Steppingstone, Inc. held its sixth annual 5K Walk for the Homeless on August 16, 2008, to ensure that the First Step Inn at 177 North Main Street will be able to provide daytime hours this coming winter. This year's event drew over 200 participants and raised over $42,000 including a $10,000 donation from Willow Laboratories. "This community has always come through to ensure that we have the funds to support these essential services," noted Steppingstone Executive Director Kathleen Clarke. The annual event raises funds for homeless men and women in recovery, helping provide them with educational opportunities, counseling, proper nutrition, bedding and other services to help keep them clean, sober and safely sheltered. Click here for pictures of last year's event and here for pictures of the 2006 event. For further information or to make a donation anytime, contact Kathy Clark at 508-674-2788, Ext. 110. To see what others are doing in Fall River to prevent homelessness, click here.
 

(Top row, left) Mayor Robert Correia talks about the importance of providing for the increasing numbers of people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. (Top row, center) Ten-year old Brandon Wilson starts off the race with his 13-year-old brother, Michael, and his father, Stan. Brandon came in first place, far ahead of the other walker in just over 30 minutes for the 5K race. (Middle row, center) Walker Melanie Cioper helps herself to a bottle of water along the 5K route. (Middle row, right) Susan Oliveira of Somerset and Lauren Wingate of Westport cheer their group on. (Bottom row, left) Drew Carline and Jennifer Shedd watch the walkers pass by the Historical Association. (Bottom row, center) Family Service Association Executive Director Carol Nagle passes by the First Step Inn shelter at 177 N. Main Street run by Steppingstone for homeless men and women. (Bottom row, right) Steppingstone Executive Director Kathy Schedler-Clarke hands out raffle prizes with Dave Clarke.