Malden woman hiking to support domestic violence organization

Special to The Advocate

Samantha Notley of Malden will be getting on a bus with 40 other women early on the morning of July 19 to head to New Hampshire’s White Mountains. These women will be participating in the 29^th annual Wilderness Heals, a pledge hike to raise money for the Stone House in Roxbury, which has been making a difference in the community by caring for and protecting adult and child survivors of domestic abuse, and helping them rebuild safe, secure, independent lives of purpose and self-fulfillment for 50 years. As Stone House’s largest fundraiser, Wilderness Heals raises unrestricted, crucial, flexible funding that helps meet the needs of the domestic violence survivors who rely on Stone House. This year, all funds raised will support the programs and operations of its emergency shelter.

This is Samantha’s first time participating in the event. Here is a little bit about Samantha and her reasons for getting involved:

“I moved to Malden in 2020 and didn’t really know how to develop a community around me during a pandemic. It was hard to do things in a group setting and keeping myself active was a big priority of mine at the time. Once restrictions had eased up, I joined the local gym (Total Performance Sports) and began to work out in a class setting every week. I learned about Wilderness Heals when a few women from the gym held a bake sale during a powerlifting meet to fundraise for The Stone House. It was really cool to see these women – Candice, Sue (a Malden resident and hike veteran), and Andi – who I’ve come to know from the gym, be a part of such an important cause. Their enthusiasm for the mission of the charity in supporting survivors of domestic violence was contagious, and they quickly got me acquainted with Wilderness Heals and The Stone House.

“I think that the work The Stone House does in providing resources and support to these survivors is so impactful to those who come needing the help. The fact that Wilderness Heals is their largest fundraising event to raise these critical funds just adds to my motivation to reach out to as many people I know to fundraise and help out in any way I can. I grew up in the Adirondacks in upstate NY, so hiking has always been a big part of my life since I was young. So, I have always thought that hiking is a wonderful conduit that can bring folks together for a cause. Getting to participate in a 3-day, all women hike just makes me so excited to make connections with all the ladies that are involved, and raising money through Wilderness Heals is something I am proud to say that I am a part of!”