Description

The EmpoweRun 5K at Independence Grove Forest Preserve, May 4, is a unique and impactful run/walk around the beautiful trails in Libertyville to support the programs and services of A Safe Place, a 40-year-old agency whose mission is to eliminate domestic violence in northern Illinois and beyond.
 
“No one is too wealthy or poor, too old or young, to know and learn about healthy relationships. Domestic violence affects everyone in our community; from our neighbors to our coworkers to our own family members, which means that all of us should and could play a part in ending it for good,” said Pat Davenport, CEO of A Safe Place.
 
For six years, the EmpoweRun has brought together over 400 community members and athletes of all abilities and ages to support the fight against domestic violence. Participants are encouraged to register in advance to receive reduced rates, including a special rate for kids 5 and under. Registration is also available on the day of the event.
 
Everyone is invited to participate or attend the event, which has family friendly activities, massages on site, snacks, music, and awards. All money raised at the 5K supports A Safe Place’s lifesaving and transformative full range of services to victims of domestic violence and their children and promotes awareness of the impact and consequences of violence in our neighborhoods.
 
A Safe Place is the sole provider of services in Lake County exclusively focusing on domestic violence victims. Through comprehensive programs, A Safe Place assists victims and their children in transforming their lives after domestic violence, prevents future abuse by addressing its root cause through abuser intervention programs, and educates the community about domestic violence and how we can all be involved in its end. Last year, A Safe Place served over 29,000 community members.
 
Programs and services include emergency shelter, permanent housing, scattered homes, a 24-hour crisis line (800-600-SAFE), court and non-legal advocacy, individual and children’s therapy, support groups, art therapy, family visitation services, monitored custody exchanges, batterer intervention services, prevention education in the middle and high schools, and professional and community training.
 
As always, participants are encouraged to form a team, bring together friends and family, and challenge themselves to complete the course and raise additional funds by using the registration website to solicit pledges for themselves or their team.
 
Supporters don’t have to live in the Chicagoland area to participate. Anyone can be an out of town participant by registering as an “Invisible Runner” anywhere in the country.
 
Pre-registration is $35, $45 the day of the event. Children under 5 are $15, $20 the day of the event. All runners will receive a t-shirt and goody bag. Overall race and age group winners will be recognized as part of an awards ceremony at the end of the race.
 
For more information or to register for the EmpoweRun 5K, please visit www.asafeplace.dojiggy.com. Sponsorship opportunities are available, please contact Damaris Lorta at dlorta@asafeplaceforhelp.org or (847) 731-7165 ext. 109. A full list of A Safe Place’s programs and services can be found at www.asafeplaceforhelp.org.