Victim Services ‘virtual run’ set today
Victim Services Center of Montgomery County Inc. was prepared to host an in-person run this time around, but the coronavirus pandemic changed all that.
Instead, the Norristownbased agency will empower survivors on Saturday, May 2, with a virtual Survivor Solidarity Run.
Wherever you can safely “walk, run, stroll or roll” you’re encouraged to wear the organization’s signature teal color, carry a sign and show your support of survivors of sexual assault and other violent crime.
This will mark the second virtual run the agency has offered, noted Executive Director Mary Onama.
“We did a virtual run last year also. This year we were going to do an in-person run but because of the COVID 19 we decided to go back to the virtual run.”
The logistics behind the original virtual run were quite different the first time, Onama allowed.
“We did a virtual run because it was less expensive for us to plan it that way. When you do an in-person run you have to pay for the use of the facility and pay someone to monitor and measure the speeds. It’s more costly. But there was a request for the in-person run because people felt more connected in an inperson situation. “
A big difference this time will be a bigger splash online leading up to the event. Now that the organization has hired a social media consultant the virtual run is expected to run more smoothly and successfully, Onama noted.
“This time around our social media consultant will help create a better presence for the agency on the social media platforms, so we’re hopeful that this virtual run will be a lot better than last year’s,” she said. “This position was actually supported through a donation from a woman who has been like an angel for the agency who gives support to help us improve our capacity to raise awareness and also raise money.”
Many services are supported by grant funding, Onama pointed out.
“We recognized that some people learn about resources through social media, but part of the population really wasn’t aware of the agency the way we wanted them to be because the agency didn’t have a strong social media presence. So when we submitted a grant for client services we included a request to support social media to create better information for those who learn about services through websites, Facebook and all the different social media platforms. So, now we expect to have better participation and share the information with many more people. Because there are people who follow the agency now on Twitter and Instagram, which was not there before.”
The goal is 300 participants, Onama noted.
“That would be phenomenal. A person can do this on their own in the comfort of their environment, either in a park or in their basement on a treadmill, or around their neighborhood,” she added.
Victim Services education supervisor Jessica Carson will kick off the event by going live on the Victim Services Facebook and Instagram accounts at 10 a.m. Saturday. Accompanied by her dog Eddy, Carson will explain why supporters walk, how to empower survivors every day, and how to get involved in supporting survivors in our community.
“It will be exciting to see Jessica leading this,” Onama said.
“As victim advocates and therapists we know how powerful it is for survivors to be publicly supported by friends and loved ones. This event will be a time to honor survivors and celebrate their resilience.”
Victim Services, founded in 1974 as Women Against Rape, helps victims by providing counseling for survivors and loved ones as well as an advocacy program to help victims navigate the legal system. Last year, the agency served more than 3,000 survivors of sexual assault and abuse. All services, including a 24-hour crisis hotline at 1-888-521-0983, are offered for free.
“Survivors often struggle to get access to counseling for a variety of reasons,” said Onama, citing the shortage of mental health providers and difficulties of cost and insurance. “Our help is free. Our services are free. We can operate this way because of community support. Every gift you make to Victim Services supports our mission.”
A suggested donation of $10 will help Victim Services keep their services free for the community.
For more information, visit victimservicescenter.org