Cove Island Park will look a little different on Saturday morning as more than 200 people are expected to gather for the third annual Sound Steps for Mental Health Recovery 5K Wellness Run/Walk. The event, hosted by Laurel House, brings people together to support mental health recovery.

"Laurel House to me is like almost an undiscovered treasure. The impact of life and changes that occur with our clients through the support of our counselors is just profound," said Sheila McCaffrey, Chief Operating Officer at Laurel House.

According to Laurel House, its mission is to help individuals and families achieve and sustain mental health to lead fulfilling lives. The 5K will help support that mission.

"The Stamford Police Behavioral Health Unit is going to be joining us. The Stamford EMS is going to be joining us. They're going to be offering resources to help folks before they dial 911. There are a lot of things they can do to support their mental health, so it's a real feel-good event that raises needed money to support the great work that we do," McCaffrey said.

Tyler Nolan, the Vice President of Programs at Laurel House said he's wanted to work in the mental health field since he was little. He said the 5K is important to help smash the stigma around mental health.

"I think that the more we're talking about mental health, the more that means that individuals that are really struggling, and that could be with debilitating depression, that could be with a serious mental illness like schizophrenia, are seeking services that they need," Nolan said.

For the 2025 fiscal year, Laurel House has provided services to 953 people. Their services include:

The proceeds from the race will benefit Laurel House and its many programs.

"It also helps them achieving self-sufficiency, independent living skills, social skills, helping them with isolation to be able to come to our building and engage with peers in meaningful ways," said Krista Biello, Supported Education and Thinking Well Director at Laurel House.

Pre-registration is still available online for the 5K. It costs $35 to register before race day. The price will then increase to $40. There's also an option on the event site to make a donation only.

The event starts at 9:30 a.m. and ends at noon. The 5K run includes 3 loops thru the park on a paved path which is both wheelchair and stroller accessible. Finisher medals will be awarded to the first 100 finishers.

For more information about Laurel House and the resources they offer, visit their website.