Bar Harbor Bank & Trust “Steps Up” to be Honorary Chair for the largest event of its kind in Sullivan County.
Claremont, NH—Community supporters of The Center for Safer Communities (CSC) are gearing up to participate in the 18th Annual Steppin’ Up to End Violence 5K Walk and Fun Run to be held on May 4, 2024. Funds raised from the event through community participation directly support Turning Point Network’s mission to end domestic violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking, and stalking. Preventing violence through education programming is a major focus for CSC and Steppin’ Up both emphasizes and supports that initiative.
CSC is planning for another successful Steppin’ Up walk and is pleased to announce that Bar Harbor Bank & Trust will be serving as the honorary chair. As the honorary chair of the 2024 Steppin’ Up walk, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust will continue its support of CSC in its mission to end domestic violence and provide prevention education throughout Sullivan County.
“Bar Harbor Bank & Trust is thrilled to be selected as this year’s honorary chair for the 18th annual Steppin’ Up to End Violence event,” said Shelley Griswold, Vice President, Branch Relationship Manager, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. “We have supported and participated in CSC’s Steppin’ Up event for several years and are happy to be a part of raising funds and awareness to help with CSC’s mission. Bar Harbor Bank & Trust is committed to being a force for positive change in the communities we live and work in.”
Last year’s event exceeded CSC’s expectations and, through strong community engagement, raised more than $97,000. Encouraged by this overwhelming support, CSC has set the bar this year at $100,000.
“A significant rise in violence and sexual abuse experienced by young women and teens during the past year underscores the tremendous need for direct services and prevention. We are fortunate in Sullivan County that our community has been supportive of The Center for Safer Communities and comes together annually for this event to support victim-survivors. Through the last 17 years they have consistently walked alongside us as we work together to raise awareness to end relationship abuse in our community,” says Pascale N. Graham, CSC’s Executive Director.
More than 50 teams are expected to “Step Up,” along with 75 sponsors and donors who are pledging their support for the Saturday, May 4th event. Participants will begin registering at 8:30 a.m. at Claremont Middle School, follow a highly visible route starting at 10 a.m., and continue their walk through historic downtown Claremont.
CSC’s team of skilled advocates provide safety planning and housing services through comprehensive, trauma-informed, survivor-centered assistance. The agency offers school and community-based prevention education and outreach to more than 2,400 students each year. With donations provided by events like Steppin’ Up, CSC is able to provide support services and educational programs free of charge and help survivors with necessities such as food, transportation, prescriptions, clothing, and household items to victim-survivors of abuse.
“The Center for Safer Communities equals empowerment,” said Angela B., Steppin’ Up 2023 featured speaker. “They give you a hand up, support you in court, provide financial education, and provide a community family advocate. Thanks to CSC, I’ve had a glimpse of peace. CSC helped me to create loving relationships, learn from the past and build trust in the future.”
Those interested in participating in the event, starting or joining a team, or fundraising are encouraged to visit the Steppin’ Up webpage at https://www.centerforsafercommunities.org/steppin-up. For more information, email susan@turningpointsnework.org or call 603-543-0155.
Photo :
(L-R) Pascale N. Graham, CSC Executive Director, meets with Shelley Griswold, Vice President, Branch Relationship Manager, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust outside The Center for Safer Communities’s Claremont office. Bar Harbor Bank & Trust is the 2024 Honorary Chair of the 18th Annual Steppin’ Up to End Violence 5k Walk/Fun Run on Saturday, May 4, 2024. Photo courtesy of CSC.
