The Project

Leadership Gilroy Class of 2015 created Have a Sole. The project was designed to support victims of domestic violence and human trafficking in partnership with Community Solutions, a Gilroy based nonprofit.

The class learned that South County has the highest per-capita rate of domestic violence in Santa Clara County, and that many victims flee dangerous situations with little more than their clothes and sometimes without their shoes. This inspired the class to focus on providing new shoes and socks as a symbolic and practical “first step forward” for survivors that are rebuilding their lives.

The Class of 2015 organized the Have a Sole 5K Fun Run at Gilroy Gardens. Proceeds from that event were dedicated to stocking the safe-house closet with enough shoes and socks to support victims for up to two years.

In addition to the 5k, the class placed collection bins throughout local businesses to gather new shoes and socks for women, children, toddlers and infants. The community came through with a large number of donated items.

The project not only provided essential resources, but also elevated public awareness of domestic violence and the critical services that Community Solutions provides such as shelter counseling and a 24-hour crisis line.