On September 28, 2024, Voices Against Violence will be holding their 13th annual Purple Passion 5k Walk/Run at the South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC) Headquarters in Framingham, MA. Voices Against Violence, run by the SMOC, is a nonprofit, social services organization in Framingham whose mission, according to their website, “is to end sexual and domestic violence by delivering community education, primary prevention, and increased public awareness and action.”
The SMOC as a whole is devoted to making large strides in improving the lives of many groups of individuals facing adversity in the area. As part of their mission, the SMOC provides safe and affordable housing to over 1,200+ single adults and 240+ families, as “SMOC believes housing is a right, not a privilege and that homelessness should be abolished.” Along with their vast span of housing-related resources, they also provide access peer recovery support services, residential recovery programs, outpatient clinical services, childcare, various adult education opportunities, and financial services. Formally incorporated since 1965, they continue to make an impact on the lives of MetroWest community members.
Voices Against Violence is a subdivision of the SMOC which specializes in aiding survivors of domestic violence, and according to their website, “work to empower victims and survivors to help themselves and their children. Program staff work in partnership with individuals and families to enhance their safety, stabilize their home environment, increase independence, and ensure personal and economic self-sufficiency.” In 2022, 1,814 individuals were served through Voices Against Violence, and 30 individuals were placed in temporary safe housing through Voices’ programs. “Services include a 24-hour hotline, crisis intervention, confidential short-term emergency shelter, counseling and support groups, information and referrals, and medical, legal, and criminal justice advocacy,” according to their website.
This coming weekend, the Purple Passion 5k will be hosted to raise funds to help those affected by domestic violence in the MetroWest area with free services. Registration begins at 7:00 AM, followed by opening remarks at 7:30 from community leaders, with the walk/run beginning at 8:00 AM and lasting until 11:00 AM. Registration is free for children under age 7, $15 for people aged 8-18, and $30 for those 18 and up. Everyone from all walks of life are encouraged to attend, whether they have a personal connection to domestic violence, or are simply looking to support survivors.
Grace Wang ‘25, tri-head of Girl-up, Dana Hall’s Women’s Empowerment and Advocacy Alliance group, says, “I think domestic violence is often a silent battle for a lot of people, and spreading that human awareness and doing things to get involved and educated early on can make a difference. I strongly encourage everyone to participate in events like this for the community and/or educate yourself on these topics to gain a better understanding of other’s experiences.”
Image Source: RunSignup