Dedicated Advocates. Avid Runners. Meet Team SafeLink!
Running isn’t just a way to stay in shape for SafeLink Manager Jenny Efimova and SafeLink advocates Alejandra Esparza and Becca Berger. This year, they’re running to raise critical funds for Casa Myrna’s SafeLink hotline, the only statewide, 24/7, toll-free domestic violence hotline in Massachusetts. On April 19th, Jenny, Alejandra and Becca will lace up their running shoes and run the 2010 Boston Marathon (read Boston.com article HERE) with the goal of raising $15,000 to help meet the unfunded portion of the hotline budget this year (75% of its annual budget comes from the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families; Casa Myrna must raise the rest privately). 2010 also happens to be the 10th year anniversary of the hotline, providing the perfect galvanizing factor for the three runners.
For victims of domestic violence, a call to SafeLink (877-785-2020) signals the first step towards a future free of fear and violence. Multilingual advocates staff the hotline around the clock, seven days a week, providing crisis intervention, resources, information, and supportive listening for those in need of safe place to discuss their fears and concerns about their relationship.
The Boston Marathon is the first full Marathon for Jenny and Alejandra, and the second for Becca who competed in the New York City Marathon two years ago as well as ran in some half marathons. Jenny has competed previously in two road races, including one last summer to support the Cape Cod Center for Women. In addition to her passion for running, Jenny has direct experience with coordinating athletic fundraising teams, having served as the point person for Casa Myrna’s Boston Marathon runners a few years ago when the agency was chosen as one of the Boston Athletic Association (BAA) charities.
“I always wanted to run for a cause. Running for Casa Myrna and specifically for SafeLink makes it even more special,” Jenny told us. “The run allows me to showcase SafeLink by competing in a challenging race.” Deeply committed to women’s rights, Jenny initially began as a volunteer on the hotline in 2005. Subsequently, she has held a variety of roles at Casa Myrna and assumed the position of SafeLink Manager last year.
Similar to Jenny, Alejandra and Becca both possess a long history at Casa Myrna and SafeLink. Alejandra has worked full-time as an advocate on the hotline for four years. She also facilitates our domestic violence support group for Spanish-speakers and serves victims in the community at the Family Justice Center. Outside of her work at SafeLink, Alejandra attends UMass Boston. Becca came to SafeLink five years ago as a volunteer and soon after became a relief advocate. In addition to her role at SafeLink, she works as a nurse at the Children’s Hospital Boston and is currently enrolled in a Master’s program to become a Family Nurse Practitioner.
So why undertake a grueling 26.2 mile run, some of it uphill, in highly unpredictable mid-April New England weather? To spotlight an unparalleled resource that carries the potential to transform lives. “SafeLink never closes; whether it is 6 am or 2 am, when a victim calls needing help, SafeLink advocates are here to listen and to help. Often, we’re the only link someone in danger has to safety,” said Jenny.