JP Resident Embarking on 3-Day Hike to Raise Money for Domestic Violence Victims, Mental Illness Treatment

What began nearly 15 years ago as a way for Emily Feinberg to challenge herself for a good cause has turned into a deep dedication to raising money for women afflicted with mental illness, homelessness and victims of domestic violence. Wilderness Heals is a three day hiking event in the White Mountains of New Hampshire that will take place July 18-20 with Feinberg as one of more than 40 women participating.  

“This would have been a good year to retire,” she says. “I achieved my goal, which I referred to as ‘50 by 60 - to raise $50,000 for Elizabeth Stone House by the time I was 60. When I started participating in the event, I never imagined that I would raise this much money.”

While Feinberg started participating in Wilderness Heals because she is an avid hiker, 11 years ago, the event took on a deep personal meaning when she lost her sister. “As the number of years since her passing grows, the hike gives me a special time each year to remember her,” Feinberg says. “I decided that this was reason enough to continue.”

Feinberg has been a long term supporter of the Stone House, which is located in her community of Jamaica Plain. “Stone House programs are exemplary,” she says. The organization provides emergency shelter for women who have experienced violence and innovative residential mental health services that allow women to remain with their children while they reclaim control over their lives. Stone House also offers community-based services that help women develop economic and problem-solving skills that promote self-sufficiency.
 
Feinberg first felt drawn to supporting the Stone House because she is a firm believer in helping the agencies within the community she lives in. “The Stone House helps such a diverse group of people,” she says. “I admire how everyone there helps people to help the community at large.”

All the money raised from Wilderness Heals will go directly to Elizabeth Stone House, a Boston-area organization that helps both individuals and families rebuild their lives after experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, mental illness, substance abuse and other forms of trauma. Each hiker must raise a minimum of $1500 – all of which goes straight to whatever the Stone House needs most – be it food, residential services or other necessities.

To support Emily Feinberg’s fundraising efforts for Wilderness Heals, please click here: http://wildernessheals.elizabethstone.org/whsweet/participantpage.asp?fundid=283&uid=328&fkroledesci...