janet Stone McGuigan at YWCA Greenwich’s Walk and 5K Run Against Domestic Violence in Roger Sherman Baldwin Park. Oct 5, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager
Kenyetta Warren, Kayla Rocha and Marie Rocha at YWCA Greenwich’s Walk and 5K Run Against Domestic Violence in Roger Sherman Baldwin Park. Oct 5, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager
President and CEO of YWCA Greenwich Mary Lee Kiernan and board member Natalie Stein at YWCA Greenwich’s Walk and 5K Run Against Domestic Violence in Roger Sherman Baldwin Park. Oct 5, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager
State Rep Tina Courpas (R-149) with Jill Kelly at YWCA Greenwich’s Walk and 5K Run Against Domestic Violence in Roger Sherman Baldwin Park. Oct 5, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager
Former chair of the YWCA Greenwich Board of Directors Jane Batkin at the YWCA Greenwich’s Walk and 5K Run Against Domestic Violence in Roger Sherman Baldwin Park. Oct 5, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager
Walkers and dogs set off on foot at YWCA Greenwich’s Walk and 5K Run Against Domestic Violence in Roger Sherman Baldwin Park. Oct 5, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager
Doug Fenton and son Jacob at YWCA Greenwich’s Walk and 5K Run Against Domestic Violence in Roger Sherman Baldwin Park. Oct 5, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager
Doug, Jessica, Eleanor and Jacob Fenton at YWCA Greenwich’s Walk and 5K Run Against Domestic Violence in Roger Sherman Baldwin Park. Oct 5, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager
Greenwich Selectperson Janet Stone McGuigan followed by State Rep Steve Meskers at YWCA Greenwich’s Walk and 5K Run Against Domestic Violence in Roger Sherman Baldwin Park. Oct 5, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager
Kathy Seiden greets participants at YWCA Greenwich’s Walk and 5K Run Against Domestic Violence in Roger Sherman Baldwin Park. Oct 5, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager