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Community Corner

JP RESIDENT TO HIKE 3 DAYS TO INCREASE AWARENESS FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

 

Jamaica Plain resident Sherri  Schwaninger will be participating in the Elizabeth Stone House Wilderness Heals pledge hike July 19-21.  Ms. Schwaninger is hiking to support programs that make a difference for women experiencing trauma, addiction or domestic violence.

 

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Ms. Schwaninger is an employee for Novartis, a provider of innovative healthcare solutions. Novartis has been a generous supporter and exceptional partner to the Elizabeth Stone House which helps individuals and families rebuild their lives after experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, mental illness, substance abuse and other forms of trauma. The Stone House provides residential and non-residential programs, as well as an emergency shelter for those in immediate need.

 

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Ms. Schwaninger came out to help during a Novartis community service volunteer day and has been an avid supporter of the Stone House ever since. She is the Head of Operations for Biologics and Analytical Sciences at Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, providing operations support to 280 scientists in Cambridge, Massachusetts and Basel, Switzerland.   After learning more about the Stone House, Ms. Schwaninger has grown in her commitment to service. Today, she is on the Board of Directors and is gearing up to participate in her third annual Wilderness Heals pledge hike.  

 

Wilderness Heals is a three-day hike designed to raise needed funds for the Stone House. The hike covers several parts of New Hampshire's White Mountains and offers a range of trails accessible to individuals with varying levels of experience. Hikers spend three days hiking and two nights at AMC huts, which provide beds, blankets, dinner and breakfast. This year's goal is to raise $175,000 to help sustain the programs and services offered by the Stone House.

 

Ms. Schwaninger is actively recruiting fellow workers to join “Team Novartis” and has been successful in recruiting three colleagues, Katya Henderson, Sarah Hevi and Kimberly Rice who are all hiking for the first time. 

 

“I was raised by a single Mom who faced many challenges with little or no help so I truly believe in the mission of the Stone House,” said Schwaninger. ”I am fortunate to work for a company that supports organizations like this in the community.”

 

Novartis has given a $2,500 donation to the Stone House to help defray the costs of the hike and have made several other monetary contributions to the organization.  “It is important that other companies support organizations like the Stone House and that individuals feel they can do something too,” said Schwaninger. “Wilderness Heals provides an opportunity to experience a sense of accomplishment and be part of something really incredible.” 

 

Any woman who wants to be a part of this incredible life-changing experience is welcome to participate. This includes seasoned and new hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, survivors of domestic violence, business women and those looking for a great way to get in shape.  

 

For more information or to register for Wilderness Heals, visit: www.elizabethstonehouse.org  or  wildernessheals.elizabethstone.org  or check out the Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/WildernessHeals

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