I am a champion for children and young people involved in the foster care system in Massachusetts.

I am running to support Friends of Children. Learn more here: friendsofchildreninc.org

39th Annual Bridge of Flowers 10K Classic & 3K Charity Race

Saturday, August 12, 2017

Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts

Start times:
8:15 AM Steve Lewis Subaru 3k Charity Run Walk
9:00 AM Bridge of Flowers 10K Classic

10K Course Description:
The initial 3k loop begins with a gradual climb from the village center's historic 1890 iron bridge, where everyone lines up for the start. It then winds through neighborhood streets. The 10k race is a figure 8 loop, and the second loop passes over the same iron bridge, followed by the renowned 1k Crittenden Hill. The well-earned descent that follows is a gravel shaded mile, followed by flats and downhills to the finish under the arch on Bridge Street. The sixth mile is downhill, and the whole course is very spectator friendly.

3K Course Description:
The 3k loop begins with a gradual climb from the village center's historic 1890 Iron Bridge, where everyone lines up for the start. The rest of the run/walk is through neighborhood streets and finishes under the arch on Bridge Street almost 2 miles later.

Mission:

Friends of Children is a nonprofit organization dedicated to impacting the lives of hundreds of children each year by working to bring security and hope to abused and neglected children in the foster care system. The mission of Friends of Children is to serve the needs of children through individual case advocacy and support of coordinated programs and policies to improve their lives. Our vision is that all children, especially those who are most vulnerable, have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential. We believe all children have the right to safe, consistent and nurturing homes in which to live, as well as access to essential services and quality educational opportunities that will allow them to succeed.

Our Story:

It shouldn’t be so hard to be a kid. Yet every year, thousands of children and youth in Western Mass. are removed from their homes because of abuse and neglect. Many find themselves in court through no fault of their own. They feel invisible as part of a child welfare system that is overwhelmed by need. Too many young people fall through the gaps in systems that are designed to protect them. Many age out of foster care and find themselves completely on their own.

Friends of Children stands with the children and young people in our community who have experienced so much trauma and loss. No matter how hard the circumstances or how deep the pain, we don’t give up on them and we don’t let them give up on themselves. As an independent child advocacy organization, we answer only to the needs of these children. We do whatever it takes to get them whatever they need to thrive.

WILL YOU STAND WITH US?

With your support, we will:

• Advocate for the best interests of children involved in hundreds of abuse and neglect cases in Franklin and Hampshire county courts each year through Court Appointed Special Advocates.
• Empower young people living in foster care to speak their truth through the multi-media project Seeing Our Voices.
• Improve and reform the child welfare system in Massachusetts through The Children’s Union.
• Provide new backpacks, winter coats, school supplies, funds for class trips and more to over 800 children and youth in the Pioneer Valley through Foster Dignity.
• Launch FOCUS, a bold new initiative to connect youth who age out of foster care with caring adults, critical resources and technology, and their community.

Every child deserves a champion. 
Every gift helps to make that happen.