(Courtesy of Shalom Task Force) On Sunday morning, July 26, 300 riders came together, with social distance, to take part in Shalom Task Force’s Spin to Win: Bike Edition. Riders of all ages lined up in the HALB parking lot with their families, equipped with their Shalom Task Force hand sanitizers and race numbers, to ride either a 3- or 10-mile course through Woodmere and North Woodmere to show their support for Shalom Task Force’s vital work.
As she sent off the cyclists on the ride, Dr. Shoshannah Frydman, executive director of Shalom Task Force, thanked the crowd for supporting the agency’s mission. “One of the goals of Shalom Task Force is to create a supportive community. Seeing all of these families come out and safely support the work of our organization shows we are one step closer to reaching our goal.”
This ride supported Shalom Task Force, a national organization that combats domestic violence and fosters health families and relationships during this unprecedented time. Raising these critical funds and raising awareness of domestic violence and the work of Shalom Task Force helps break the stigma of reaching out for help.
As riders finished the route, they were welcomed back with an amazing to-go lunch sponsored by Sharmel. Before leaving, every family was able to commemorate the ride in the photo booth sponsored by Yehuda Joffe Photography.
Shalom Task Force is grateful to HALB, for the use of their property and helping make this event a reality, and to the officers of the Nassau County Fourth Precinct and auxiliary police for their protection.
Shalom Task Force extended its thanks to Bailey and Brian Sigman, Daniella and Elisha Graff, and Sarah and Ian Boczko, who chaired this year’s event under the direction of Rachel Marks, vice president of Shalom Task Force. It also recognized the incredible work of Michelle Farbman for coordinating the ride and working around-the-clock to ensure its success, and the event sponsors: Miller Realty, Word on the Street, Aarons Kissena Farms, Sharmel, Forspan Klear LLC, Yehuda Joffe Photography and Print on Point.
The COVID pandemic has increased the need for Shalom Task Force’s services exponentially; the calls to the hotline and legal services have more than doubled in the past few months. During the shelter-in-place orders, victims are literally trapped at home with their abusers, and family violence is emerging as the pandemic within the pandemic, with reports of incidences increasing internationally. The combination of being stuck at home and increased financial stress, anxiety, depression and isolation all contribute to this danger. STF recently expanded its hotline to include text, chat and What’s App so that support is more accessible.
If you or your loved one has questions or concerns about relationships, or are currently in an unhealthy or abusive relationship, call, text, or WhatsApp the confidential Shalom Task Force Hotline at (888) 883-2323 or chat with a live advocate at www.shalomtaskforce.org.
