Stop the Stigma 5K to take place April 29

Registration now open for annual Stop the Stigma 5K

Proceeds from Interfaith Social Services’ 5K provide mental health counseling sessions for those in need

Hundreds of runners and walkers will join together April 29 in North Quincy to take a stand against mental health stigmas and support those experiencing mental illness and addiction. Interfaith Social Services’ annual Stop the Stigma 5K raises critical funds for their New Directions Counseling Center, allowing hundreds of individuals and families to get the mental health care they need, regardless of income.

New Directions serves anyone seeking counseling but prides itself on being a safety net for the uninsured and underinsured members of the community by offering services on a sliding scale fee system. To further break down barriers to receiving treatment, new clients to the New Directions Counseling Center receive their first four sessions free of charge.

Proceeds from the annual Stop the Stigma 5K help offset the cost of thousands of mental health counseling sessions each year for clients across the South Shore. A single 5K registration alone funds one counseling session for a neighbor in need.

“Although it is crucial that we raise funds at this event to cover the costs of treatment for our loved ones who are suffering, it is equally as important that we are raising awareness,” said Paula Daniels, Director of Development of Interfaith Social Services and Stop the Stigma 5K’s Race Director. “Our 5K helps people proclaim that there is no shame in having a mental illness and is it okay to ask for help.”

This year’s Stop the Stigma 5K will be held April 29 at the Kennedy Center in North Quincy. The 5K route winds through the Squantum neighborhood, with picturesque views of the Harbor and Boston’s skyline. All participants registering before March 24 will receive a race t-shirt. Registration is open now at StoptheStigma5k.org.

The 2023 Stop the Stigma 5K is sponsored by many generous local businesses, including 5K Level Sponsors Arbella Insurance Foundation and The Heritage Companies; Gold Level Sponsors Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital – Milton, Colonial Federal Savings Bank, J. Calnan & Associates, New England Medical Group, South Shore Bank and Summit Energy; and Silver Level Sponsors Bank of Canton, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, First Congregational Church UCC of Randolph, FoxRock Properties, IntelyCare, Keohane Funeral Home, Law Offices of William T. Kennedy, P.C., Lawson & Weitzen, LLP, Lombardo’s Hospitality Group, Point32Health, SIGNET Electronic Systems, South Shore Health and United Healthcare. Gold Medal Bakery & Bagel Boy is kindly providing bagels and Polar Beverages will be donating water for race participants.

Interfaith Social Services provides South Shore residents with the resources necessary to support a healthy and fulfilling life. Their programs include one of the largest emergency food programs in Greater Boston as well as a mental health counseling center, homelessness prevention program, the Bureau Drawer Thrift Shop and seasonal initiatives bringing joy to children and families in need.

To find out more about Interfaith’s programs, visit InterfaithSocialServices.org.