SOWMA's 5th Annual Outrun Homelessness 5K and Fun Walk a Sunny Success

Friends and families came out in droves to help School on Wheels of Massachusetts take steps to end the cycle ofhomelessness during the organization’s 5th Annual Outrunning Homelessness 5K Race and Family Fun Walk at DCR’s Borderland State Park in Easton on a crisp, sunny Saturday, April 25.

Among the walkers and runners was a team of 20 from Harbour House Family Center in New Bedford, the site of one of SOWMA’s tutoring programs, led by program director Shelly Correia.

“The families who live at Harbour House were so excited to join the staff for the fun run,” Correia said. “The children had a great time and the parents were so grateful to see so many people participating in the event to benefit their children. One very pregnant mom who participated in the walk told me that she found the walk to be soothing and relaxing amongst all the trees, bridges and ponds.”

SOWMA’s event, which kicked off at 9 a.m., raised $46,000, surpassing funds raised at last year’s event by $5,400. SOWMA is grateful to anchor sponsor Crescent Credit Union, as well as all of this year’s sponsors for making this such a successful event, once again.

The funds raised help support SOWMA’s mission to provide customized academic support to children impacted by homelessness.

Over 500 participants and more than 50 volunteers enjoyed a fun spring day with DJHollisto providing music, and children participated in kids’ activities and face painting sponsored by the Easton Mom’s Club at the end of the race/walk.

Dedicated to helping each child reach his or her full academic potential, SOWMA currently provides one-on-one tutoring and new backpacks and school supplies to more than 200 students in kindergarten through college in Brockton, Stoughton, Randolph, Norwell, Weymouth and New Bedford.

With an estimated 37,000 homeless children enrolled in Massachusetts public schools and an estimated dropout rate of more than 75 percent among homeless teens, SOWMA has seen dramatic growth in the need for its life-changing services.

Visit www.sowma.org to view the 5th Annual Outrunning Homelessness photo gallery, and to learn more about other SOWMA programs.