A Newton based nonprofit organization dedicated to building occupational training centers in third-world countries for women who have been sexually trafficked is holding a fundraising run Saturday morning. Newton Middle School social studies teacher Collin Barnes and his wife Danielle started the Phoenix Phase Initiative nonprofit in 2018. The training centers they are raising money for will house eight to twelve women for up to ten months. At the center, the women will learn specific job skills so they can support themselves. Barnes says they will also receive counseling, and instruction on financial management and basic agriculture. According to the local teacher, about $200,000 is needed for a center in Northern Uganda.

Saturday’s Fifth Annual Run For Her Life 5K/Half Marathon begins at 8:00 a.m. at Legacy Plaza at 403 West 4th Street North in downtown Newton, while the 5K starts at 9:00 a.m.