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Health & Fitness

Somerville resident Madeline Baker participates in Elizabeth Stone House Wilderness Heals to support programs for women experiencing domestic violence.

Somerville resident Madeline Baker participates in the Elizabeth Stone House Wilderness Heals hike to support programs for women experiencing trauma or domestic violence.

Somerville resident Madeline Baker participates every year in the Elizabeth Stone House Wilderness Heals pledge hike.  Madeline hikes to support programs that make a difference for women experiencing trauma, addiction or domestic violence.

The Elizabeth Stone House helps individuals and families rebuild their lives after experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, mental illness, substance abuse and other forms of trauma. The Stone House provides residential and non-residential programs, as well as an emergency shelter for those who are in immediate need.

Wilderness Heals is a three-day pledge hike taking place July 19th to the 21st to raise funds for the Stone House. The hike covers several parts of New Hampshire's White Mountains and offers a range of trails accessible to individuals with varying levels of experience including a backcountry camping option. Hikers spend three days hiking and two nights at AMC huts, which provide beds, blankets, dinner and breakfast. This year's goal is to raise $175,000.

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Madeline is helping the Stone House reach its goal by raising money for the hike.  According to Madeline, "I started hiking because I was inspired by my good friend and fundraising teammate Ashley Fetterman.  I learned about the Elizabeth Stone House through her.  I believe that the work the Stone House does is vital for our society.  Sometimes, people need an outside hand to help them rebuild their lives and the Stone House creates the safe community to do that work.

The Wilderness Heals hike is a fundraiser for the Elizabeth Stone House, which help the individuals and families rebuild their lives after experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, mental illness, substance abuse and other forms of trauma.

According to Madeline, "I have been training in the mountains.  I have been on a short hike around the Blue Hills, and  I walk as much as I can, so hopefully I'll be ready for the big hike come July. When I talk to people about the Elizabeth Stone House and getting involved, either donating, or hiking, I describe the need it serves in the community.  Putting a face to an organization helps people to better connect, and I'm proud to help serve as one of the many supporters.

I am amazed at the variety of services that the Stone House provides, and the ever expanding breadth of their clients.  From starting out as a place for women experiencing mental health issues, ESH has grown to serve women and their children, including teenage sons, who are rebuilding their lives after experiencing domestic abuse, substance abuse, homelessness, and mental illness.  ESH helps people find a job, receive job training, help complete their GED and move onto higher education, and find permanent housing.  There are many other services that ESH provides, all towards the goal of helping people rebuild their lives."

 

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Madeline is currently a full-time graduate student at Lesley University, earning her Master's in Elementary Education and Specialist in Reading.  

For more information about Wilderness Heals, visit:

www.elizabethstonehouse.org or wildernessheals.elizabethstone.org or

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