Access Care Partners is inviting community members to participate in its Step into Summer Virtual Walk, Run, or Roll, taking place June 1–7, 2026. The event encourages individuals of all abilities to engage in physical activity that supports older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers in the Holyoke, Massachusetts area and beyond. Participants can choose to complete a 5K (approximately three miles) or engage in one hour of movement at any time during the week, using any form of activity that gets them moving—whether walking, running, biking, dancing, or rolling.
The virtual format allows people to take part from anywhere—neighborhoods, trails, or even their living rooms—and complete the challenge all at once or spread it out over several days. Registration costs $25, which is applied toward each participant’s personal fundraising goal. Those who raise $100 or more will receive a thank-you gift. All proceeds from the event will go directly to Access Care Partners’ programs that support independence, dignity, and well-being for vulnerable individuals and families throughout the community.
“Step into Summer is about more than just physical activity—it’s about coming together as a community to support older adults, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers,” said Roseann Martoccia, executive director of Access Care Partners. “Every step taken helps ensure that individuals in our region can continue to live with independence, dignity, and connection.” The event comes at a time when the need for supportive services is growing, according to the organization.
Access Care Partners, formerly known as WestMass ElderCare, Inc., provides essential services that promote independence and connection for older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers. The organization offers annual sponsorship opportunities for businesses and organizations seeking year-round visibility while supporting multiple initiatives, including the Step into Summer event and a caregiving-focused film screening planned for fall 2026.
Registration and sponsorship information are available through GiveButter, with links provided for those interested in joining the event or learning more about partnership opportunities. The virtual walk-a-thon model allows flexibility and inclusivity, removing barriers such as travel, fixed schedules, or location constraints, making it accessible to a wide range of participants regardless of mobility or location.
How the Virtual Walk, Run, or Roll Works
During the week of June 1–7, 2026, participants can choose how they want to move: complete a 5K at their own pace, or engage in one hour of movement anytime during the week—whether that’s dancing, jumping rope, biking, walking a pet, or moving around the home. The event emphasizes personal choice and accessibility, allowing individuals to participate indoors or outdoors, solo or with friends, family, or coworkers. There is no set schedule or required location, enabling people to tailor their involvement to their abilities and routines.
Upon registration, participants create a personal fundraising page and are encouraged to invite others to pledge or donate. The $25 registration fee counts toward their fundraising goal. Access Care Partners notes that every step taken contributes to providing essential services that promote independence, dignity, and well-being for thousands of vulnerable individuals and families in the community.
Community Impact and Organizational Background
Access Care Partners serves older adults, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers across western Massachusetts. The organization’s programs focus on promoting independence, dignity, and connection through in-home support, care coordination, and caregiver resources. As the need for these services grows, events like Step into Summer play a vital role in raising both funds and awareness.
The organization highlights that all proceeds from the virtual event go directly to its programs, ensuring that participant efforts translate into tangible support for those in need. In addition to the walk-a-thon, Access Care Partners hosts other community initiatives throughout the year, including educational screenings and sponsorship-driven outreach programs designed to foster engagement and long-term support.
Sponsorship and Participation Details
Businesses and organizations can support the event through annual sponsorship packages that offer year-round visibility while contributing to multiple Access Care Partners initiatives. Sponsorship opportunities are designed to align with corporate social responsibility goals and community engagement strategies. Interested parties are directed to contact the organization directly for more information on partnership levels and benefits.
Individuals interested in registering can do so online, with the $25 fee securing their place in the event and applying to their fundraising target. Participants who raise $100 or more receive a complimentary gift as a token of appreciation. The organization encourages sharing personal fundraising pages via social media, email, or word of mouth to expand reach and impact.
As of April 2026, Access Care Partners continues to promote the Step into Summer event as a meaningful way to combine physical activity with community purpose. The initiative reflects a broader trend in accessible, virtual fundraising models that prioritize inclusivity and flexibility, particularly for individuals with varying abilities or mobility challenges.
For the most current information on registration, sponsorship, or event updates, the public is encouraged to visit the official GiveButter pages linked by Access Care Partners. The organization advises checking these sources directly for any changes or additional details as the event date approaches.
By inviting people to “move with purpose,” Access Care Partners aims to foster a sense of collective action and care, reinforcing the idea that individual efforts—no matter how small or how they are expressed—can contribute to a larger mission of support and connection within the community.