Like many Valley residents, I first heard about the Safe Passage organization through the annual Hot Chocolate Run for Safe Passage, and have run in the event with my family. But beyond a vague familiarity that the organization worked with victims of domestic violence, I knew very little about it.
What is a testament to both Safe Passage as an organization and the Hot Chocolate Run as an event, resources have been able to be directed to victims through the generosity of many residents. This year alone, the event brought in approximately $632,000. Over the course of time, that money has allowed the organization to infuse its programming with “unrestricted resources,” according to Executive Director Marianne Winters, who spoke with writer Emily Thurlow about their work.
Due in a large part to funds raised through the run, the organization was able to move to a new facility in 2017 on Carlon Drive in Northampton, where the space is secure, accessible for those with disabilities and has spaces for support — including a children’s play space.
“Domestic violence can end up creating ruptures in relationships with both parents. The space expands our ability to support healing after exposure to domestic violence,” Winters told Thurlow. “A parent and their child can now receive more individualized support. Their relationship is valued.”
Safe Passage also employs 21 full-time and 14 part-time staff members and supports between 450 and 500 people in Hampshire County experiencing domestic violence. The organization is continuing its work, working on building a prevention program with outreach to try to get to people earlier in the escalation of domestic violence.
Meanwhile, those like Donna Korash-Schiff of Hadley, who Thurlow spoke with at the event, continue to participate in the Hot Chocolate Run, and remain committed to supporting Safe Passage. “The community just comes out for this,” she told Thurlow. “And above all, it’s for a great cause.”
— Dave Eisenstadter