SSFS continues services for those in domestic violence situations - Anew

By: Carole Sharwarko

HF Chronicle March 25, 2020

Although Illinois has a “shelter in place” directive, South Suburban Family Shelter (SSFS) is still offering services to individuals and families who are in domestic violence situations.

Kris Scott of SSFS said the bilingual 24-hour hotline is always open for those in crisis and in need of emergency shelter. The hotline number is 708-335-3028. The Crisis Intervention Program will continue to help individuals and their children obtain short-term emergency shelter through the 24-hour hotline.

SSFS court advocates will not be at the Circuit Court of Cook County Markham courthouse until April 7. The Cook County State’s Attorney’s office is in place to assist victims with emergency orders of protection.

South Suburban Family Shelter provides caring and confidential help to victims of domestic violence. Scott said the professional counselors and advocates understand the dynamics of domestic violence and help clients identify and choose options in their life situations.

All services are free of charge for victims and are available in English and Spanish.

Financial support for South Suburban Family Shelter can be made online at www.ssfs1.org.

Tagged COVID 19 Domestic Violence

A Letter from Kris Scott, CEO

On behalf of the staff and board of directors of Anew: Building Beyond Violence and Abuse, I extend our deepest condolences to the families of Shaneiqua Pugh, her seven children, and all those impacted by Sunday’s mass shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana.

In recent weeks, we have witnessed a devastating number of lives lost to domestic violence—individuals killed at the hands of intimate partners. Among them are Dr. Cerina Fairfax, wife of Virginia Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax; Nancy Metayer Bowen, Vice Mayor of Coral Springs, Florida; Pastor Tammy McCollum of Charlotte, North Carolina; Myneika Scott of Grovetown, Georgia; and Davonta Curtis of Chicago, Illinois. These names represent just a fraction of the lives lost. Too many stories go untold, and too many families are left grieving.

As these tragedies continue to unfold, I am reminded of the urgency of our work. Domestic violence does not discriminate—it affects individuals across all communities, backgrounds, and identities. In recent weeks, there has been heightened visibility around the murders of Black women.

According to the National Network to End Domestic Violence, 45.1% of Black women have experienced domestic violence, and more than half of Black female homicides are connected to intimate partner violence.

At Anew, we see the impact of this violence every day—and we also see the possibility for change. We provide comprehensive, wraparound services to survivors, while also investing in prevention efforts that address the root causes of abuse.

We believe accountability is essential. Through our Partner Abuse Intervention Program, we work with individuals who have used violence, helping them take responsibility for their actions while building the skills needed to create nonviolent, healthy relationships.

We also believe prevention begins early. Through our Community Education and Prevention Program, we are equipping young people—from pre-K through high school—with the knowledge and tools to build safe, respectful relationships and break cycles of harm before they begin.

This moment calls for more than awareness—it calls for action. Each of us has a role to play in creating safer communities, supporting survivors, and holding systems accountable. Everyone deserves to live a life free from abuse. I remain committed to a future where that is not an aspiration, but a reality.