St. Joe's Commit to Community raises thousands to support victims of violence and abuse
BANGOR - Hundreds of community members gathered at Broadway park in Bangor Sunday to take Part in the sixth annual St Joe's Commit to Community fundraiser and run.
Nearly 700 Mainers signed up for this year's Commit to Community 5k and 10k organized by St. Joseph Healthcare. Organizers say this was one of their most successful years yet.
"This is a small community, this is a small state and event's like this really make you feel like you're part of something wonderful," said Brad Coffey, President of St. Joseph Healthcare Foundation.
Previously known as St. Joe's Commit to Get Fit, the race supports the hospital's sexual assault forensic examiner program - also known as the 'SAFE Program' - which provides support to victims of violence and abuse.
"These are amazing nurses, they provide care for people who are victims of rape, they provide care for people who have just been harmed in some other way and they are there 24/7 for the community," said Coffey.
Community advocates say the specialized training and support the SAFE Program provides is a vital resource for survivors of abuse.
"They really are leaders in the state in the work that they do so we're so glad to be in the same community and work with them," said Community Education Program Manager at Partners for Peace, Katie Shepard.
The event raised over 200 thousand dollars, which is around a 40 thousand increase from last year.
"It warms my heart to see how many people want to support this hospital like we're a community hospital so really we depend on the community and you guys really like turned out for it today," said participant and nurse at St. Joseph Hospital, Erin Kashian.
Partners for Peace is the domestic violence resource center for Penobscot and Piscataquis county. Advocates say taking that first can be difficult but they are there for survivors 24/7 and more information is available on their website . The Partners for Peace 24-hour help and support line is
To learn more about the SAFE Program and how to seek care visit the St. Joe's website .
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence and would like to talk with an advocate, call Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence at 1-866-834-HELP (4357), National his free, confidential service is available 24/7 and is accessible from anywhere in Maine.
