Why I'm Participating in the Big House 5K: Barbara Niess-May
2/8/2018 11:36:00 AM | Features, Community Engagement
The 2018 Big House 5K: Trail to the Victors presented by Toyota on Sunday, April 8, will benefit six local, non-profit organizations selected based on the support they provide to our Washtenaw County community in key areas like housing, healthcare, the arts, youth programming and social services. In the weeks leading up to the race, MGoBlue.com will share stories from people inspired to participate this year because of one of the beneficiaries.
By Barbara Niess-May
I couldn't be more excited to run the Big House 5k for SafeHouse Center.
I am a "later in life" runner, and didn't start running consistently until I was almost 40 years old. I started to run to bring balance in my life. For the last 25 years, I have been a part of supporting survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. And running has been part of keeping me in balance. It has also grown into a competitive pursuit; I compete locally and nationally in the sport of orienteering.
For the last 15 years, I have had the privilege of being the Executive Director for SafeHouse Center. I say "privilege" because I get to be part of hope every day for so many. Survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence come to us often because they have nowhere else to turn when they are hurting or when they are fearing for their safety or the safety of their children. Survivors have so much courage. They come to us, people they don't know, for help in a seemingly impossible situation. With SafeHouse Center's knowledge, combined with the courage and tenacity of survivors, a better life is possible.
SafeHouse Center provides many services for survivors in our community. Counseling and support groups provide a listening ear and support. Our legal advocacy program supports survivors when facing assailants in court or need a personal protection order. Our HelpLine is available to survivors and other community members looking for information and support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. That is the same for our safe shelter for those needing to flee the immediate danger of domestic violence. And lastly, we have 24-hour response to those who have recently reported sexual assault or domestic violence to the police or at the hospital. Each year, we serve more than 5,000 survivors in our community through all these programs.
SafeHouse Center means much to many. We have helped countless women, children and men who have experienced violence. Because of our work, our community is a safer and better place.
To register for the Big House 5K: Trail to the Victors presented by Toyota and further support our race beneficiaries, visit MGoBlue.com/bighouse5k.
About SafeHouse Center
SafeHouse Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to provide safety, support, advocacy and resources for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence and their children, and to work relentlessly to change the systems and attitudes that allow this abuse to continue. SafeHouse provides free and confidential services for any person victimized that lives or works in Washtenaw County. Our services include emergency shelter for those in danger of being hurt or killed, counseling, legal advocacy, support groups, a comprehensive children's program and especially, hope. For more information, visit www.safehousecenter.org.
