Rappel to Freedom: Go Over the Edge for the Underground Railroad Education Center and YWCA of the Greater Capital Region

We’re thrilled to announce a brand-new and exhilarating event partnering the Underground Railroad Education Center and YWCA of the Greater Capital Region (YWCA-GCR) in partnership with Over the Edge – a unique experience that allows everyday adventurers like YOU to rappel down a local building to raise funds for a great cause.

Here’s the deal: Over the Edge is known for partnering with nonprofits to create unforgettable fundraising events. Individuals, businesses, and community groups can raise donations in exchange for the once-in-a-lifetime thrill of rappelling down a local landmark. And this year, that landmark is YWCA-GCR’s building in Troy, NY.

Our Partnership:

The Underground Railroad Education Center (UREC) researches and preserves the local and national history of the Underground Railroad movement, its international connections, and its legacy to today’s social justice issues, thereby empowering people of all ages to be agents of change toward an equitable and just society.

The UREC continues to expand its outreach and share this empowering reinterpretation of underground railroad history and its relevance for us today. In order to do this, UREC needs a facility fully dedicated to programs, events, exhibits, video documentary production and viewing, research, workforce development, children’s engagement, and the arts. Just as our communal ancestors worked for justice, Underground Railroad Education Center carries on in their footsteps being committed to using what it has for the empowerment of all people to be agents of change toward an equitable and just society. The Interpretive Center’s ability to effect such change is only limited by our imaginations as we learn the past, work in the present, and work together to create a more just future.

YWCA of the Greater Capital Region (YWCA-GCR) is committed to advocating for systemic solutions and institutional change for disparities facing women and girls of color. Women come to YWCA-GCR in times of crisis, for safe and affordable housing, help with basic needs, such as food and clothing, victim advocacy, help with addiction, job training and career counseling, and case management.

Women come to YWCA-GCR in times of crisis, for safe and affordable housing, help with basic needs, such as food and clothing, victim advocacy, help with addiction, job training and career counseling, and case management. Some stay for just a few weeks, some for many years. We give women and women with children a second chance and a fresh start, by providing transitional and permanent housing combined with 360° of Support in order to empower them to be able to achieve their goals and to become self-sufficient. YWCA-GCR staff can coordinate a variety of supportive services, such as financial literacy, job readiness training, education development and TASC preparation, clothing, food and make referrals for mental health, chemical addiction treatment, and advocacy.

The partnership of our organizations highlights the vital need to preserve African American History, understand the Capital Region’s involvement with the Underground Railroad, while promoting equity, justice, and freedom for all. Whether you participate solo or rally friends, coworkers, family, or a local club to form a team, this is an unforgettable way to support this work.

Why YWCA-GCR’s Building?

Located across the street from YWCA-GCR’s building is the former Old Mutual National Bank. This was the site where freedom seeker Charles Nalle, a 19th century African American, was detained by US Marshalls following the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. It was here that Harriet Tubman and other antislavery supporters helped Charles secure his freedom.

Your mission (should you choose to accept it):

Before you can go Over the Edge, you’ll need to raise $1,000 – every dollar helping people right here in the Capital Region. Our collective goal? $250,000 to support the Underground Railroad Education Center and YWCA of the Greater Capital Region (YWCA-GCR) that provide vital, life-changing services. Anyone who meets the $1,000 fundraising minimum will get to rappel from the top of YWCA-GCR’s Building (21 1st Street, Troy) on Tuesday April 27th, 2027.