The Courier News wrote about Domestic Violence Shelter that honored their partners that included churches, and other organizations.
By DENISE MORAN For The Courier News reports
To honor individuals and groups who have provided services to victims of domestic violence, Community Crisis Center Inc. of Elgin held its 18th annual Partners in Peace Breakfast this month at the Elgin Country Club.
Recipients of the 2008 Partners in Peace awards are Lorena Reyes, who handles nutrition and wellness at the crisis center; Mary Hodges, peer outreach coordinator at Open Door Clinic; First Congregational Church in West Dundee; United Way of Elgin; Kane County State's Attorney John Barsanti; Ketki Steffen, assistant state's attorney, Rolling Meadows; and Pastor Joel Kline of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin.
"The work of Community Crisis Center is so important," said Kline. "Domestic violence is frequently ignored and denied. People always assume it is happening somewhere else."
Senior Pastor Don Longbottom of First Congregational Church accepted the Partners in Peace award on behalf of his church. The church has been providing group counseling space and dinner to clients from the crisis center since July 2006.
"We are an inclusive community," Longbottom said. "We will continue to be the church that is part of the solution." He added that his church held a pig roast this month.
"We roasted a whole hog," he said. "When a third of it was left, we took it to the Community Crisis Center."
Hodges of Open Door Clinic was honored to receive the Partners in Peace award. Open Door Clinic works to improve the life of people affected and infected by HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections. It is also dedicated to prevention of future transmissions.
"I love what I do," Hodges said. "When I'm at the clinic, I know there are issues women don't want to talk about."
Diane O'Connor, director of community impact at United Way of Elgin, accepted the award for United Way. During its Day of Caring, in addition to the many boxes of food it collected for the needy, United Way was able to donate two shopping carts full of diapers to the crisis center.
"We've learned it's impossible to counsel someone who has not eaten, lives in a car, or has no diapers for her baby," O'Connor said.
Community Crisis Center was founded in 1975 by volunteers to help those in crisis due to domestic violence, sexual assault or economic circumstances. It offers a 24-hour crisis hot line, information and referral; emergency shelter; individual and group counseling; medical, legal and welfare advocacy; emergency assistance with food, clothing, rent and utilities; and transitional housing.
Proceeds from Reruns, Too Thrift Shop, 1341 Manor Court in Elgin, will benefit the crisis center. Reruns, Too will hold its grand opening on Saturday. Hours will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. It is closed on Sunday and Monday.
There are a number of domestic violence awareness events in October.
• Second Baptist Church in Elgin will hold a conference from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 22. The subject will be "Developing a Ministry to Serve Those in an Abusive Relationship." The conference is being sponsored by the 16th Circuit Family Violence Coordinating Council.
• On Oct. 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Community Room at Gail Borden Public Library will feature displays, videos and crafts regarding "Standing Together Against Domestic Violence. Stand Up! Don't Stand By!"
This event is being co-sponsored by the library and the crisis center.
• The Feast for Peace on Oct. 28-29 will be recognized by participating area restaurants that will donate 15 percent of their profits on those two days to the crisis center.
For more information, call the Community Crisis Center at (847) 697-2380
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