Jennifer Sammons

Stop the Stigma Raises $100K for Mental Health

Team Arbella

On April 30, more than 600 wonderful souls took to the streets of North Quincy to run (or walk) in support of mental health in Interfaith Social Services’ annual Stop the Stigma 5K. In another record-breaking year, we raised nearly $100,000! The community’s outpouring of support is a testament to the overwhelming number of people that are affected by mental illness and addiction today.

Stop the Stigma 5k 2022 runners at the starting line

This year, the Stop the Stigma 5K was offered in both in-person and virtual formats. The in-person race was held on April 30 at the Kennedy Center in North Quincy. The 5K route winds through the Squantum neighborhood, with picturesque views of the Harbor and Boston’s skyline. For those choosing the virtual option, they could run (or walk) a course of their choice between April 30 and May 6 and submitted times and their own “finisher” photos on our online platform.

Drew Hanson prepares to run the 2022 Stop the Stigma 5K.

Why We Run

Now in its 48th year, the Stop the Stigma 5K encourages awareness and acceptance of mental health and addiction issues while raising funds for Interfaith’s New Directions Counseling Center. The Center serves anyone seeking counseling but prides itself on being a safety net for the uninsured and underinsured members of our community by offering services on a sliding scale fee system. To further break down barriers to receiving treatment, new clients to the New Directions Counseling Center receive their first four sessions free of charge. The success of this event supports these sessions, and many others, for individuals who otherwise would not be able to afford treatment.

It has been so inspiring to hear from our participants what being involved in this event means to them.

Here are some statements our participants shared when asked, “What is your connection to the mission of Stop the Stigma 5K?”:

• I have a loved one who has been sober for more than three years. Your services have meant the world to him.
• My daughter’s eating disorder and my own struggles with anxiety and depression are key reasons I run.
• Working in a school system, I see a lot of students struggling with mental health issues.
• My brother has been helped by the services you offer. I can’t thank you enough for being there for him and so many others. Keep up the great work you do.
• I ran this race in honor of my friend who is no longer with us. I found myself becoming very emotional on the start line when I thought about him and what this race was all about. After the race I wrote his name on the tribute sign.
• I am lucky to be able to afford mental health care but access to mental health resources should be free and accessible for all.
• I’m in recovery myself, so this is very personal to me.

Still Sober

Thank You To…

Our runners were energized up by the great tunes pumping out of our speakers coutesy of DJ Jeff Fowler Productions. A huge shout out to Katie Kickbutt from Commit 2B Fit who lead them in a fun, pre-race warmup. And physical therapists from MCR Chiropractic provided free screenings and helped the runners stretch before and after the race. Everyone stayed fueled and hydrated with bagels donated by Gold Medal Bakery & Bagel Boy and water donated by Polar Beverages. And finally we would like to give a special thank you to the Quincy Police Department for providing the officers to make sure that everyone stayed safe and sound.

Quincy Police Department

Winners

Jon Eng of Quincy finished first in the in-person race, with a finish time of 18:59. In the males, under 40 years category, Eng was followed by Mike Barrera of Quincy and Mason Tran of Quincy. In the males, 40+ category, Jeremy Whitelock of Scituate took first place, followed by Steven Young of Woburn and Joe Sennott of Franklin.

Allison Zaccheo of Columbia, MO, was the fastest female, with a finish time of 20:05. In the females, under 40 years category, Zaccheo was followed by Lauren Manning of Charlestown and Taryn Miller of Quincy. In the females, 40+ category, Kyla Triveri of Milton took first place, followed by Bridget McCaffrey of Arlington and Kerry Troup of Quincy.

Stop the Stigma 5K 2022 medal winners

Teams

We loved seeing all of the teams this year! Special mentions to our largest teams: Team Arbella, Team Boston Bulldogs Running Club, Team Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, Team Katie Kickbutt Squad, Team Quincy Running Club, Team ILKB Westford FitFam, Team Crown Colony Pediatrics,Team TryAngle Runs Together and Team Lori Scott Yoga.

Team Arbella

Our fantastic photographers, Christine Hurley of Hurley Event Photography and Rocky Taverna, captured so many incredible images from the day. Check out our photo gallery of some of our favorites on our Facebook page. Thank you Christine and Rocky!

5K PHOTO GALLERY

Ian Cain celebrates after his Stop the Stigma 5K run

Stop the Stigma 5k participants

Sponsors

The 2022 Stop the Stigma 5K is sponsored by many generous local businesses, including 5K Level Sponsors Arbella Insurance Foundation, The Heritage Companies and Quirk Auto Dealers; Gold Level Sponsors Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital – Milton, IntelyCare, J. Calnan & Associates and SandBox Medical LLC; and Silver Level Sponsors Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, P.C., Bank of Canton, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Burgin, Platner & Co. LLC, First Congregational Church Randolph UCC, FoxRock Properties, Keohane Funeral Home, the Law Offices of William T. Kennedy, P.C., Plymouth Quarries, Point32Health, SIGNET Electronic Systems, South Shore Bank, South Shore Health and United Healthcare.

SAVE THE DATE!
49th Annual Stop the Stigma 5K: April 29, 2023!

Why should you run the Stop the Stigma 5K on April 30?

black and white feet running a race

Our annual 5K raises funds for Interfaith's New Directions Counseling Center. This past year, our New Directions therapists have conducted more than 2,800 counseling sessions. Our clients are facing a variety of difficult situations, including:

• A young man who returned home to care for his terminally ill mother. Her illness was devastating and he stood by her side, caring for her until she passed away. He is seeing one of our grief counselors for help with the PTSD, sleep loss, and depression he's confronting from reliving the experience.

• A young teenage girl whose parents divorced, with much hostility toward each other. The girl now feels torn between them and as a result, is starting to have issues at school. She is an only child and felt like she had no one to talk to before beginning treatment at Interfaith’s counseling center.

• A young father of three who started drinking after losing his job. He is now in recovery and wants to do everything he can to stay healthy and find work.

• A 60-year-old woman who was recently diagnosed with a disease resulting in her near-total loss of vision. She can no longer work and lost her job of 24 years. Interfaith’s vision loss counseling specialist is working with her to help adjust to her blindness and cope with the emotional and psychological ramifications of such a drastic life change.

• A 9-year-old boy who is being bullied at school. His single mother needs support and the emotional tools necessary to help her him deal with the issue.

By supporting the Stop the Stigma 5K, you are helping clients like these get the treatment they need, and challenging stereotypes, encouraging acceptance and eliminating stigmas surrounding mental illness and addiction.

Register Now

All proceeds from the Stop the Stigma 5K benefit Interfaith's New Directions Counseling Center, which is a safety-net program ensuring that everyone is able to receive care regardless of their income status. Funding from donors like you ensures that our uninsured and underinsured clients can still get the counseling help they need by offsetting the cost of their sessions.

This year's hybrid Stop the Stigma 5K allows you to either participate in-person on April 30 at The Kennedy Center in Quincy or virtually at a time and place that works for you between April 30 - May 6. Register by March 25 to get a t-shirt.

Register Now

New Directions Welcomes New Therapists

Donna Williams

Our New Directions Counseling Center is pleased to announce the addition of two therapists to our team of mental health and addiction recovery professionals.

Diane Crouse and Donna Williams recently joined the New Directions team. New Directions has been providing compassionate and skilled counseling to families and individuals on the South Shore since 1947. All clinicians are professionally trained, licensed, independent clinical social workers, licensed mental health therapists or masters-level clinicians.

Diane CrouseDiane Crouse earned her MSW at Bridgewater State University and M.Ed. in Rehabilitation Counseling with the Deaf at Northeastern University. She has more than 30 years of social work experience in a variety of settings, including hospice and bereavement counseling.

Crouse is communicative in ASL and has expertise working with deaf children and their families, and parents of children with other special needs. Her clinical practice has included clients with recovery issues, children of hoarders and survivors of dysfunctional families, as well as those experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD and low self-esteem. She has also worked with and advocated for survivors of the Boston Marathon bombing who experienced trauma, hearing loss and head injuries.

Crouse offers a strength-based approach in a warm, supportive and empathic environment. Her method is collaborative and flexible to assist each individual to achieve their goals and continue on their journey to a healthier and more contented life.

Donna WilliamsDonna Williams completed her M.Ed. from Cambridge College. With years of experience working with clients going through individual, relationship, and family issues, she has provided therapeutic services to clients as young as 5 years old through adulthood.

Williams uses innovative techniques and approaches towards troubled teens, interpersonal relationship family and partner conflicts, and professionals struggling with work-life balance.  She also works with clients working through addiction and recovery issues.

“During this difficult time, we’ve seen the need for counseling services multiply,” said Interfaith’s New Directions Counseling Coordinator Claire Hagan. “Donna and Diane are wonderful additions to the New Direction’s team of skilled and compassionate therapists and allow us to bring mental health services to more individuals.”

New Directions Counseling Center provides services in a comfortable and confidential atmosphere. Therapists provide an individualized, dynamic and respectful approach. Most insurance is accepted. A sliding-fee scale is available to those without coverage to accommodate all who need services.

Call 617-773-6203 ext. 12 for more information, or to schedule an appointment. Evening hours and telehealth sessions are available.

Each Spring, Interfaith Social Services hosts the Stop the Stigma 5K, a race in the Squantum neighborhood of North Quincy benefitting the New Directions Counseling Center. Hundreds of runners and walkers raise funds and awareness to support loved ones, challenge stereotypes, encourage acceptance and eliminate stigmas surrounding mental health and addiction. Participants this year can take part in the in-person race on April 30 or run a course of their choice through a virtual option. There is still time to register or sponsor this event. Visit stopthestigma5k.org for more information.

How to Support Interfaith on Giving Tuesday

Join the global giving movement that is Giving Tuesday!

On the Tuesday after Thanksgiving (this year on Tuesday, Nov. 30) join the millions of people globally who give of their money, time and voice to support the causes they care about.

Interfaith will be again be running a Giving Tuesday campaign here and on social media.

Here’s how you can help:

  • Donate! 
    We have great spending power. With a $25 donation, we can purchase the equivalent of 125 meals for your neighbors in need.
  • Sign up to Volunteer!
    We are always looking for those who can give their time. Find out more about how to become a regular Interfaith volunteer.
  • Spread the Word!
    Tell your friends and family about Interfaith. Follow us and share our posts on social media. Refer a person in need to our programs.

Your Impact

In 2021, your support helped us to:

  • Provide hungry neighbors with 74,270 bags of groceries
  • Rescue 364,549 pounds of food from local retailers
  • Put smiles on the faces of hundreds of South Shore children‘s faces with Bunny Baskets, backpacks, Halloween Boo Buckets and holiday gifts
  • Assist 444 individuals to avoid homelessness
  • Provide 2,838 mental health counseling sessions

We thank you so much for your support.

Help Feed the Hungry at Interfaith’s December 3 Gala

Our signature fundraising gala returns in-person this year with all the entertainment, food and beverages, games and auction packages that the event is well known for! A limited number of tickets are now available. The 2021 Feed the Hungry Gala,  will be held on December 3 at Granite Links Golf Club. A virtual ticket option is also available if you would like to watch the event program remotely. 

Jp Fuji Group at the 2019 Feed the Hungry Gala
Jp Fuji Group provides food samples at the 2019 Feed the Hungry Gala.

Food & Beverage Highlights

Now in its 24th year, the gala features a chef dine around where attendees sample food and beverages from some of the region’s top restaurants. Participating restaurants include Abby Park, Big Rock Oyster Company, Fratelli’s Pastry Shop, Granite Links Golf Club, JP Fuji Group, Miam Miam Macaronerie, Pearl & Lime Bar & Cocina, Purefections Chocolate, The Range, The Tavern at Weathervane, and Victory Point Marina Bay. Beverages will be provided from Bent Water Brewing, Bin Ends Wine, Spiritfruit, Stellwagen Beer Company, and Widowmaker Brewing.

Attendees at the 2019 Feed the Hungry Gala raise their paddles during the fundraising portion of the evening program.
Attendees at the 2019 Feed the Hungry Gala raise their paddles during the fundraising portion of the evening program.

You’ll be ablet to participate in games with prizes valued up to $500! And this year’s silent auction features Boston sports tickets, mini vacations, one-of-a-kind items, unique experiences, and so much more! The South Shore’s Old Oaken Bucket Band will be providing live music.

Thank You Sponsors!

The 2021 gala is sponsored by many generous individuals and businesses, including Presenter Level Sponsors Arbella Insurance Foundation and Mayor Tom Koch, the City of Quincy; and Hero Level Sponsors Foxcroft Real Estate Management, Granite City Electric Supply Company, MavroCreative, Plymouth Quarries, Quincy Mutual Group, Rural Masonic Lodge of Quincy, Signet Electronic Systems, Inc., and Walmart.

Gala attendees browse the silent auction packages at the 2019 Feed the Hungry Gala.
Gala attendees browse the silent auction packages at the 2019 Feed the Hungry Gala.

Sponsorships and tickets are available now at FeedtheHungryGala.org. Only 250 tickets (half capacity) will be sold this year, so act fast!

41 Volunteers Inducted Into Interfaith’s Hall of Fame

We were delighted to recently induct 41 of our amazing volunteers into Interfaith Social Services’ Matti Lang Hall of Fame. The volunteers were honored at a virtual Volunteer Appreciation Night on August 12. We were also able to recognize local healthcare staffing company IntelyCare as Interfaith’s 2021 Community Partner of the Year for their exemplary commitment to volunteerism.

A group of Hall of Fame volunteers

Volunteers are the heart and soul of Interfaith’s programs, and the Hall of Fame recognizes those who have served at Interfaith regularly for at least one year. The Hall of Fame is named after one of Interfaith’s most dedicated volunteers, Matti Lang, who gave decades of his life selflessly serving Interfaith’s clients.

This year’s honorees include: Braintree residents Anna Wilson and Peter Wilson; Cohasset residents Kim Donohue and Amy Sorensen; Hingham residents Amy Beitler and Jody Heaton; Hull residents Cat Bryant and Theresa DelGuidice; Kingston resident Carrie Sylvester; Plymouth resident Silvana Zakrzewski; Quincy residents Rich Brandi, Jennifer Carter, Anna Marie Conneely, Marie Connell, Amanda Crabb, Gayle Davidson, Julie Driscoll, Caitlin FitzGerald, Maddy Gabor, Christine & Patrick Jaehnig, Kathleen Kelly, Donna Larkin, Joe Leason, Jane Murtagh-Smeglin & Michael Smeglin, Bill O’Neill, Nancy Powers, Kathy & Walter Rust, Jory Schwartz, Nancy Walty and Barbara Wray; Rockland resident Britni Verrocchio; Scituate residents Natalie Ahern and Jennifer Matkin; Sharon resident Rhonda Prokos; West Harwich resident Eric Brown; and Weymouth residents Roberta Ferguson-Gregg, Amie Peloquin and Cindy Urmston.

A group of Hall of Fame volunteers

Many of these honorees came to Interfaith at the start of the pandemic in 2020 during a particularly challenging transitional period. As lockdowns commenced and businesses closed doors, nearly 60% of our regular volunteer force needed to pause their service. After calls out to the community, a new group of volunteers stepped in to help keep our essential food pantry services going.

“We’re so grateful to the volunteers that assisted us in a vital time of need and continue to show up each and every week to serve on the front lines with us,” said Interfaith’s Director of Development Paula Daniels. “Because of them, we’ve been able to keep Interfaith’s programs operational and make sure none of our neighbors go hungry or lose hope. It was wonderful to be able to honor and thank all our volunteers for their service at the volunteer appreciation event.”

At the event, volunteers picked up dinner from the Bon Me food truck parked at Interfaith’s building and then headed home to join a virtual meeting and trivia game.

Volunteer Bill O'Neill

In addition to the Hall of Fame induction,we also honored our 2021 Community Partner of the Year, IntelyCare. This award honors businesses or organizations that have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to volunteerism.

IntelyCare has been a partner of Interfaith since December of 2019. Since then, their volunteers have donated more than 250 volunteer hours to Interfaith. They had a significant role in our 2021 Stop the Stigma Virtual 5K event, both sponsoring the event and putting together a team of 23 employees to take part in

IntelyCare volunteers

the virtual race. IntelyCare has donated food to the Thanksgiving program as well as toys and holiday gifts for the children we serve.

“When the pandemic hit, all of our monthly corporate volunteer teams had to pause their service with us,” said Daniels. “All except for IntelyCare. IntelyCare stayed on the front lines with us and continued to send amazing volunteers to help in our pantry once a month to assist us with the growing numbers of families coming to us for food. Every time they come to volunteer, they go above and beyond to help us with whatever challenge we are faced with on that particular day.”

Teresa Drisko, Director of People & Culture at IntelyCare, accepted the award on behalf of the company.

“We, as a company, feel honored to be a part of an effort to give back to our local community and drive positive change wherever we can,” said Drisko. “We are humbled to support and donate to an organization that supports and uplifts our communities.”

Volunteers at Interfaith Social Services commit to a three-hour shift per week. Shifts are available Monday-Friday, between 9:30am and 7pm. Opportunities include working in the Bureau Drawer Thrift Shop, filling orders for clients in the food pantry, staffing the front desk, and stocking and inventorying the pantry.

Those interested in volunteering at Interfaith Social Services are encouraged to contact Paula Daniels at 617-773-6203 ext. 28 or pdaniels@interfaithsocialservices.org.

2021 Stop the Stigma Virtual 5K Shatters Records

Submitted photo of Mary and family

submitted 5k photos

Our 47th annual (but 2nd annual virtual) Stop the Stigma 5K has broken our fundraising record again, raising more than $75,000! Thank you!

Because of the outpouring of love from our 400+ participants, the therapists of our New Directions Counseling Center will be able to provide more than 2,500 counseling sessions this year for those that are uninsured or who cannot afford high co-pays or deductibles. This event is truly saving lives.

So many of our friends, family and neighbors suffer in silence because they cannot afford the help they so desperately need. At Interfaith, we strive to break down all barriers, including financial, for everyone who is seeking mental health treatment.

This event not only provides financial assistance for counseling services, it opens the dialogue in the hopes that those suffering will feel more comfortable to seek out the help they need without feeling shame.

Why I Ran…

submitted photo of AlyssaAfter personally witnessing the effects of addiction in her family, Alyssa wanted to understand the biology of substance use disorders. Now she is finishing her PhD in neuroscience at Tufts University to understand how alcohol changes the conversations between brain cells. She ran the Stop the Stigma 5K this year for the nearly 90% of people who never receive appropriate addiction counseling and is grateful to be able to help South Shore families access the help they need.

Alyssa shared, “I’m so happy my story resonated with you and I’m grateful for the work you’re doing with this 5K as there is definitely still work to do to address stigma around mental health and addiction issues.”

Why I Ran…

Submitted photo of Mary and familyMary from Quincy shared with us: “My husband of 29 years just died on January 2, 2021. He passed away from alcoholism and had anxiety and major depressive disorder. Despite all the benefits in front of him, he could not fight the demons. My 3 sons and I don’t want this to happen to another family.

New Directions is helping me by offering grief counseling. The Stop the Stigma 5K raises money so people less fortunate can get the help they need.”

Find more information about our New Directions Counseling Center

Photo Contest Winners

It was so much fun to see finisher photos come in from all the individuals and families and the very, very different courses (and running socks) people chose! These photos represent the winners of our photo contests – we hope you enjoy them as much as we have!

Best Team Spirit Best Running Socks Best Sign
Best Seaside Route Coolest Landmark Best COVID Precautions
Best Countryside Route Best Photo Collage Best Post-run Celebration
Best Canine Partner

See all submitted photos

Congrats to our fastest runners!

You really blew us away with your amazing finish times! May you all enjoy your bragging rights over this next year. Be sure to come back next year to defend your titles!

Fastest Female Runner Fastest Male 40+ Runner

Race Winners:

• Fastest female under 40 – Rebecca Norton
• Fastest male under 40 – Ryan Connon
• Fastest 40+ female – Christine Booth
• Fastest 40+ male – Jeff Shaw

See all results

Thank you STS5K 2021 Corporate Teams

This year’s top four Stop the Stigma 5K Teams had a combined total of 136 participants this year! It is wonderful to see these companies rallying their employees to get involved in their community.

submitted photo from IntelyCare submitted photo from Arbella's Jenn Reale

A huge shout out to our Corporate Teams Arbella Insurance, IntelyCare, PMA Consultants and J. Calnan & Associates!

Top Fundraisers

Highest Fundraisers

Many of our participants took to social media and asked their friends, family, neighbors and co-workers to contribute to STOP THE STIGMA of mental illness. They asked for pledges for their 5Ks and helped us smash our fundraising goals. This year’s top 3 fundraisers raised an astonishing combined total of $4,200 (and counting!).
THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Missed the event but still want to help provide mental health counseling for those in need? DONATE NOW

Thank you sponsors!

Stop the Stigma 5k sponsor logos

Arbella Insurance, The Heritage Companies, Beth Israel Deaconess Milton, IntelyCare, J. Calnan & Associates, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, First Congregational Church of Randolph, Plymouth Quarries, SIGNET Electronic Systems, Keohane Funeral Home, South Shore Health, United Healthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Burgin Platner & Hurley Insurance Agency, Fruit Center Marketplace, PMA Consultants, Sandbox Medical LLC, Weymouth Rotary, Iron Workers Union Local 7, Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, Roche Bros and Ward 4 Neighborhood Association

Your donations have HUGE impact

Cover of Interfaith's 2020 Annual Report

Cover of Interfaith's 2020 Annual ReportTake a look at our 2020 Annual Report!

From our Executive Director, Rick Doane:
What a year! For generations to come people will analyze this period in time. When my future grandchildren ask me “what was life like during the 2020 pandemic?,” instead of talking about the turmoil and losses I look forward to telling them about the immeasurable acts of service, generosity and true community spirit that were cultivated in the midst of crisis.

Words will never adequately express the profound gratitude that I have felt this year from seeing the incredible generosity of so many people. Your financial and tangible donations make it possible for us to keep up with the increased demand for our services. Read more…

In this year’s report you’ll learn all about the impact your donations had on our organization

impact report graphic

68,000+ bags of groceries distributed

430,000 lbs. of food rescued

An Interfaith volunteer fives a backpack to a food pantry client child

1,700+ children served

volunteers wearing face masks

16,000+ volunteer hours

And we take the time to thank you

Our donor list was so long this year that we had to add additional pages to our Annual Report! We are so incredibly grateful for your support through this especially difficult time.

Businesses, organizations, houses of worship and individuals who gave more than $100 in monetary donations in calendar year 2020 are listed in this year’s report. Thank you.

DONATE NOW

 

 

Exercise and Depression

legs and sneakers running down the street

legs and sneakers running down the streetBy Claire Hagan RN, LMHC
Interfaith’s New Directions Counseling Center Counseling Coordinator

Everyone is aware of the physical benefits of exercise, but exercise has also been shown to be therapeutic for depression. According to a Harvard study, 1 in 10 adults struggle with depression and in many cases, exercise works as an effective treatment. Active people have been shown to be less depressed than those who are inactive.

Exercise is compared to using antidepressant medication to treat the illness, and to prevent relapse as well. It promotes better sleep, which also has a positive effect on the brain. Neurotransmitters, including serotonin and endorphins, which are necessary for a positive mood, are increased during exercise. According to scientific research, exercise also results in a release of proteins, promoting the growth of nerve cells and new neural connections. The new nerve cell growth and improved mood regulation help relieve depression.

Any physical exercise contributes to a positive effect and sense of well-being. Thirty minutes, 3-5 days per week, or 15 minutes each day is suggested. Improvement in mood may be significant or slow but requires a commitment to faithfully exercise over weeks. Frequent, longer sessions bring about significant changes more quickly. Improvement is equally good for both genders. As with any new exercise program, a doctor should be consulted first to determine if it is safe.

According to the American Psychological Association, “the most powerful antidepressant effect occurs with a combination of exercise and psychotherapy.”

Exercise helps to keep your psyche fit.

*********

backs of two people walking while wearing "Stop the Stigma" shirtsOne way to exercise and aid mental health efforts at the same time is to join Interfaith’s Stop the Stigma 5K!

Run or walk a 5K of your choice April 26-May 2, 2021 while raising funds for those seeking mental health treatment. Interfaith hosts the Stop the Stigma 5K each year to support our loved ones, challenge stereotypes, encourage acceptance and eliminate mental health stigmas.
Find out more at stopthestigma5k.org

Run or Walk With Us As We Stop the Stigma

Stop the Stigma5K runners standing in front of a Stop the Stigma banner

Nearly all of us have been touched in some way by mental illness or addiction. Whether it’s personal battles with anxiety or depression, the loss of a loved one to the vicious grip of substance abuse or knowing a friend or neighbor living with a mental health condition, we can all raise our voices against mental health stigma.

Each spring, Interfaith Social Services hosts the Stop the Stigma 5K to support our loved ones, challenge stereotypes, encourage acceptance and eliminate stigmas, all while raising funds for our New Directions Counseling Center.

In a non-COVID year, we would all come together at the Kennedy Center in North Quincy and walk/run a beautifully scenic course along the waterfront in Squantum. Until it is again safe to gather in large groups, we have taken our community online, running the 5K routes of our choice and sharing our accomplishments online. While the excitement of the starting line crowd may be missing, running a virtual race gives us the opportunity to share the Stop the Stigma message with a nationwide audience. In 2020, runners raised funds and spread the word from Maine to Florida all the way to Hawaii!

Best socksWe invite you to participate by running or walking a 5K of your choice the last week of April (April 26 – May 2). You can sign up here. After the race, log back in to share your finish time and a photo from your run. We’ll have photo contests (with prizes!) such as “Craziest running socks,” “Most scenic route,” and “Best Stop the Stigma spirit” so be sure to share a photo!

Register by April 2 to be guaranteed a Stop the Stigma t-shirt and finisher’s medal. You’ll be able to pick up your shirt and medal at Interfaith the week before the race (details will be emailed to you). And keep an eye on our Facebook page – you’ll be able to vote on this year’s t-shirt color in just a few weeks!

As we mentioned before, our Stop the Stigma 5K raises crucial funds to support Interfaith’s New Directions Counseling Center. New Directions serves anyone seeking counseling, but we pride ourselves on being a safety net for the uninsured and underinsured members of our community. New Directions makes mental health care accessible to everyone by offering a sliding scale payment system.

Stop the Stigma5K runners standing in front of a Stop the Stigma bannerThe stresses of the coronavirus outbreak have brought even more people to our Counseling Center. We need your help more than ever to make sure all members of the community can get the help they need and seek out treatment without feeling shamed. Your registration fee alone provides one counseling session for a neighbor suffering with a mental illness.

We are also seeking business to sponsor the Stop the Stigma Virtual 5K. Your sponsorship directly impacts those seeking mental health treatment by providing counseling sessions for those in need. With a sponsorship your company will also get exposure to the South Shore community on our T-shirts, roadside banners, mailings and communications. Contact us now to get started!

Not a runner? No problem. You can also support the effort with a monetary donation here.