Somerville Resident Raises Funds Through Pledge Hike To Help Families Facing Domestic Violence and Homelessness

Somerville resident Beth Grierson is trying to raise funds by hiking for three days in the White Mountains of New Hampshire this July to support programs that make a difference for families experiencing trauma, addiction or domestic violence.  She is hiking to support the programs and services offered by the Elizabeth Stone House of Roxbury. This year's goal is to raise $175,000  which will help to support programs for families facing domestic violence and homelessness.

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. Beth is helping the Stone House to reach its goal by raising money for the hike.  According to Beth, "I started doing the hike because I was looking for a challenge, and I was really moved by the Stone House's mission (I had a friend who was involved as a volunteer).  I have continued to do the hike year after year because the experience has been so incredibly rewarding.  Through the various challenges I've experienced over the years - the physical challenges, the fundraising, and learning to be a Team Leader... I've learned a great deal about myself.  I've also met some really amazing women.  I've really loved helping the women of the Stone House, but also helping other hikers learn to love the mountains and experience some of the same personal growth that I have."

Here are more details about the Wilderness Heals pledge hike from Beth:    What are some important facts about the organization you're hiking for that you would like people to know?

Mostly, that they're totally committed to the women and families they serve, and to giving them the help, the space and the support they need to put their lives back together.  They understand the connections between violence, poverty, racism, sexism, homophobia and mental illness and that they've worked to create an environment where people can heal from those traumas without replicating them.

Have you been doing any training for this hike?

I try to go to the gym regularly - although I "try to" more often than I "go"!  I walk my dogs in the woods almost every day, and I recently started doing some indoor rock climbing.  And of course, I have been doing training hikes all Spring! 

What do you say to people about helping great causes like the Elizabeth Stone House?

I tell them that the Stone House needs the support and the money to keep programs going.  This isn't just a nice thing to do, or a luxury. The need for these funds is real and these donations make a direct impact on people's lives.  And by participating, asking for pledges and telling people what we're doing, we're giving voice to important  issues - violence, mental illness, and homelessness - that often get ignored or swept under the rug, and doing so in a meaningful and impactful way.

Any woman who wants to join Beth and meet the physical, emotional, and fundraising challenges of the hike is welcome to participate. This includes seasoned and new hikers, outdoor enthusiasts and those interested in discovering their love for the outdoors, survivors of domestic violence and their supporters, business women, workout enthusiasts, and those looking for a great way to get in shape while raising money for a truly worthy cause.   

For more information about the hike, or to register for Wilderness Heals, visit:

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

www.facebook.com/WildernessHeals