By Emma Barhydt
In early October, as the crisp fall air fills Roger Sherman Baldwin Park, Greenwich will gather to confront an often invisible crisis. On Sunday, October 6th, YWCA Greenwich will host its annual Walk the Walk Against Domestic Violence—this year, expanded with a 5K Run. The event marks the beginning of Domestic Violence Prevention and Awareness Month, and participants are urged to step forward in solidarity with survivors.
This annual event, spearheaded by co-chairs Tracy Guarnera, Police Chief Jim Heavey, and Heather Sahrbeck, serves a twofold purpose: raising awareness and generating essential funds for YWCA Greenwich’s Harmony Project. The Harmony Project offers a suite of free, confidential domestic and sexual violence services—resources that remain a lifeline for individuals navigating trauma, often hidden within the fabric of everyday life.
Jessie DiMuzio, Director of the Harmony Project, spoke of the significance of the gathering. “Our annual Walk the Walk and now 5K Run Against Domestic Violence is such a special community event. It reflects how healing it is for those who have experienced trauma to be out in nature, to move their bodies, and to physically see the outpouring of support from their community,” DiMuzio said. “For too long, domestic violence has been treated as a private family matter, commonly referred to as a women’s issue. Truly, this is a public health crisis impacting hundreds, likely more, right here in Greenwich—adults, teens, and children across all demographics, although no two survivor’s experiences are the same.”
Since its inception in 1981, YWCA Greenwich has been at the forefront of providing free domestic violence services, and in 2023, the organization added sexual violence services to its scope. The Harmony Project offers crisis intervention, counseling, emergency shelter, and criminal court advocacy, alongside a 24/7 hotline for those in need of immediate support. It is a safe harbor for individuals facing the devastating realities of domestic and sexual violence—realities that cut across socio-economic, racial, and gender lines.
“We serve everyone in the community, young and old, from every part of town,” said Mary Lee Kiernan, CEO and President of YWCA Greenwich. “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.”
Alongside the walk and run, the Harmony Project is also holding a toiletries collection drive to support survivors. The organization is asking for donations of new, unopened items such as deodorant, razors, hairbrushes, and skincare products. Donations can be dropped off at the YWCA Greenwich lobby during business hours.
This October, YWCA Greenwich invites everyone to lace up their shoes and Walk the Walk—not just as participants in an event, but as advocates for change. With each step, runners and walkers help bring light to an issue too often shrouded in darkness, offering hope, healing, and tangible support for those impacted by violence in their community.
For registration and more information, visit www.ywcagrn.org/WTW2024.
