To kick off October as Domestic Violence Prevention and Awareness Month, YWCA Greenwich will host its annual Walk the Walk & 5K Run Against Domestic Violence on Sunday, October 5 at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park.
This family and pet friendly event gives participants the option to do a 1-mile fun walk or a timed 5K run, all with the same goal of raising awareness about domestic violence in our community.
The 2025 Walk the Walk & 5K Run Against Domestic Violence co-chairs are Tracy Guarnera, Greenwich Police Chief Jim Heavey, Heather Sahrbeck, and Krissy Schmitz. Contributed photo
To support the cause, people can register for the walk or run, join or create a team, and get others to show their support by donating.
The event relies on the help from its co-chairs and teen volunteers from local high schools.
The 2025 Walk the Walk & 5K Run Against Domestic Violence co-chairs are Tracy Guarnera, Greenwich Police Chief Jim Heavey, Heather Sahrbeck, and Krissy Schmitz.
The event will also include fun activities for kids such as face painting, bagels and snacks, and a Bone Bar provided by Pet Pantry for our furry friends.
YWCA Greenwich’s Harmony Project will also be hosting a table, providing participants with information on their services.
“YWCA Greenwich provides a full menu of free domestic and sexual violence services. We serve everyone in the community, from every part of town. If you or anyone you know needs help or wants to better understand behaviors that might be abusive, please call our 24/7 hotline at (203) 622-0003,” said YWCA Greenwich CEO and President Mary Lee Kiernan.
The Walk the Walk & 5K Run Against Domestic Violence raises funds and awareness for free domestic abuse and sexual violence services at YWCA Greenwich, including counseling, crisis intervention, emergency shelter, criminal court advocacy, and a 24/7 hotline.
“Every step we all take towards the fight against domestic violence is a step closer towards a safer and compassionate community that is free from violence for all. Let’s take this step in awareness on October 5 at 9:00am as we take the steps, together, against domestic violence.”
Together we can break the silence and end domestic violence. Everyone deserves to live free from the fear of domestic violence, especially in their own home,” said Jackie Collazo, Director of the Harmony Project.
See also:
Milestone Reached: YWCA Greenwich Breaks Ground on Renovation and Addition
Founded in 1919, YWCA Greenwich is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. YWCA Greenwich provides programs for people of all ages with initiatives that include preschool and after school programs, aquatics programs, youth athletics, health and fitness programs and seminars focusing on racial justice and women’s empowerment. Additionally, YWCA Greenwich is the only provider of both domestic and sexual violence services in Greenwich, with staff who are licensed to provide crisis intervention, counseling, shelter, and victim advocacy. These services are free.
Some photos from the 2024 event:
YWCA Greenwich’s Walk the Walk against Domestic Violence. Oct 6, 2024 Photo: Leslie Yager
YWCA Greenwich CEO Mary Lee Kiernan welcomed participants to the Walk the Walk against Domestic Violence. Oct 6, 2024 Photo: Leslie Yager
YWCA Greenwich’s Walk the Walk against Domestic Violence. Oct 6, 2024 Photo: Leslie Yager
Runners in the YWCA 5K start from Roger Sherman Baldwin Park. Oct 6, 2024 Photo: Leslie Yager