On Saturday, September 17, 2022, Start Out Fresh Intervention Advocates (S.O.F.I.A.) invites the community to celebrate that “With Awareness There is Hope” at its 12th Annual Walk Against Domestic Violence in beautiful Canterbury Park. The Walk begins at 10 AM, and the program ends at Noon. 

S.O.F.I.A. is thrilled to welcome Pamela McCauley, the victim witness coordinator for the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office as Grand Marshal for the event. Ms. McCauley has worked to safeguard the rights of crime victims across the state and is committed to raising public awareness and sensitivity concerning the needs of survivors of crime. She believes that there is no more noble pursuit in life than to empower those without a voice, to encourage those with little hope, to bring solace to the weary, and to light a pathway for those in dogged pursuit of justice. S.O.F.I.A. is honored that Ms. McCauley will serve as Grand Marshal of this year’s Walk Against Domestic Violence.

Joining S.O.F.I.A.’s 12th Annual Walk Against Domestic Violence on September 17th means showing support through action and dedication. S.O.F.I.A. holds its Walk Against Domestic Violence to show those affected by domestic violence, especially those still in abusive relationships, that they are not alone and that they have a network of support to hold them up. 

Goals for this Event: 

  • To raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding intimate partner and domestic violence 
  • To ensure SOFIA has the resources to address emergency needs of domestic violence victims including the #WeCare assistance program 
  • To secure funds for operational maintenance of the S.O.F.I.A. Success Center including outreach, workshops, and community programming

S.O.F.I.A. could not achieve these goals without the tremendously generous support of our community sponsors. With just over six weeks until the Walk, several sponsors have already committed. S.O.F.I.A. appreciates the Gold Sponsorship of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, Partners for Health Foundation, and Maplewood’s CODA Kitchen and Bar. Our Silver Sponsors are Investors Bank and Call the Caterer, LLC. Our current Bronze level sponsorship is Affiliated Management, Inc. Become a sponsor! The sponsorship package is here: S.O.F.I.A. Walk Sponsorship Information.

In addition to our sponsors, local community partners ensure our Walk Against Domestic Violence is successful with their donations of time and services. As always, we appreciate music from DJ Hardcore – CSA Entertainment, gifts from Montclair Art Museum, Applebee’s of Clifton, White Rabbit Black Heart & Sweet Home Montclair, Gift Bar, and Jones Road.  

Cynthia Walker, executive director and founder of S.O.F.I.A., said, “The Walk Against Domestic Violence provides space for our community to show public support for those directly impacted by domestic violence. Raising awareness and dispelling the stigma helps us all recognize warning signs and share resources. The support of our sponsors and participants is deeply meaningful and essential for working on prevention and healing.” 

Walk Schedule: 

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.: Registration, snacks, and raffles
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.: Walk at your own pace!
11:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.: Grand Marshal – Ms. Pamela McCauley and Recognitions
12:00 p.m. – Closing prayer with the Community 

Registration for individuals starts at $20. Team Captains can register their teams for $45 and have team members sign up for $20 each. Teams can represent a business, organization, or community group – a great way to highlight community involvement and values. We hope you’ll join us! See information here: http://supportsofia.org/events/ 

Those unable to join the event can walk virtually via social media posts and live broadcasts or make a donation directly to S.O.F.I.A. in honor or remembrance of a loved one via PayPal here: http://supportsofia.org/donate/, or send a check to S.O.F.I.A., PO Box 674, Montclair, NJ 07042.