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SafeHouse of Shelby County hosted its sixth annual fundraising 1 mile/5K event on Saturday, April 26 at 8 a.m. at Alabaster’s Patriots Park. (Contributed)

By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor

ALABASTER – One by one, runners sprinted their way through Alabaster’s Patriots Park in order to raise funds for a charitable cause during the 2025 SafeHouse Strong 1 mile/5K.

SafeHouse of Shelby County hosted its sixth annual fundraising 1 mile/5K event on Saturday, April 26 at 8 a.m. and successfully raised more than $20,000 to support victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

“It went really well,” said Janelle Sierra, executive director of SafeHouse of Shelby County. “We had record turnout in volunteers, participants and sponsors—and it was great to see so many kids and strong public interest in our work.”

The organization surpassed its $20,00 goal and raised $28,910 thanks to the help of 23 supporters.

“The community showed up in a bigger way than ever before, and it was incredibly meaningful,” Sierra said.

Sierra said the turnout and support from the community was bigger than ever before and that it was incredibly meaningful.

“In a time when federal funding cuts are at an all-time high and more survivors and families are turning to us for help than ever before, local support isn’t just appreciated—it’s essential,” Sierra said. “It reminds us that the strength of our community truly makes it possible for us to continue showing up for those who need us most.”

SafeHouse provides free services to the public, including critical domestic and sexual violence response, prevention, and intervention programs for the communities of Shelby, Coosa, Clay, and Chilton counties in central Alabama.

“Our mission is to empower survivors of domestic and sexual violence through support and advocacy and to educate the community to prevent future abuse,” Sierra said.

Safehouse provides emergency shelter, forensic exams, counseling, court advocacy, case management, information and referrals. It also offers educational programs for middle school students with information on a range of topics, including healthy relationships, how to help a friend and bystander intervention.

“SafeHouse is a resource for all, and our services are always free,” Sierra said. “We’re here to equip young people and adults with the tools they need to build safer, more respectful communities.”

Those interested in learning more about SafeHouse of Shelby County and its activities can visit its website and sign up for a newsletter at Safehouse.org. The organization’s next fundraiser will be Brains, Bids and Brews: Trivia and Silent Auction at The Beer Hog in Pelham on Saturday, Aug. 16.

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