Worthwhile To Launch “Step Up For Freedom” Event

Worthwhile, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to serving survivors of human trafficking, will host its annual “Step Up for Freedom” event on Thursday, April 30 at the iconic Philadelphia Museum of Art steps, officially launching the 2026 Act Challenge.

The free, community-wide event invites participants of all ages to walk or run the famous “Rocky Steps,” enjoy food, music, and community connection, and take part in a meaningful movement to raise awareness about human trafficking and support survivor services.

“Step Up for Freedom” serves as the kickoff to Worthwhile’s Act Challenge, a 90-day global initiative running from May 1 through July 30, where participants log miles through activities such as walking, running, biking, swimming, or paddling. Each mile contributes to unlocking pledged sponsor and donor funding that directly supports Worthwhile’s comprehensive programs for survivors.

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The Act Challenge is free to join and accessible to individuals and teams of all fitness levels, creating an inclusive opportunity for communities to take action together while advancing awareness around one of the fastest-growing criminal industries in the world.

Each year, the Act Challenge engages thousands of participants across the country and internationally, collectively reaching over 600,000 people through awareness efforts and community engagement.

Dan Emr, Executive Director of Worthwhile, emphasized the significance of this initiative: “The Act Challenge exists to turn awareness into real impact. Every mile logged helps us reach over 8,000 students with prevention education each year and provide life-changing support like housing, counseling, and employment to hundreds of survivors of trafficking. We invite our communities to take part and ACT in this national movement against trafficking.

About Worthwhile
Worthwhile exists to reach and serve individuals affected by human trafficking, offering a comprehensive, long-term approach to restoration and independence. Through its core programs, Worthwhile:

• Provides education, empowerment, and prevention through the Worth It program for women, men, and youth
• Offers long-term restorative safe housing and wraparound services through The Well
• Promotes economic self-sufficiency through vocational training at Worthwhile Thrift

By addressing the physical, emotional, and economic needs of survivors, Worthwhile equips individuals with the tools necessary to rebuild their lives with dignity, belonging, and independence.In 2026, Worthwhile is projected to serve 260 women, 120 men, and 8,200 youth through its expanding programs and services.
A Growing Movement for Freedom Human trafficking remains a global crisis, impacting millions of individuals worldwide. For those who escape, the journey to healing is often complex and long-term. Through initiatives like the Act Challenge and events like “Step Up for Freedom,” Worthwhile mobilizes communities to be part of the solution, raising both awareness and critical funding for survivor care. “Step Up for Freedom” represents more than a kickoff event; it is a call to action. Every step taken is a step toward freedom for survivors.

Event Details:
Event: Step Up for Freedom – Act Challenge Kickoff
Date: Thursday, April 30, 8am-3pm
Location: Philadelphia Museum of Art (Rocky Steps), Philadelphia, PA
Cost: Free and open to the public
Activities: Walk/run the steps, food, music, community engagementRegistration is open for the Act Challenge and “Step Up for Freedom.” Participants are encouraged to join individually or form teams. To register, sponsor, or learn more about the 2026 Act Challenge, visit:
https://www.worthwhile.org/actchallenge.