As part of Domestic Violence Awareness month, the community will gather in Patterson Park to walk in solidarity to end domestic violence during the inaugural Reach for the Stars Walkathon on October 29 from 5 to 8 p.m. Domestic violence cases have increased during the pandemic as more people have stayed home and experienced financial hardships, which makes it even more difficult to get help or leave an abusive relationship.

Reach for the Stars aims to create a safe space where people can work, eat, raise families and live under more peaceful conditions. During the event, survivors will share their stories in order to normalize the conversation, not the behavior. Participants are encouraged to wear purple and they have the chance to win a prize in the raffle.