The generous volunteers of the Elizabeth Stone House Wilderness Heals pledge hike.

By Tiffani M. Westbrook

Jessica Cook, a Somerville resident, is participating in the Elizabeth Stone House Wilderness Heals pledge hike.

Wilderness Heals is a unique, three-day event that raises vital funding for the Elizabeth Stone House of Roxbury. Through residential and non-residential services, the Stone House helps homeless individuals and families rebuild their lives after experiencing domestic violence, substance abuse and mental health issues.

Q&A with Jessica Cook

Why are you doing this hike?

Why do I hike? Well, according to my fundraising page:

“I hike, because Wilderness Heals.

I hike for those who cannot.

I hike because although the problems in this world are vast, and at times, feel absolutely overwhelming, in this one way, by participating in this one event, I can make a difference.

I hike because I don’t want to sit by and do nothing while so many, right here in my own community, go without each and every day. Without a safe place to call home, without resources to improve their lives, without the kindness of others, to help pull them up when they are down.”

Essentially, I am doing this hike because I strongly believe in giving back and doing good things. There’s no reason why I shouldn’t! I believe in the work of the Elizabeth Stone House, I have the resources and availability to help, and so I do. Beyond that, it involves one of my favorite activities, spending time in the White Mountains! As far as I’m concerned, it’s the best of both worlds; I can raise money for an amazing cause and spend time in one of my favorite places. All the while benefiting women, children and men in need.

I hike because I have met, talked with, and hiked with women and children served by the Elizabeth Stone House and after hearing their stories, after watching their struggles and then their progress, I can’t imagine doing anything but hiking for this cause.

What are some important facts about the Elizabeth Stone House that you would like people to know?

The more I learn about this organization, the more I love it. I think people should know:

1 – That their money will be well spent if they donate to ESH.

2 – The people who work for the Stone House are passionate about what they do and are constantly pushing themselves to do the best work possible.

3 – The organization is constantly growing, adapting, changing and self-assessing to ensure that they are meeting the needs of those that they help to serve in the best way(s) possible.

4 – This organization is taking a multi-pronged approach in an attempt to be most successful with those they are serving. They offer housing, counseling, child-care, education opportunities, job training, guidance and more.

5 – I’ve met the women and children served by the ESH and they are grateful. They have told me with tears on their eyes and with smiles on their faces.

6- They want to prepare those they serve for life outside the Stone House. They are thinking of practical, tangible ways to help those in need create and sustain better lives for themselves. This organization is thoughtful, and caring, and effective. The people served by the ESH need a lot, and the Stone House does everything it can to offer it.

What do you say to people about getting out there and helping great causes like the Elizabeth Stone House?

You can help. You might think you’re too busy, but you’re not. You might think you don’t have enough resources, but you do. Most of us go through this world worrying about what we don’t have, and we rarely stop and take the time to focus on what we do have. If you have a safe place to go home to at the end of the day, if the people in your life treat you well and not with abuse, if you have enough spare money to afford a smart phone or a fancy handbag, then you’re ok. You have more than you need. And you can spare ten dollars (or even twenty or fifty, probably more) to help someone escape from a violent partner. Or to help someone gain access to a job training program so that they can support their children in a safe home. Because those are real problems, and they are real problems that you can help with, right here in your community. You can join us on this amazing hike and feel a type of fulfillment that you will never get from fancy shoes or a brand new car.

If that doesn’t get you, I read somewhere that those who donate time/money to good causes feel better about themselves!

How important is it to have people like you taking time to reach out to those in need?

It is of the most importance. Our communities are only as strong as we work for them to be. If we can’t help one another out, what kind of a world is that? I hope that if I’m down and out someday, I’ll be able to rely on the kindness of others, strangers even. We’re talking about people here. And if people can’t help other people, now that’s a scary world to live in.

On July 20-22, nearly 60 women will hike the rugged terrain of New Hampshire’s White Mountains – demonstrating their personal commitments to Stone House families. Hikers spend months before the event training and fundraising.

“The success of any community-based organization depends heavily on contributions by members of that community. Together, we have the power to create change, and the more people involved the better,” said Jennifer Delaney of Lexington who is new to the hike this year.

The Wilderness Heals pledge hike offers options for hikers at all skill levels – less experienced and seasoned hikers alike can be part of this amazing life-changing event.

“We have raised nearly $50,000, which brings us closer to our goal of $125,000, but we still have a long way to go,” said Jill Murphy, Development Coordinator, Elizabeth Stone House. To be a part of this incredible healing journey, you can register to hike or pledge support to a hiker or team.

Registration for the 17th annual Wilderness Heals pledge hike is well underway. For more information, visit http://wildernessheals.elizabethstone.org