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Start dusting off your heels! Walk a Mile in Their Shoes will return on Wednesday, October 4 at the State House Arches in downtown Concord.

This year we’ll continue to mix our favorite traditions with some new surprises. To celebrate 45 years serving Merrimack County and our founding in 1978, this year’s WAM theme is Peace, Love & Community. Held on the first Wednesday of October for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, WAM is a cornerstone of our efforts to support survivors. Last year’s event was an incredible success, and we can’t wait to make this year one for the books too! Whether you’ve attended the event for years, or this will be your first time, the 9th Annual Walk a Mile in Their Shoes is not to be missed!

Let’s hear more from this year’s WAM Committee Chair, Rebecca Britenriker.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am a Relationship Manager for Bangor Savings Bank in Concord, and I am gifted with the responsibility of being a brand ambassador for the bank in the community, along with helping BSB expand our presence in New Hampshire.  I work with several nonprofit organizations in the Concord area, and I have a true love for philanthropy and my community.  I reside in Manchester with my partner, Kyle, and our cat, Zoey.  Aside from work and nonprofit involvement, I have a passion for hiking, and I am currently working on the NH48 and 52WAV.  I also enjoy traveling, baking, spending time with family, and I have a true love for all things Star Wars.

How did you first get involved with CCCNH?

I first was introduced to CCCNH when Bangor opened the downtown office in 2021.  At the grand opening, CCCNH was awarded a gift and I had the pleasure of presenting the check to the then Executive Director.  It was later suggested by my colleague, Patrick, who had recently met the new Executive Director, Jess, and Development Director, Deb, that I look to join the board as they were actively recruiting new board members.  I met with Claire, now Chair of the board, and she gave a wonderful insight into the organization.

What does the mission of CCCNH mean to you personally?

Being a survivor and knowing other women who have struggled with being silenced or feel as if they do not have a voice to tell their story, I have a personal connection to the mission at CCCNH.  The work the staff at CCCNH does is so crucial to our community.  They give survivors the opportunity to escape terrible situations that they may have felt they could never leave, but they also give survivors a voice, which is so often stifled.

How did you first become involved with WAM?

In 2021, a group of my colleagues at Bangor Savings Bank put together a team and walked at WAM.  Joining the board in 2022, I decided to join the WAM committee to help plan the event, as it has been a staple event in downtown Concord for years.  WAM is a lighthearted way to reach the community and shed light on very serious issues that many people face.  The idea of WAM is to imagine yourself in the shoes of a survivor and the path they walk every day.  Having events like WAM also gives CCCNH the opportunity to let the community know that there are services available for survivors and that they are not alone.

What advice do you have for people who want to get involved with WAM or our mission?

Whether you are looking to make a bigger impact by giving, volunteering, or putting together a team, or if you are just interested in learning more about CCCNH and services available, reach out to us, we are always happy to provide information.  Even if you cannot financially support in a large way or give hours of time, it truly makes a difference by just attending one of our events.

It’s not too soon to get involved with WAM! WAM remains our signature fundraising event, one that supports survivors of domestic violence throughout the year. Registration is open. Keep an eye on our website and social media channels in the coming months for more specific information on the event and how you can be involved as a sponsor, team captain, volunteer, or attendee.

Interested in sponsoring this event? Contact Debbie Johnson by calling 603-225-7376 or emailing wam@cccnh.org.