Press Releases
Dancing for a cause: Anew fundraiser to get people moving in support of domestic violence victims
By Laura Bruni
Daily Southtown • Jun 07, 2023 at 5:33 am
DJ Love will be spinning tunes Saturday in Homewood in an energetic event asking people to line dance, cardio drum and Jazzercise against domestic violence.
A fundraiser for Anew, formerly known as South Suburban Family Shelter, the Dancing Away Domestic
Violence event is scheduled from 3 to 6 p.m. in Martin Square, 18020 Martin Ave., in Homewood. While the event is planned to be fun, it addresses an issue of particular concern, as pandemic-related stresses
caused incidents to surge in Illinois and nationwide. According to a 2021 report from The Network, a Chicago-based advocacy group, the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline at 877-863-6338 saw a 9% increase in calls in 2022.
Anew offers free services to survivors ranging from a 24-hour hotline and emergency shelter to community education, counseling, court advocacy, domestic violence advocacy, an abuse intervention program and housing assistance, said Rachel Forsyth, development coordinator for the group.
The group was also important in her personal life. “My own mother received services when I was a teenager,” said Forsyth, who also received support services. “I remembered how impactful and rewarding it was to see the change in my mother. She was visibly happier.”
As a child counseling client Forsythe was eligible in high school for a free backpack. She still remembers the feeling of opening it.
“It came with one of those fancy calculators,” she said, adding her sense of gratitude came with purpose. “Itstuck with me. I volunteered in shelters in college.”
Upon graduation, as fate would have it, the first job posting she saw was for an administrative assistant post at South Suburban Family Shelter.
“I’ve seen this place grow before my eyes,” she said. Her position evolved along with the group, which included the name change/rebranding, and of course, the pandemic.
“Dancing Away Domestic Abuse was the brainchild of Marydale, a former board member who is a big linedancer,” Forsyth said. “Just over 100 people attended last year’s, and we are hoping for about the same this year. It was the perfect amount for people to have enough space to dance.”
The first event, held amid the pandemic three years ago, was a means of spreading awareness in a
socially distanced way, including masks. “We hadn’t gotten together in a long time,” Forsyth said. The event expanded the second year to include cardio drumming; this year Jazzercise has been added to the mix. Everyone is welcome to watch, she said, but participation will cost $20 for those 13 and older, $10 for kids 12and younger. The event, which will follow the weekly village farmer’s market, will include door prizes and a swag bag for participants. Last year’s event raised nearly $1,000 to support Anew’s mission.
“We are hoping to match that number this year,” Forsyth said.
The high visibility of the fundraiser serves a secondary purpose, she said, allowing Anew to better define its services. “The South Suburban Humane Society is right across the street,” Forsyth said with a laugh. “Plus the South Suburban Chamber of Commerce. There’s a lot of ‘South Suburban’ out there. The name ‘Anew, building beyond violence and abuse,’ makes it a lot more clear to people what we actually do.”
Laura Bruni is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
National Child Abuse Prevention Month: What you need to know?
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Kristine Scott
Phone: (708) 794-2140 ext. 311
Email: kris.s@anewdv.org
National Child Abuse Prevention Month: What you need to know?
Homewood, Illinois (April 13, 2022) April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and Anew:
Building Beyond Violence and Abuse recognizes the importance of families and communities
working together to prevent child abuse. Through education and outreach our agency works to
educate kids about healthy relationships, family violence and Teen Dating Violence. It is our belief
that healthy families create healthy communities.
Child abuse affects children across socioeconomic backgrounds, ethnicities, and geography.
According to the Children’s Advocacy Center of Illinois, today there will be 222 reports of abuse in
Illinois and one in 10 children will be sexually abused before their 18th birthday. This would equal
293,319 children in Illinois. Increasingly, children are being affected by violence on television, in
video games, social media, music within their homes, and in the communities. We may want to
believe young children are not affected because they cannot fully understand or lack the vocabulary
to talk about violent events that happen around them. THIS IS NOT TRUE! Such exposure can
have lasting effects on emotional, social, and physical development, and can impact children
throughout their lives.
Anew has been a Safe from the Start agency for more than 14 years. Safe from the Start is funded
by the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) dedicated to addressing and reducing
trauma of exposure to violence in children from birth to five years. Anew provides counseling
services free of charge and available in English and Spanish, for children and their families. We
focus on the child’s exposure to trauma through specialized therapeutic techniques. For more
information or to make an appointment for yourself or your child, contact Safe from the Start at
(708) 798-7737.
Anew: Building Beyond Violence and Abuse for more than 40 years has provided comprehensive,
coordinated services to families in which domestic violence exists without imposing any one
solution. We offer an array of services that includes a 24-hour bilingual hotline, emergency shelter,
counseling, court advocacy, housing support, and community education and training. For more
information about our services visit http://www.anewdv.org.
###
Stability for Survivors: Freedom Through Financial Empowerment
10.19.22
by United Way of Metro Chicago
You start working shifts as a cashier at the grocery store. After receiving your first pay, you check the joint bank account you share with your spouse. You’re shocked to see the balance is low.
Your spouse tells you they’ve opened a new account and have transferred all of your savings and spending money. They say that working at the grocery store isn’t necessary and that you’re needed at home to watch your children and catch up on chores. Your spouse’s income is more than enough to cover your household expenses anyway.
You stop working at the grocery store. When you ask your spouse for money for groceries, they accuse you of spending too much. A haircut? Out of the question—you can do that yourself at home. A bike for exercise and to run errands? You’re told you’re being selfish and crazy.
Nearly 50% of people have experienced psychological abuse. Not to mention 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner. Financial abuse—when someone restricts another person from making, saving, or spending money—occurs in 99% of domestic violence cases and is often a main reason domestic violence survivors stay with an abusive partner. Because they can’t afford to leave.
Reclaiming Power and Financial Independence
This is why financial empowerment is so vital—and potentially life saving for domestic violence survivors. In 2020, United Way of Metro Chicago, The Allstate Foundation, and our community nonprofit partners came together to financially empower survivors during a time when incidents of domestic violence were on the rise due to the pandemic and stay-at-home restrictions.
The Stability for Survivors program connects community partners, like shelters, crisis centers, and counseling programs, with The Allstate Foundation’s Moving Ahead Curriculum, a five-module course designed to help domestic violence survivors achieve financial independence and rebuild their lives. The curriculum covers practical financial topics, such as budgeting, managing debt, and improving credit. It has been proven to help survivors move from short-term safety to long-term security.
Alongside the curriculum, the programs offer additional services, like job training and small business supports to survivors, as well as match-savings and micro-loan opportunities.
“We’re grateful to continue our longstanding partnership with United Way to support survivors of domestic violence,” said Francie Schnipke Richards, Vice President, Social Impact and The Allstate Foundation. “Every person should have the information and tools they need to create a safe, stable, and fulfilled life. Now, more than ever, it is critical to get financial resources in the hands of survivors in need.”
Stability for Survivors in Action at Anew
Anew, previously the South Suburban Family Shelter, is a Stability for Survivors program partner that uses The Allstate Foundation’s Moving Ahead Curriculum to train their counselors and offer financial literacy classes to people who have experienced violence. “This support has made a tremendous difference and impact for our counseling clients,” said Raphaelle Cappos, Counseling Program Manager at Anew.
“Part of their case management services with us is using The Allstate Foundation’s Moving Ahead Curriculum to assist with becoming more financially stable and independent,” Cappos continued. “Most of them have never had a savings account and now make deposits weekly or biweekly. They are learning how to save and plan to eventually use their savings on much-needed things, like finding a new place to live or doing maintenance or repairs on their homes, buying a new vehicle, immigration processing fees, and saving money for her children’s education.”
Through the curriculum and counseling at Anew, Annie* learned how to improve her credit, budget money, and open a bank account. She was also inspired to get her career back on track after she had lost her job because of the domestic violence she experienced.
“Learning these things made me feel empowered, like I had control of life and my kids’ lives,” Annie wrote. “As a survivor of [domestic violence], you want nothing more than to have your power back and a sense of control.”
Program Expands, Reaching More Survivors
Financial empowerment services, coupled with wraparound services like basic needs support and counseling, are critical to helping survivors like Annie rebuild their lives. And funders are taking note. In 2022, Crown Family Philanthropies joined United Way and The Allstate Foundation to support the Stability for Survivors program, allowing the initiative to expand and connect with more community partners—and empower more survivors to regain their sense of self and independence.
“We believe that all Chicagoans deserve a safe place to call home, as well as access to the resources necessary to empower healthy and fulfilling lives,” said Christy Prahl, Program Director of Health and Human Services at Crown Family Philanthropies. “The Stability for Survivors program provides a path to financial wellbeing and a more secure future for survivors and their children.”
Community partners participating in the Stability for Survivors program are:
- Anew
- Apna Ghar, Inc.
- Between Friends
- Family Rescue
- KAN-WIN
- Mujeres Latinas en Acción
- Neopolitan Lighthouse
- YWCA Evanston/North Shore
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please visit the above organizations’ websites for support and resources or call:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800.799.7233
- Anew’s 24-Hour Hotline: 708.335.3028
Sources
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
National Network to End Domestic Violence
Council on Criminal Justice
*Name changed for confidentiality
Column: South Suburban College provides domestic violence bystander intervention training for students and the public
Daily Southtown
Oct 17, 2022 at 12:57 pm
If domestic violence was happening in front of you, would you know how to respond?
For many people, the answer is no. South Suburban College is addressing that issue by conducting live and virtual bystander intervention trainings as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month activities.
“What we are trying to do is teach how to be aware that a domestic violence situation might be unfolding and if they were to encounter a situation — at school, in their own homes or out in the community, at athletic events or a party — the skill set to be able to do something about it,” said Alexandra Glumac, who is facilitating the training.
“Violence can’t be stopped unless people intervene,” said Glumac.
The trainings are part of a comprehensive effort underway at South Suburban to raise awareness on domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking, to prevent such violence and assist victims.
The initiatives are funded by a three-year, $300,000 grant the college received from the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women. South Suburban is partnering with community victims’ services providers YWCA Metropolitan Chicago and Anew: Building Beyond Violence and Abuse.
The initiative addresses a critical need. Nationally, about one in three women and roughly one in four men report having experienced severe physical violence from an intimate partner in their lifetime, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Forty-three percent of dating college women report experiencing some violent and abusive dating behaviors including physical, sexual, tech, verbal or controlling abuse, according to a poll by Fifth & Pacific Companies Inc.
In the bystander training sessions, participants learn intervention strategies including “direct involvement where you put yourself in situation and say things like ‘knock it off’ or ‘you can’t say that to her’ or ‘you have to stop,’” said Glumac.
Another strategy students are taught is distraction, which could be asking the abuser an irrelevant question, such as can you tell me where the library is, or do you know what time it is — something to distract the abuser and enable the victim to get away from the situation. A third strategy is getting assistance by calling on friends to help intervene or contacting the police, Glumac said.
In the sessions, the warning signs of domestic violence are discussed and information on resources available on campus and in the community are provided.
Faculty encourage students to attend the training, and many faculty give extra credit or make it part of their class syllabus for students to attend, Glumac said. All college athletes are required to take the training, she said.
To further spotlight domestic violence, South Suburban worked with Anew, formerly South Suburban Family Shelter, to hold a Zoom Healthy Relationships workshop last week. Often people don’t realize they are in abusive relationships nor understand that abuse can take different forms, said LaSandra Hutchinson, Anew community outreach specialist, and Celeste Angulo, Anew community educator.
Abuse can be physical, psychological, sexual, spiritual and financial, and tactics used by perpetrators can include threats, intimidation, harassment, isolation, manipulation and coercion, they said. The components of a healthy relationship include respect, boundaries, honest communication, trust and accountability, and signs of an unhealthy relationship are abusive behavior, lack of communication and lack of boundaries, they said.
The session also included a discussion on myths. Some include that only women can be victims of domestic violence, only low-income people are victims and if situations were truly bad, people would leave.
There are barriers that often prevent individuals from leaving abusive situations, Hutchinson and Angulo said. Barriers include fear, lack of financial resources, insufficient shelters, culture, religious beliefs, love for the abuser and the belief they can change the abuser.
South Suburban student Latrice Jones, who said she has experienced domestic violence and is a peer mentor at the college, participated in the bystander intervention training and the Healthy Relationships workshop.
“I learned how to positively intervene, safe ways to intervene and who to contact if we do see something,” she said.
That is knowledge she can share with other students, she said. She commended the college’s work to address domestic violence.
“I believe it’s essential to have it on campus,” Jones said. “Sometimes the person who is going through the abuse may feel they have no resources, no one to reach out to.”
By equipping students with knowledge, it positions them to help people on and off campus who are experiencing abuse, Jones said.
This month, as an act of solidarity against domestic violence, students, staff, south suburban businesses and community residents are being asked to wear purple on Thursdays and display purple window lights.
South Suburban will host a free Dating/Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Resource Forum & Expo, open to the general public and South Suburban students, faculty and staff, from 8-11 a.m. on Friday at the college’s Kindig Performing Arts Center, 15800 S. State St., South Holland. Jones said she plans to attend.
The event will feature service providers and offer information on local resources. Panelists will include Deborah Baness King, vice president of student & enrollment services at South Suburban; Ruben Lopez, an advocate at YWCA Metropolitan Chicago; Anew’s Angulo; and Sara Block, director of Advocacy at Ascend Justice. Registration is required. To learn more information or to register, go to visit SSCDVResourceexpo.eventbrite.com.
For more information on the South Suburban College domestic violence program, email Glumac at aglumac@ssc.edu. For domestic violence-related help, contact:
• YWCA of Metropolitan Chicago: www.ywcachicago.org
• Anew: Building Beyond Violence and Abuse: www.anewdv.org, emergency hotline 708-335-3028
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
Francine Knowles is a freelance columnist for the Daily Southtown.
Franciscan Health partners with 57 non-profits on community health
Franciscan Health, Community Contributor
Social Impact Partnership Programs aims to serve at-risk populations
Franciscan Health recently announced $450,000 in funding for community health improvement through its Social Impact Partnership Program (SIPP). Fifty-seven non-profits located throughout Franciscan Health’s Indiana service regions and south suburban Chicago were selected from applications to receive funding of up to $9,750 per organization.
Partners in South Suburban Chicago are: Anew: Building Beyond Violence & Abuse, Crisis Center for South Suburbia, Harold Colbert Jones Memorial Community Center, South Suburban PADS, St. Coletta’s of Illinois, Inc., The Jennifer S. Fallick Cancer Support Center and The Pantry of Rich Township.
“Our community partners are such an asset to the health and wellbeing of their communities,” said Community Health Improvement Administrative Director Kate Hill-Johnson. “This program honors that and provides additional support that allows them to build capacity and assist even more individuals.”
SIPP is a community health enrichment program sponsored by Franciscan Health, which establishes and builds upon partnerships with non-profit health and human service agencies that provide services in at-risk communities served by the health system. The goal is to foster long-term relationships with community providers to better address significant health issues among vulnerable populations.
A committee comprised of local Franciscan healthcare leadership selected the fund recipients and amounts. The recipient organizations received funding based on program applications demonstrating their ability to address priority health needs and health equity based on Franciscan’s Community Health Needs Assessment process. Identified priority health issues include: 1) physical activity and nutrition (including food insecurity); 2) mental wellness; 3) healthy relationships (including pregnancy, parenting and recovery); and 4) housing support.
Recipient organizations will collaborate with Franciscan’s Community Health Improvement team to ensure program effectiveness that meet the partner organization’s stated goals. They must participate in program orientation and will submit progress reports at six-month and one-year intervals. Participation in the reporting process is required for consideration of any future funding or assistance.
Supporting healthier communities
Harold Colbert Jones Community Center Executive Director Cheryl Roop said, “Franciscan Health’s support goes well beyond financial assistance. Their team members build relationships at our community events and throughout the year with in-kind gifts that truly serve our needs.”
Anew Building Beyond Violence & Abuse Executive Director Jennifer Gabrenya said, “We are grateful to be part of the SIPP partners. Knowing how deeply domestic violence impacts the health of our communities, it is refreshing to know we have the support of this partnership.”
Franciscan Health will announce the benchmark dates for 2023 SIPP applications, review and awards early next year.
Letter to the Editor
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
As incidents of domestic violence continue to be ever present in our local media, we feel compelled to continue lifting up the realities of abuse and inform our communities that there is help available. As providers of both domestic violence services for victims and services to help those who use violence to stop their abuse, the Crisis Center for South Suburbia and Anew: Building Beyond Violence and Abuse are especially sensitive to the needs of each group and want the community to be reminded that domestic violence comes in all forms. Domestic violence, at the core, is all about exerting power and control over another person. It is never OK. Every nine seconds a woman is beaten, yet despite increased awareness of domestic violence, it continues to be a public health crisis.
Domestic violence can impact anyone.
The Crisis Center for South Suburbia and Anew are here to support victims of domestic violence in the south cook and eastern will county communities. We provide services to those directly and indirectly impacted by domestic violence. We serve those who have been harmed and we also have services for those who have done harm. Our agencies share a believe that change is possible and that change we work to bring forward is a world free from abuse.
We need your help, as a community, to make sure that people in need are aware of our services. People need to be able to find us when they are in trouble before another life is lost or traumatized. If you are a victim of domestic violence and don’t feel safe, we are here to help. If you feel isolated and alone because someone is controlling you, reach out. Call our 24-hotline for support, emergency shelter, resources, or just to talk. Our help and services are free and confidential.
If you are hurting your partner or fear that you might be, you can contact our agencies to learn more about Partner Abuse Intervention services.
Call 708-335-3028 or visit www.anewdv.org Call 708-429-SAFE or visit www.crisisctr.org.
Letter to the Editor
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: October 19th, 2022
Contact: Jennifer Gabrenya Executive Director
Anew: Building Beyond Violence and Abuse
jennifer.g@anewdv.org
708-794-2140
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
As incidents of domestic violence continue to be ever present in our local media, we
feel compelled to continue lifting up the realities of abuse and inform our communities
that there is help available. As providers of both domestic violence services for victims
and services to help those who use violence to stop their abuse, the Crisis Center for
South Suburbia and Anew: Building Beyond Violence and Abuse are especially sensitive
to the needs of each group and want the community to be reminded that domestic
violence comes in all forms. Domestic violence, at the core, is all about exerting power
and control over another person. It is never OK. Every nine seconds a woman is beaten,
yet despite increased awareness of domestic violence, it continues to be a public
health crisis.
Domestic violence can impact anyone.
The Crisis Center for South Suburbia and Anew are here to support victims of domestic
violence in the south cook and eastern will county communities. We provide services to
those directly and indirectly impacted by domestic violence. We serve those who have
been harmed and we also have services for those who have done harm. Our agencies
share a believe that change is possible and that change we work to bring forward is a
world free from abuse.
We need your help, as a community, to make sure that people in need are aware of
our services. People need to be able to find us when they are in trouble before another
life is lost or traumatized. If you are a victim of domestic violence and don’t feel safe,
we are here to help. If you feel isolated and alone because someone is controlling you,
reach out. Call our 24-hotline for support, emergency shelter, resources, or just to talk.
Our help and services are free and confidential.
If you are hurting your partner or fear that you might be, you can contact our agencies
to learn more about Partner Abuse Intervention services.
Call 708-335-3028 or visit www.anewdv.org Call 708-429-SAFE or visit www.crisisctr.org.
Annual Homewood art project: Benches for Change support SSFS
By: Carole Sharwarko
HF Chronicle July 15, 2020
Colorful and conveniently placed benches have popped up around downtown Homewood, the 2020 incarnation of an annual art installation.
Benches for Changes is a program facilitated by Homewood Business Association that benefits South Suburban Family Shelter, a Homewood-based nonprofit organization that provides services to families experiencing domestic violence.
This year’s project follows previous ones that saw dogs on parade and Adirondack chairs, locally integrated art that benefitted South Suburban Humane Society and Cancer Support Center, respectively.
Julie Lawton, director of Homewood Business Association, said the organization planned a while ago to use the 2020 art installation to benefit SSFS.
“We told them last year that we wanted to work with them because it’s their 40-year anniversary,” said Lawton, who is co-owner of UpsaDaisy Boutique in Homewood.
Twenty-two unfinished benches were bought by businesses, organizations and individuals, who assembled and painted them with a theme of their choosing.
To make the benches durable for outdoor use, Homewood Auto Body donated time and material to seal each bench with the same clear coat it uses on cars. The business also sprayed the dogs and chairs of previous installations, protecting them from the natural elements.
“One of the biggest contributors for us is Scott (Saalman) from Homewood Auto Body,” Lawton said. “They have offered to spray the final coat on any art installation we do. It’s a very costly thing for him to do.”
After being enjoyed by visitors to Homewood’s downtown throughout the summer, the benches will be auctioned off, with proceeds benefiting SSFS. Previous auctions were held at Homewood’s Fall Fest. Since the fate is uncertain for that event for this year, the auction will be tied in with SSFS’s annual gala in October.
While the two-seater benches encourage connection between people, Lawton said that can be tricky during a time when COVID restrictions keep us apart. However, someone can sit with a family member or a close friend for a chat, or sit alone for quiet reflection.
“You’re welcome to sit on the benches. We want people to sit on them and enjoy them,” Lawton said. “It’s nice to stop and just think about life and the wonderful experiences you have with the people closest to you.”
Jewish volunteer group collects carloads of meals for families in need
By: Carole Sharwarko
H-F Chronicle July 10, 2020
Volunteers unloaded bags of food so that donors could stay inside their air conditioned cars on a sultry Wednesday morning, during a food collection for South Suburban Family Shelter.
The event was organized by the local group of Juf Tikkun Olam Network of Volunteers (TOV) within the Jewish United Fund. About a half-dozen volunteers stood in front of South Suburban Vineyard Church in Flossmoor, welcoming locals who signed up to put together food for a meal.
TOV requested that donors bring a full complement of ingredients to create one entire meal of either breakfast, lunch or dinner. They offered sample menus:
- Breakfast: Box of pancake mix, bottle of syrup, jar of peanut butter, jar of jam, two cans of fruit
- Lunch: Box of rice, two cans of pinto beans, can of diced tomatoes, can of corn, package of fruit cups
- Dinner: Two boxes of pasta, two jars of pasta sauce, two cans of vegetables, two cans of beans, jar of applesauce
“Because of COVID, many different organizations and food pantries are shut down, and families in need aren’t getting the same kind of help,” said Amy Bloomberg, a volunteer who organizes south suburban activities for JUF.
The food was destined for the kitchens of SSFS clients. The organization, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary, provides comprehensive services to families experiencing domestic violence.
Food drive participants signed up to donate a certain number of meals, Bloomberg said, and the list included more than 100 meals committed.
However, volunteer Aaron Latman said quite a few people pulled up with cars holding more than promised — whole trunkloads of food, said the junior at H-F High School.
Latman said he volunteers often around Homewood and Flossmoor, collecting needed service hours while getting a sense of satisfaction by helping the community.
“I’ve helped SSFS out as a volunteer in the past, so this is not my first rodeo,” Latman said. “It’s just two hours; I’m more than happy to help.”
Latman and other volunteers unloaded grocery bags from the drive-by donors, then sorted the items into paper sacks lined up on the grass. The bags teetered, filled with jars of peanut butter, bottles of syrup and canned vegetables, beans and meat — important protein, Bloomberg said.
Volunteer Tracey Levy said she heard about the food drive from Bloomberg, and was excited to participate in a local nonprofit event. She’s a member of the Society of Women Engineers and also Junior League, and said she misses attending in-person events with those organizations.
“We’ve been doing virtual events, but it’s not the same,” Levy said. “This was a way I could be here physically helping.”
Staff and volunteers from SSFS helped load up the donated food — enough to fill five cars — to be delivered directly to its counseling office and to clients in its Sanctuary Program.
SSFS events coordinator Brittany Williams called the collection turnout “amazing,” and said the agency is storing additional food at its Homewood administration office for later distribution.
“It’s such a great feeling to know our clients won’t have to worry, and that we have such strong support from the community,” Williams said.
COVID-19 fallout challenges domestic violence victims, workers
By: Carole Sharwarko
HF Chronicle June 16, 2020
The executive director of a local domestic violence services agency said the low number of requests for services during Illinois’ stay-at-home order don’t tell the whole story about what victims experienced during that time.
Jennifer Gabrenya is executive director of South Suburban Family Shelter, a nonprofit in Homewood that assists families experiencing domestic violence. She said their hotline has been quiet lately, but of course that doesn’t mean incidents of domestic violence suddenly decreased.
“In the first few months, we were getting zero requests for new counseling. That, in itself, was really scary,” Gabrenya said. “What we’re worried about are people who can’t safely get to a phone. They can’t reach out because they’re in the house with the person who’s hurting them, 24 hours a day.”
Many SSFS clients must lie to their abuser in order to leave the house for counseling and other services, Gabrenya said. Women might say they’re going to church or to the home of a friend or family member. Since the pandemic closed establishments and restricted people’s movements, those excuses went away.
“One of my colleagues has at least one client who’s able to leave the house and go for a walk. That’s when she calls in for services,” Gabrenya said.
“If you’re afraid of the person in your home, you’re not going to be able to go in the bathroom and make a call. There’s no privacy, there’s no safety, there are no boundaries.”
An essential operation, SSFS continued its work when Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued a virtual state shutdown in late March. The agency has maintained all its programs, except for medical advocacy, since hospitals wouldn’t permit non-patients to enter.
To continue counseling sessions for people experiencing abuse, Gabrenya said SSFS set up a system to connect with clients via video messaging. It had to be secure, discreet and simple — nothing requiring a client to set up an account or provide an email address — so it wouldn’t be noticed by an abuser going through his victim’s phone.
Even with a robust system, Gabrenya said she recognizes that connecting through technology isn’t the ideal way to share problems and feelings with a counselor.
“Of course, the virtual stuff doesn’t work for everyone. We’re very painfully aware that counseling, therapy and group services are more ideally served in person,” she said.
The counseling staff has been saddened and alarmed, Gabrenya said, to find certain clients unreachable. Some don’t answer their phone, while others’ numbers have been disconnected.
As SSFS staff has developed new and safe ways to connect with clients, Gabrenya said they simultaneously faced an enormous challenge in housing victims of domestic violence, which often include children as well as adults.
SSFS does not operate a physical shelter. Instead, it uses a system of hotelling for clients in immediate need. The agency rents hotel rooms to provide clients with emergency shelter. If needed, it then places clients at shelters operated by other domestic violence and nonprofit agencies.
Due to COVID-19 concerns, most of these congregant shelters have closed or stopped admitting new residents, Gabrenya said. SSFS staff were forced to use solely the hotelling system for clients who need a safe place to stay — a costly solution.
“We’ve experienced over a 500% increase in nights. It’s cost us $40,000 in the last two months,” Gabrenya said.
She’s thankful, however, that SSFS already had a structure in place for sheltering clients in hotel rooms. Gabrenya said other agencies with no such system have reached out for help setting one up, and SSFS has been able to advise them on billing and other logistics.
Though the constraints of the pandemic shutdown have strained the agency’s operations and finances, Gabrenya said she feels impressed by what her team accomplished while facing serious challenges.
“There were some amazing things that came out of this because you can see the innovation that the staff has,” Gabrenya said. “We have found people have talents we didn’t know they had. We’ve had to pivot and shift so fast, it’s amazing that we still have our head on our shoulders.”
SSFS continues services for those in domestic violence situations
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.
Paint-your-own seating project supports agency’s ‘benchmark’ anniversary
By: Carole Sharwarko
HF Chronicle March 10, 2020
This spring, you have the chance to paint a piece of public art that supports an important community cause.
“Benches for Change” is the latest in annual installations sponsored by the Homewood Business Association that highlights aspects of the neighborhood with resident-created art.
This year the project provides benches you can purchase, paint and have displayed around town. Benches must be purchased by Sunday, March 15, at UpsaDaisy Boutique, 18100 Martin Ave. They will arrive, unassembled, in about two weeks.
Previous years have recognized South Suburban Humane Society with painted dogs and cats for “Pets on Parade,” and Cancer Support Center featuring uniquely decorated “Chairs With a Purpose.” Those fundraisers saw 30 to 40 items painted, with thousands of dollars raised.
This year, the project turns the town’s attention to South Suburban Family Shelter, an agency located in Homewood that provides education and resources to end the cycle of domestic violence.
The benches are part of recognizing the organization’s 40th anniversary in 2020, according to Brittany Williams, the agency’s events manager.
“With it being our 40th anniversary we stepped back and looked at what really makes us a staple in this area,” Williams said.
Benches supply a space for reflection, observation and rest — things SSFS provides to its clients who often are immersed in chaotic situations.
“It’s a two-seater bench, supplying that message that you’re never alone,” Williams said. “We’re trying to do for this town what we’ve done for so many people.”
Anyone from individuals and families to businesses, churches and youth groups can buy an unpainted bench for $150.
You’ll have about a month-and-a-half to paint the bench with a design of your choosing. Then benches will go to Homewood Auto Body to receive a two-step topcoat to make them durable outdoors.
Completed benches will be unveiled on June 5 during the Art & Garden Fair, then displayed throughout town over the summer.
Finally, during Fall Fest on Sept. 26 the benches will be auctioned, with proceeds benefiting SSFS. Winners of the benches can choose to leave them in town or relocate them to their home or business.
Williams said bench design possibilities are “limitless,” as long as they are kept tasteful. People may choose to include an inspirational message, a family crest, an abstract design or another representational image.
“Over at Jonathan Kane Salon, I know they’re having a contest among the staff to come up with the design for their bench,” Williams said.
Hopefully, she said, the vibrant benches will pique the interest of people doing business, shopping and dining in Homewood, who will then learn the connection to SSFS.
“People will start thinking about us when they’re doing things downtown,” Williams said. “The fact that it’ll come back to us is fun, and hopefully start that conversation about what we do as an organization.”
Chamber of Commerce heads up 3-village holiday charity effort
The Village of Homewood will collect items to support the South Suburban Family Shelter (SSFS), the Village of Flossmoor will collect for South Suburban PADS and the Fire Department from the Village of Glenwood will collect toy donations for their annual toy drive.This idea to support all three communities was formulated by the HACC Board to better include all three communities that are part of the chamber.
Chamber President Rodney Young said, “We hope the chamber members and Homewood, Flossmoor and Glenwood residents will support these charitable drives and donate to the organization of their choice. The Chamber realizes this is a busy time for everyone and our area is very charitable conducting numerous holiday drives for many worthy causes. But we’re hoping to show that the HACC cares and give back to the communities with a great showing of support.
“The chamber is so grateful for the wonderful cooperation among the villages. This cooperative effort matches our 2020 goal to foster better relationships with local groups through cooperative events and causes. Please donate to those in need.”
“Now these families need food items to have a nice holiday dinner. Any non-perishable food items that you would serve at your Holiday gathering will really help.”
The wish list from domestic violence survivors includes boxes of stuffing, instant potatoes, cranberries, rolls, canned pumpkin and canned vegetables.
“Some of our clients need gas to get to their counseling appointments, so gas gift cards are always welcome,” said Williams.
According to PADS officials, the homeless are not only in need of shelter but also necessities such as chapstick, deodorant and new underwear.
PADS also asked for $5 gift cards for Walmart, McDonald’s, Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks, Walgreens and similar stores.
The gift cards help the homeless get by when they need food and clothing or just a hot cup of coffee during the winter cold.
These items, except gift cards, can be dropped off at the Flossmoor village hall, 2800 Flossmoor Road, during regular business hours from now until Dec. 11.
Please drop off gift cards directly to PADS at one of their two south suburban locations, 414 Lincoln Highway, Chicago Heights, or 4411 W Gatling Boulevard, Country Club Hills.
“We collect at either fire station, 605 Glenwood-Lansing Road or at 534 Roberts Drive, until Dec. 14,” said Welsh. “We drive every street and collect what people have packaged for us and left at the end of their driveways.”
New and wrapped toys and non-perishable food items will be accepted until Dec. 14. Items are sorted and prepared to deliver the to families in need. Families are identified with help from community suggestions and in consultation with Brookwood School District 167 staff.
Monetary donations are also accepted, Welsh said.
“The Glenwood Firefighters Association uses this money to bolster the donations and purchase whatever we need to provide each family with groceries for a holiday meal and presents for each child and sometimes their parents.”
- For more information on the Homewood Area Chamber of Commerce, SSFS, PADS and the Glenwood Toy and Food Drive, please contact HACC VP Lisa Campbell at lmcampbell@hfchronicle.com.
- Register at Eventbrite for the HACC holiday luncheon.
- Register on Facebook for the HACC holiday luncheon.
- HACC website.
SSFS launches month of ‘change’ to fight violence
Family Shelter offer a suggestion for each day
in October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month,
and were handed out during the Be the Change
Celebration. (Carole Sharwarko/H-F Chronicle)
With community sing-alongs and a swishing rainbow dress, the South Suburban Family Shelter kickoff event for Domestic Violence Awareness Month looked a bit different this year than its previous incarnation.
in her rainbow skirt, as South Suburban Family
Shelter Executive Director Jennifer Gabrenya
looks on. (Carole Sharwarko/H-F Chronicle)
When she took the stage, Bell told the crowd that night was the first time she ever spoke publicly about her own experience with domestic violence. She did so briefly, and then transitioned into her program where she encouraged members of the audience to spread positivity.
Free Eye Exams
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FREE EYE EXAMS
HOMEWOOD, IL, June 13, 2018 – South Suburban Family Shelter in partnership with Prevent Blindness Illinois and Rosin Eye Care Centers will offer free eye exams on June 26 by appointment. Anyone age 5 and older who does not have vision insurance and has not had an eye exam in the past year is eligible.
Eye exams will take place at South Suburban Family Shelter’s administrative offices located at 18137 Harwood Avenue in Homewood. Those patients who need glasses or referrals for further optometric testing will receive vouchers to use at Rosin Eye Centers.
Appointments take approximately 20 minutes. To schedule an appointment, please call Dawn at 708-794-2140, extension 308. There are a limited number of appointments available.
South Suburban Family Shelter provides services in English and Spanish for families impacted by domestic violence including counseling, emergency shelter, transitional housing, legal advocacy, court advocacy, and violence prevention programs.
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Contact: Dawn Peloso
708-794-2140, ext. 308
dawnp@ssfs1.org
University of Chicago Medicine Ends Partnership with Domestic Violence Workers Medical Advocates dismissed from UC Medicine Ingalls ERs and Urgent Cares
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
University of Chicago Medicine Ends Partnership with Domestic Violence Workers Medical Advocates dismissed from UC Medicine Ingalls ERs and Urgent Cares
HARVEY, IL, November 20, 2018 – After nearly 20 years of serving the community, University of Chicago Medicine/Ingalls Hospital has ended their contract with South Suburban Family Shelter to provide advocacy to victims of domestic violence in their emergency rooms and urgent care centers. The news came in a letter from University of Chicago Medicine’s legal counsel announcing that the long partnership will terminate in 30 days.
South Suburban Family Shelter Executive Director Jennifer Gabrenya commented “This is a disappointing statement on University of Chicago Medicine’s commitment to the well-being of families in the south suburbs.”
The dissolution of a long-standing partnership means that thousands of people per year will no longer have access to medical advocacy services at Ingalls. Last year, South Suburban Family Shelter served 11,699 people in Ingalls ERs and Urgent Care centers by providing domestic violence screenings, assessments and intake to those in need.
South Suburban Family Shelter has already begun looking for new ways to reach out to people in need of their services in the community. They are also working to fill the budgetary gap that the dissolution of their partnership with Ingalls leaves.
South Suburban Family Shelter provides comprehensive, coordinated services to families in which domestic violence exists, without imposing any one solution. South Suburban Family Shelter accepts clients regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, immigration status, marital status or age. Services are provided at no charge to victims and include a 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter, counseling, medical advocacy, legal advocacy, community education, partner abuse intervention and transitional housing.
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Contact: Dawn Peloso
708-794-2140, ext. 308
dawnp@ssfs1.org