Runners take off from the starting line at the sixth annual #GetNebby 5K at Alameda Park on Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022. Butler Eagle File Photo
Domestic violence shelter agencies from three counties are collaborating on a fundraiser 5K run/walk event Sunday, April 27, which aims to spread awareness of resources available to victims in Western Pennsylvania.
The Victims Outreach Intervention Center (VOICe), a Butler-based nonprofit, is teaming up with HAVIN in Armstrong County and Hope Center of Pittsburgh in Allegheny County for a 5K and vendor market Sunday at Pittsburgh Brewing Company in Creighton.
Jessica Wasson, prevention, outreach and event advocate for VOICe, said the organization hosted an April 5K for the first time last year alongside HAVIN, and the addition of the Hope Center’s involvement with further spread an anti-violence message.
“By coming together, our agencies can share resources, ideas and expertise, allowing us to reach more people and provide stronger, more comprehensive services,” Wasson said. “This collaboration helps break down barriers between counties, showing survivors that support is available no matter where they are.”
Registration for the 5K opens at 8 a.m., and the race begins at 9 a.m., but Wasson said the vendor market makes it an almost daylong event, where additional activities will be offered.
Among the event vendors will be representatives from each of the event organizers — VOICe, HAVIN and the Hope Center — who will be on hand to speak about resources they offer in their respective counties. Wasson said events like this help take away barriers to access to shelter by going to the community for outreach, instead of a victim or advocate having to approach a shelter with questions.
Additionally, the event offers a chance for the shelter representatives to talk about sexual violence, signs of it, and the way it affects people and communities.
“Sexual violence can affect anyone, and signs aren’t always obvious. Changes in behavior or withdrawal from loved ones can sometimes be an indicator that someone is experiencing abuse,” Wasson said. “As a community, we can help prevent sexual violence by educating ourselves and others. Awareness and compassion go a long way in building a safer, more supportive community for everyone.”
Nicole Hyatt, prevention specialist with VOICe, said the Butler County agency helps more than just women.
“We help everyone,” Hyatt said. “Men, women, children, significant others of people involved. So I think that’s another surprising thing about us that people don’t know.”
For more information on the event, or to register for the 5K, visit voicebutlercounty.org/april5k.html.
