Cambridge Resident Helping Victims of Violence & Homelessness

Cambridge resident Karin Downs participates every year in the Elizabeth Stone House Wilderness Heals pledge hike.  This is Karin's 9th year doing the hike. She 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 in immediate need.

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

 

Karin is helping the Stone House to reach its goal by raising money and awareness.  According to Karin, "This hike has become an annual pilgrimage, a chance to renew my commitment to service, raise money for the Elizabeth Stone House, connect with others and return to the wilderness to seek healing.  I keep hiking to reduce the social violence that impact us all and to support programs that build resilience for families who have experienced incredible trauma.  I'm inspired by the stories of these women who have overcome untold odds and I am proud to raise money for an organization the has helped countless women to rebuild their lives."  

 

Karin's father was an Adirondack guide who often shared tales about his hiking adventures. She began hiking in the Adirondacks as a teen and trekked in Nepal and Laos. Karin has led many of the recruitment hikes to help prepare hikers for the three-day trek in the White Mountains.  She works for the Massachusetts Dept of Public Health (MDPH) as the Maternal Child Health Director.  In addition, Karin works as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner.

Any woman who wants to be a part of this incredible experience is welcome to participate.

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

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

www.facebook.com/WildernessHeals