To mark the beginning of Domestic Violence Prevention and Awareness Month, YWCA Greenwich hosted its annual Walk the Walk Against Domestic Violence on Sunday, October 1 at Bruce Park. This family and pet friendly mile-long walk welcomed over 260 participants, a record high attendance, along with a handful of dogs, kittens for adoption, and even a couple birds in a backpack.
Walk the Walk co-chairs Tracy Guarnera, Greenwich Police Chief Jim Heavey, Stephanie Kruse, Terry Lamantia and Andy Sisca, were pleased with the turnout and the crowdfunding efforts by students from local schools including Greenwich High School and Greenwich Country Day School, as well as Choate students who drove from Wallingford.
“The day turned out great! The sun was shining, the rain had stopped, and there were a lot of new faces. This is so important for spreading awareness about domestic violence within our community,” said Jessie DiMuzio of YWCA Greenwich’s Harmony Project.
Throughout the month of October, YWCA Greenwich will be hosting several events to recognize Domestic Violence Prevention and Awareness Month, with a theme of “The Healing Power of Pets.” On Tuesday October 17th, YWCA Greenwich’s Harmony Project will host People, Pets, and Abuse: The Healing Connection, and a Community Candlelight Vigil will be held on Tuesday October 24th to honor and memorialize those who have lost their lives to domestic violence in Connecticut this past year.
“We are so grateful to see this many people walking to show their support of survivors of domestic violence in our community,” stated YWCA Greenwich CEO and President Mary Lee Kiernan. “I am thrilled to be surrounded by those who care deeply about our mission, critical programs and the fundraising needed for all that YWCA Greenwich offers.”
The Walk the Walk 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.
