CLAREMONT, N.H. – The Center for Safer Communities will host the 20th annual Steppin’ Up to End Violence 5K Walk and Fun Run on Saturday, May 2, at Claremont Middle School. With a goal of raising $200,000 and an anticipated 900 participants, this milestone event continues a powerful community tradition of supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence, and helping to fund violence prevention education work throughout Sullivan County. This yearly event brings the community together in a meaningful, impactful way, raising awareness about crucial issues in our communities and showing an overwhelming amount of support to survivors.
Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., followed by a rally at 9:45 a.m., and the official start at 10 a.m. Community members can register, join a team, or donate at secure.qgiv.com/event/steppinuptoendviolence2026. Those unable to attend in person are still encouraged to participate by forming a team, fundraising, and “stepping up” from anywhere. Every dollar raised stays local and helps to end violence in our communities.
This 20th anniversary year will feature a special commemorative display highlighting photos and memorabilia from the event’s history, as well as the organization’s beginnings in 1977. Attendees can also enjoy a 20th anniversary photo booth, food, raffles, a kids activity area, and more. The event is family-friendly, and crowd-friendly dogs on leashes are welcome.
“For 20 years, Steppin’ Up to End Violence has brought our community together to support survivors and prevent violence in our communities,” said Pascale Graham, executive director of The Center for Safer Communities. “As we celebrate this milestone, we’re honoring the progress we’ve made while continuing to raise critical funds and awareness for the work that still lies ahead. Every step, every team, and every donation makes a meaningful difference.”
The Center for Safer Communities, formerly known as Turning Points Network, has been serving Sullivan County for nearly 50 years. As a member of the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, the organization works to enhance the safety and wellbeing of victims and survivors through empowerment, advocacy, and peer support. Through violence prevention education and outreach, the organization also empowers those in our communities to establish a safer culture across Sullivan County, N.H., and, through bystander awareness and prevention efforts, end violence and abuse in our communities.