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You’re invited to Miles for Survivors, a virtual 5K event to support victims of crime beginning on November 1. Proceeds will benefit Victim Services Center of Montgomery County, Inc. (VSC), a 501(c)(3) based in Norristown.
VSC’s mission is to provide advocacy and counseling for all who have been affected by sexual violence and other crimes against the person and to promote sensitivity and awareness in the community through education.
“We know that help from a counselor or an advocate can make an enormous difference in someone’s ability to both heal from trauma and navigate the legal system in a way that feels empowering,” said attorney Kristen Gibbons Feden of Saltz Mongeluzzi & Bendesky P.C. Feden is a former prosecutor on the Bill Cosby case and serves on VSC’s board of directors. “VSC is a lifeline for people who are hurting. Supporting VSC means that people in our community will have access to this lifeline in the future.”
VSC provides 24/7 crisis intervention individual and group counseling as well as advocacy, education, and legal services at no cost to victims and their families. This event is designed to sustain VSC services moving forward.
“We are here today because a group of dedicated women in 1974 organized rape crisis center to help victims of sexual assault. The center has grown into a comprehensive crime victim agency,” explained Mary Onama, LMSW, who Is the Executive Director of VSC. “We are building VSC’s endowment to ensure that survivors of the future will continue to have help when they need it, whether that’s during a hospital accompaniment, a courtroom hearing, or someone to listen when they are in crisis. No victim should walk alone.”
“We are building VSC’s endowment to ensure that survivors of the future will continue to have help when they need it, whether that’s during a hospital accompaniment, a courtroom hearing, or someone to listen when they are in crisis. No victim should walk alone.” --Mary Onama, LMSW, VSC Executive Director
According to government estimates, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men have been the victim of sexual assault or abuse in their lifetimes. Last year, VSC provided hundreds of hours of counseling and advocacy services to survivors of sexual assault, child sexual abuse, physical assault, stalking, harassment, and identity theft. VSC also serves families of crime victims, including people who have lost loved ones to homicide.
To participate, visit RunSignup.com and register. Walk, run, stroll or roll in November to accumulate steps and share progress with your friends. Show your support for survivors on social media, tagging @vscmontcopa on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Prizes available
Entry fee and prizes includes your chance to win one of several prizes including:
Mini football signed by Eagles Wide Receiver Desean Jackson (2 available)
Football signed by Eagles Wide Receiver Desean Jackson (1 available)
Eagles Flag (4 available)
People who prefer to support VSC directly are welcome to make a donation on the VSC website.
About VSC
Victim Services of Montgomery County, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization in Norristown, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1974 as Women Against Rape, Victim Services of Montgomery County has helped crime victims for over 40 years. VSC serves victims of crime and their loved ones with counseling, advocacy, and education, including a 24/7 crisis hotline at 1-888-521-0983. All VSC services are free and confidential.