About Us
Our Story
Strong Through Every Mile (STEM) is a 501c3, all-volunteer nonprofit organization that empowers survivors of domestic and interpersonal violence and abuse through the sport of running. We use trained volunteer coaches to deliver a couch-to-5K training program over 10 weeks, gradually preparing DV survivors through three training sessions each week to complete a 5K race.
STEM provides runners with new running shoes, sports bras, and other needed gear and covers their 5K registration fees. Runners finish their training feeling strong and powerful and make the transition from surviving to thriving. The program breaks cycles of violence by reminding survivors of their own strength and power, helping to restore their sense of control over their destinies, and showing them there is a community of people in their lives who will invest in them, encourage them, and celebrate them. As one repeat STEM participant described, "Every step I took, I learned that I can fly ... that my wings are no longer clipped, but are healed and powerful."
Since 2013, STEM has worked with various nonprofit organizations and partners, including Unity House in Troy, Equinox in Albany, the YWCA in Schenectady, Elizabeth's House in Troy, Addictions Care Center of Albany, and others in the Capital Region to serve more than 200 survivors from all backgrounds ranging in age from 17 to well in their 70s. Participants have been empowered to rebuild their lives in new communities, start businesses and buy homes, and seek new employment.
In 2024, STEM held its first collegiate programs with Russell Sage College and the Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, working with approximately 50 students and employees who identified as being impacted by DV. College students are highly impacted by DV, with the National Domestic Violence Hotline estimating that 1 in 5 college women has been verbally abused by a dating partner, 1 in 6 has been sexually abused in a dating relationship, and 57% of college students who report experiencing dating violence and abuse say it occurred while at college.