On Saturday, May 8, from 9 to 11 a.m., New Hope Community Life Ministry will host a kickoff for its "Miles 4 Mental Health" month long fundraiser. The kickoff will start at New Providence Church of God, 269 Cinder Road, New Providence, because of the church's proximity to the rail trail. Participants can show up at any point during the event time frame and stay as long as they like.

New Hope Community Life Ministry is a Christ-inspired nonprofit organization that exists to provide hope and restoration through compassionate professional counseling. The organization offers its services regardless of an individual's ability to pay. As a result, New Hope opened the New Hope Community Closet to support its mission.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there was no kickoff for last year's fundraiser. "COVID interfered last year, so we did a virtual bike ride called 'Pedal for Hope,'" said New Hope executive director Deb Riddell. "We had planned an in-person event for April, but then pushed it to June, and finally had a virtual event in August."

As opposed to being limited to biking, this year's event will allow participants to walk, bike, or run. In addition to walking, biking, and running, participants can put activities such as gardening or dancing toward their miles. "It's important that we've given people different options and the opportunity to enjoy the day while social distancing," stated New Hope committee member John Girvin.

Although people can go as far as they want during the month of May, New Hope encourages participants to reach 90 miles because a session at New Hope costs $90.

Riddell said she believes people should take part in the month long event because May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and part of mental health is good self-care, which includes exercise. "They should come out, practice good self-care, but also support New Hope," noted Riddell.

During the month of May, New Hope will post on social media and give mental health tips. "The pandemic has impacted mental health greatly in terms of fear, isolation, anxiety, depression, so there's so much of a greater need for counseling right now," said Riddell.

People can register as an individual or as a family. Two T-shirts will be given to families, but more can be ordered. Preregistration is encouraged, but there will be same-day registration available at kickoff. To register, donate, or become sponsor, visit http://bit.ly/miles4mentalhealthregister. Anyone interested in donating to New Hope can visit http://bit.ly/NewHopeDonation.