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SafeHouse of Shelby County hosted the annual Safehouse Strong 5K earlier than normal and at a new location on Saturday, April 20 from 8-11 a.m. at Alabaster’s Veterans Park. (For the Reporter/Jason Homan)

By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor 

ALABASTER – A group of locals strived to reach the finish line while spreading awareness during the fifth annual SafeHouse Strong 5K.

SafeHouse of Shelby County hosted this year’s edition earlier than normal and at a new location on Saturday, April 20 from 8-11 a.m. at Alabaster’s Veterans Park.

“It went really well,” said Shelby Hull, outreach and volunteer coordinator at SafeHouse of Shelby County. “This was our first time having the event in April—we typically have our 5K in August—so the cooler weather was a very nice change.”

The event benefitted SafeHouse of Shelby County which is a Pelham-based nonprofit that provides critical domestic and sexual violence response, prevention and intervention programs for the communities of Shelby, Coosa, Clay and Chilton counties in central Alabama.

In addition to the traditional 5K walk and fun run, attendees were also able to enjoy a variety of activities, including yard games, bounce houses, a raffle and giveaways. Prizes were awarded after the 5K to the top male and female winners and top child runner. The 5K this year saw several more participants than in previous iterations.

“We try to make it fun and lighthearted despite this being a very serious subject matter that’s typically difficult to talk about,” Hull said. “We added some educational moments throughout our 5K that just discussed different statistics, different ways they can (help through) donation or (how) their participation can make an impact in the community.”

During the event, USA National Miss Alabama Ty’rah Ray spoke to those in attendance. Ray’s platform is to inspire and make a difference for women who have experienced sexual abuse and domestic violence which ties in with the goals of Safehouse of Shelby County.

“It was great to have her a guest speaker,” Hull said.

SafeHouse of Shelby County also distributed swag to participants, including items representing the organization’s new logo which incorporates color and imagery to represent the group’s cause.

“It’s a modern take on what our logo has always intended to be,” Hull said. “Every domestic violence and sexual assault organization has the colors teal and purple because those are the awareness colors but we added in orange because, not only is that a good compliment color, but it’s the color for teen dating violence.”

Hull spoke on the main goal of SafeHouse of Shelby County and the work it provides for residents and those looking for help and resources.

“SafeHouse is a nonprofit that provides services to victims, survivors and families of domestic and sexual violence,” Hull said. “Whether it happened recently or in the past, we can still offer a variety of services.”

Hull expressed her appreciation for the opportunity for SafeHouse of Shelby County to spread awareness.

“We’re just grateful to be a part of this community that is willing to participate and assist us in spreading awareness and we’re grateful that people are willing to listen to us and learn about warning signs and things to be looking out for,” Hull said.

Those interested in learning more about SafeHouse of Shelby County and its resources may visit its Facebook page at Facebook.com/SafeHouseShelby or its website at Safehouse.org.

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