Somerville Woman Embarking on 3-Day Hike to Raise Money for Domestic Violence Victims, Mental Illness Treatment

What began in 1999 as a way for Beth Grierson to challenge herself for a good cause has turned into a 15-year dedication to raising money for women afflicted with mental illness, homelessness and victims of domestic violence. Wilderness Heals is a three day hiking event in the White Mountains of New Hampshire that will take place July 18-20 with Grierson as one of more than 40 women participating.  

“Years ago, I heard about Wilderness Heals from a friend,” Grierson recalls. “I had seen mental illness first hand, seeing someone who was physically sick because she wasn’t getting treated for her mental illness. It is all connected, and can be difficult for people to get the right kind of treatment.”

One of the things that makes Elizabeth Stone House, the recipient of funds raised by Wilderness Heals, such an important organization to Grierson is the fact that there is significant focus on mental health, as well as peer support, in addition to the outstanding professional staff. “The Stone House helps people not only to help themselves, but also to help each other, which is very validating and can help those who are healing with their own coping.”

Over the years, Grierson has put a lot of time and energy into the hike. She’s served as a team leader many times, to help mentor new hikers and motivate the group through the challenges of the hike. “I’ve gotten as much or more out of the hike than I’ve ever put into it,” she says. 

This Friday, Grierson will lace up her hiking boots for the 15th time. “Every year is different,” she says. “The reason I keep coming back is because each hike is a chance for me to focus a little on my personal well-being while doing something good for the Stone House, an organization I really believe in. The hike is always physically challenging, but the bonds I’ve forged with people over the years makes it always so worthwhile.”
One of the most important components of participating in Wilderness Heals for Grierson is how it sparks a conversation that is often difficult to have. “Mental illness and domestic abuse are too often places of shame,” she says. “I think it is so important to pull back the curtain a little to show people we can all do something to help.”

All the money raised from Wilderness Heals will go directly to Elizabeth Stone House, a Boston-area organization that helps both individuals and families rebuild their lives after experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, mental illness, substance abuse and other forms of trauma. Each hiker must raise a minimum of $1500 – all of which goes straight to whatever the Stone House needs most – be it food, residential services or other necessities.

To donate to Beth Grierson’s Wilderness Heals fundraising efforts, please click here: http://wildernessheals.elizabethstone.org/whsweet/participantpage.asp?fundid=258&uid=292&fkroledesci...