By Sarah Kuper
The annual Steeple to Steeple 5K and 10K supporting the United Methodist Children’s Home is April 21.
Now in its fourth year, the event has a few changes, including a new route. Proceeds also will benefit a new program for the UMCH, a group home for autistic teenagers.
The new Overton Home is a collaboration between UMCH and Glenwood Inc. The home serves teenagers who are on the autism spectrum and who are unable to live at home because of a lack of access to specialized therapy or because of behavioral challenges.
According to Rebecca Morris, vice president of external affairs for UMCH, the residents at Overton Home come from many socioeconomic, cultural and religious backgrounds, and many have had difficult childhoods.
The Overton Home will provide more than a residence for these teens. The long-term housing will be a supervised, structured and supportive environment made custom to meet individual needs.
Qualified professionals will work with teens to grow life skills such as self-reliance, emotional stability and spiritual growth.
The UMCH makes it a priority to connect all children in their care with local churches and youth activities.
Organizers are hopeful runners and walkers will understand the need for a place like Overton Home and will come out to support this new effort.
The Steeple to Steeple race starts and ends at Trinity United Methodist Church in Homewood. In addition to the 5K and 10K course, there is a Fun Run option, a “sleep in” option, and a way to run a virtual race from anywhere in the country.
Also new this year are team competition categories such as largest overall church team and largest youth group team.
Registration is open now at steeple2steeple.com.
Racers can pick up their race day packets in advance at Little Donkey on Central Avenue in Homewood or at Trinity United Methodist on race day.
To ease parking congestion, organizers encourage participants to carpool. ❖
