BY MADISON MARONDE

MARSHFIELD — On Sept. 23 North Ridge Church will host a “Joy for the Journey” 5K run in support of Project Rescue, an organization which seeks to help those who have been sexually exploited.

“There’s over four million people held in bondage of sex trafficking. It is a worldwide issue that needs attention and we want to help with spreading awareness and make changes,” said Ashley Vruwink, a planner for the event.

Project Rescue offers legal assistance, after-care homes, medical care, trauma counseling and more, according to their website. The organization has many locations, including those in Europe, Africa and central and southern Asia.

There will be a speaker for Project Rescue at the event, as well as music. The speaker, Cynthia Gandhi Dobbs, is originally from India and currently works in ministries with college students. Dobbs grew up in India but was “unaware there was a darker side to India” until she came to the U.S. when she was 18 years old. At the fun run/walk, Dobbs will speak about what she has seen Project Rescue do, including a new safe house in India for women and children, Project Thitali.

“We want it to be really community friendly and family friendly. We have activities for all ages. We want to reach beyond the church walls for sure,” said Vruwink.

The run will be held at 9210 Heritage Drive in Marshfield from 6-9 p.m. Check-in starts at 4:30 p.m.

“Our goal is to promote physical and mental health, as well as support vulnerable women worldwide,” according to Arise women’s ministries from North Ridge Church.

Registration is $30 per runner and is free for kids 12 years old and under. Register at www.ariseconf.org or at the event.