The Second Annual IAM Strong Foundation 5K Run and Walk will take place on Sunday, May 1.
The 5K off road course will begin at the Charles Flahive Field at Westwood High School at 9:30 a.m. There will be a 1.5 mile route for those preferring a shorter option, as well as an obstacle course for young children, and a number of children’s activities.
In addition, a special balloon release will take place, to show how mental health has affected the lives of friends and loved ones. Balloons will be available with different colors signifying the personal connection to this cause.
Last year’s 5K event drew over 800 participants and was a wonderful opportunity for Westwood and neighboring communities to come together in support of adolescent mental health.
Money raised from the 5K will continue to fund the IAM Strong Foundation Grant Cycle, as well as program initiatives designed to shatter the stigma of mental health issues.
This past year, grants awarded funded an adolescent development speaker series at Thurston Middle School, teacher and staff attendance at a regional mental health conference, and a Girl Scout project for an original film about adolescent mental health struggles.
In addition, the IAM Strong Foundation presented An Evening With Kevin Breel in Norwood, where the nationally acclaimed comedian and mental health activist spoke to a full house, and the IAM Strong Foundation facilitated a panel discussion about mental health.
Most recently, the organization sponsored Messages For Hope, where people of all ages gathered at the Westwood Senior Center to compose uplifting messages for teens that struggle with mental health issues.
Registration is ongoing and details about how to participate can be found at www.iamstrongfoundation.org.
The IAM Strong Foundation can also be found on Facebook at facebook.com/IAMStrongFoundation and on Instagram at @iam.strong.foundation.
