Lauryn Hart raised nearly $2,000 to combat domestic violence as part of the hiking fundraiser.
Swampscott resident Lauryn Hart put her longtime passion for hiking to good use this summer. The nonprofit worker was one of 40 women who took part in Wilderness Heals, a three-day pledge hike through New Hampshire’s White Mountains that raised money for the Stone House in Roxbury.
Since 1974, the Stone House has specialized in caring for both adult and child survivors of domestic abuse.
Originally from Taunton, Hart credits her parents for passing along their affinity for the outdoors to her.
“Being outdoors and in nature in any capacity has always brought me a great deal of joy and peace,” Hart said.
Hart’s other passion, charity, also drew her to participate in Wilderness Heals. Her young career includes five years of working for nonprofit organizations in both Massachusetts and Colorado.
“I majored in political science in undergrad and learned about a lot of different societal needs and pressing issues that our communities are facing,” Hart said. “And it really pushed me.”
Hart currently works in fundraising and development at the Boston-based National Consumer Law Center, a nonprofit that fights for the economic rights of low-income individuals. She added that seeing positive results from her work is what continually motivates her. She raised more than $1,800 herself, which accounted for the approximately $125,000 raised for the Stone House by the women of Wilderness Heals.
“Their commitment to the missions of Wilderness Heals and Stone House is absolutely inspiring,” Wilderness Heals said in a statement.
“Domestic violence really can derail your life in more than just one way,” Hart said. “I just see it as a very important cause. It’s an issue that is extremely pressing and impacts way more people than it should.”
Hart said she had some familiarity with the White Mountains prior to the trip, and was thrilled with the opportunity to fully explore the region with her peers for a good cause.
“It’s a really great opportunity to build up a community of women in the Boston area that all care for social causes and also have a similar hobby,” Hart said.
