FROM THE DESK OF THE CEO: ARE YOU CONNECTED? WWW.GACSPROGRAMS.ORG VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION & SIGN UP FOR E-NEWS. CONNECT WITH US ON FACEBOOK. /GUARDIANANGELCOMMUNITYSERVICE Our mission is to help empower people to improve the quality of their lives. www.gacsprograms.org Guardian Angel Community Services www.facebook.com/guardianangelcommunityservice Groundwork Domestic Violence Program Suzy’s Caring Place Exchange Club Center Partner Abuse Intervention Program Foster Care Program Sexual Assault Service Center Dillard Harris Educational Center GACS Newsletter Ines Kutlesa, MA, LCPC Chief Executive Officer GIVING TO GACS 3 WAYS TO DONATE: ONLINE MAKE A SECURE ONLINE DONATION AT: WWW.GACSPROGRAMS.ORG FOLLOW US ON TWITTER. @GUARDIANANGELCS PHONE CALL TO DONATE OVER THE PHONE: (815) 729-0930 MAIL TO DONATE VIA MAIL, SEND A CHECK TO: 1550 PLAINFIELD RD. JOLIET, IL 60435 1897-1898: Guardian Angel Home founded by the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate - “Cottage” on Joliet Franciscans’ Motherhouse Grounds 1898-1926: “Fox Estate” Guardian Angel Home on Buell Street 1926-Present: Guardian Angel Home on Plainfield Road * 2004: Name changed to Guardian Angel Community Services Our Future: 168 North Ottawa (Downtown Joliet) Dear Friends, The time has come again to share in the joy of all that has happened here at Guardian Angel over the past few months! On behalf of our Board of Directors, staff, volunteers and everyone at Guardian Angel Community Services, we offer our deepest gratitude for all of the generous and kind gestures we were blessed to witness during this time of planning and celebration. You have continued to make a difference in the lives of others by helping us meet our mission to empower people to improve the quality of their lives. The following stories and images speak for themselves so please join us in reflecting on these fine moments. While operations continued strongly in our 7 core programs that include, Groundwork, Suzy’s Caring Place, the Sexual Assault Services Center, Foster Care, the Exchange Club Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse & Neglect, the Dillard Harris Educational Center and the Partner Abuse Intervention Program, we were also planning for our historic move to 168 North Ottawa in downtown Joliet. Thank you all for reaching out to help us further our cause and prepare for our new beginning. WANT TO GET INVOLVED? Take our 65-hour Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Training Class to become a VOLUNTEER. SEE PAGE 7 FOR DETAILS. Interested in group volunteer opportunities? CONTACT VALERIE PASTWA, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST AT 815-729-0930 X233 OR [email protected]“VOLUNTEERS do not necessarily have the time, they just have the heart.” -Elizabeth Andrew
Transcript
FRO M T H E DESK O F T H E C EO : ARE YOU CONNECTED?
WWW.GACSPROGRAMS.ORG
VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION & SIGN UP FOR E-NEWS.
CONNECT WITH US ON FACEBOOK. /GUARDIANANGELCOMMUNITYSERVICE
Our mission is to help empower people to improve the quality of their lives. www.gacsprograms.org
Guardian Angel Community Services www.facebook.com/guardianangelcommunityservice
Groundwork Domestic Violence Program Suzy’s Caring Place Exchange Club Center Partner Abuse Intervention Program Foster Care Program Sexual Assault Service Center Dillard Harris Educational Center
GACS Newsletter
Ines Kutlesa, MA, LCPC Chief Executive Officer
GIVING TO GACS
3 WAYS TO DONATE:
ONLINE
MAKE A SECURE ONLINE DONATION AT: WWW.GACSPROGRAMS.ORG
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER. @GUARDIANANGELCS
PHONE
CALL TO DONATE OVER THE PHONE: (815) 729-0930
MAIL
TO DONATE VIA MAIL, SEND A CHECK TO: 1550 PLAINFIELD RD. JOLIET, IL 60435
1897-1898: Guardian Angel Home founded by the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate - “Cottage” on Joliet Franciscans’ Motherhouse Grounds
1898-1926: “Fox Estate” Guardian Angel Home on Buell Street
1926-Present: Guardian Angel Home on Plainfield Road * 2004: Name changed to Guardian Angel Community Services
Our Future: 168 North Ottawa (Downtown Joliet)
Dear Friends, The time has come again to share in the joy of all that has happened here at Guardian Angel over the past few months! On behalf of our Board of Directors, staff, volunteers and everyone at Guardian Angel Community Services, we offer our deepest gratitude for all of the generous and kind gestures we were blessed to witness during this time of planning and celebration. You have continued to make a difference in the lives of others by helping us meet our mission to empower people to improve the quality of their lives. The following stories and images speak for themselves so please join us in reflecting on these fine moments. While operations continued strongly in our 7 core programs that include, Groundwork, Suzy’s Caring Place, the Sexual Assault Services Center, Foster Care, the Exchange Club Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse & Neglect, the Dillard Harris Educational Center and the Partner Abuse Intervention Program, we were also planning for our historic move to 168 North Ottawa in downtown Joliet. Thank you all for reaching out to help us further our cause and prepare for our new beginning.
WANT TO GET INVOLVED? Take our 65-hour Domestic Violence & Sexual
Assault Training Class to become a VOLUNTEER. SEE PAGE 7 FOR DETAILS.
Interested in group volunteer opportunities?
CONTACT VALERIE PASTWA, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST AT 815-729-0930 X233 OR
David Nelson Exquisite Jewelry Jay & Lori Bergman Chicago Tube & Iron
Gene Tkalitch and Associates, LTD Mega Sound D.J.
Rathburn Cservenyak & Kozol, LLC Richard’s Music & Electronics
Salon David Anthony Vince’s Flowers & Landscaping
PAGE 3
GACS HOSTS 2ND ANNUAL PURPLE LIGHT NIGHTS® VIGIL TO KICK OFF DVAM “Today I stand before you not as a victim of domestic violence, but as a survivor - an advocate, proud to tell my story.” On October 1, 2013, survivor and volunteer Kristy O’Malley spoke to a crowd of more than 100 community members gathered on the front lawn of GACS to kick off Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). The 2nd Annual Purple Light Nights® Vigil hosted by the Groundwork Program of GACS was surely a memorable evening for all who attended. The evening concluded with a release of over 100 balloons that attendees were able to label in memory of loved ones lost to domestic violence, and the lighting of 12,344 purple lights strung across the front of GACS. But the highlight of the evening was unmistakably found in the words of one brave survivor, Kristy O’Malley, who recounted her personal story of endur ing an abusive marriage. O’Malley now volunteers for the Groundwork Program and shares her story to increase domestic violence awareness. The survivor-turned-volunteer shared that for her, the importance of her message isn't in the difficult details of the abuse she endured, but rather in the journey of breaking free from abuse, and where she is today. “I am stronger and more confident than I have ever been.” Purple Light Nights® is inspired by the Covington Domestic Violence Task Force in King County, Washington. The goal of the project is to “Shine a Light, Save a Life,” by encouraging residents and local businesses to raise awareness of domestic violence by shining purple lights on their porches.
ANNUAL TAKE BACK THE NIGHT SHINES LIGHT ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE On October 3, 2013 hundreds gathered inside the First Assembly of God Church (Joliet) while keynote speaker Rev. Neil Schori urged attendees to do their part in helping those impacted by domestic violence. “If we come together and say enough is enough, we are going to be the change that we desire to see,” said Schori. Additional speakers included Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow and Groundwork Program Manager, Cheryl Pristas, who co-chaired the event. A vigil was held in memory of the 66 victims who died in Will County because of domestic violence in the past 10 years. Drummers from the Universalist Unitarian Church of Joliet led supporters in a march down Essington Road while chanters sent the message to “Take Back The Night.” The Groundwork Program also participated in the annual Take Back the Night Events for Grundy County & Northern Will County.
BLACKBURN, GIEGERICH, SONNTAG FUNERAL HOME, HINCKLEY SPRINGS, HOME CUT DONUTS, ILLINOIS TRUCKING ASSOCIATION, MERIDIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATES, ORGANO GOLD COFFEE, ROTARY CLUB OF PLAINFIELD, SODEXO, VILLAGE OF MOKENA POLICE DEPARTMENT, ZONTA CLUB OF JOLIET.
INTERESTED IN GETTING INVOLVED IN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH EVENTS? CONTACT AMIRRAH ABOU-YOUSSEF, PROGRAM SUPERVISOR, AT 815-729-0930 X 429 OR [email protected]
5TH ANNUAL ANGELS AGAINST ABUSE (AAA) 5K WELCOMES RUNNERS Five years ago, the Groundwork Domestic Violence Program put together its first annual 5k event hoping to raise some extra funds for the victims and families served. They were humbled by the outpour of support received in 2009 and five years later, are more than pleased with the support and awareness that the annual 5k event has created. Shortly after the first 5k, GACS opened Suzy’s Caring Place, a transitional housing program for survivors of domestic violence, and the two programs joined forces in putting together the annual 5k event. This year, GACS staff decided to expand the event by officially making it a 5k walk and run. The outcome was better than the agency had imagined; nearly 200 participated in the AAA 5k, marking the biggest turnout yet. GACS staff were pleasantly surprised by the many community teams that attended, including: Team Hollywood Casino Gives Back, Team Target (Joliet), Meridian Medical Associates, The Coal City Junior Women’s Club, Theta Kappa Pi Sorority, and others. The event also welcomed back several teams that have attended the event since its inception, many of whom participated in honor of a loved one that they had lost to domestic violence. Before the event kicked off, GACS Marketing & Communications Specialist Valerie Pastwa reminded attendees, “The request for emergency shelter has more than tripled in recent years, and the agency’s ability to continue to respond to this growing need for services would not be possible without the support of all of you.”
GACS BOARD CHAIR HONORED Board of Directors Chairperson, Larry Wiers was inducted to the Hall of Pride by the Joliet Will County Project Pride in November. Those honored are said t o d e m o n s t r a t e achievements that have made Joliet and Will County a better place to live. Mr. Wiers is the former Troy School District superintendent and has served on the GACS Board of Directors for 5 years.
POSITIVE PARENTING CLASSES AVAILABLE AT GACS The Exchange Club Center at GACS offers Positive Parenting Classes several times throughout the year. Classes are open to anyone interested in improving their parenting skills and those required to complete classes via court order or the Department of Children and Family Services. The cost for the class is $100 per participant. Payment plans are available. Scholarship funding may be available for those in need and will be considered on a case by case basis. For more information or to register for Positive Parenting Classes, contact Donna Plier, ECC Program Supervisor, at 815-729-0930 x330 or [email protected].
PAGE 4 GACS NEWS AND BOARD NEWS
MINOOKA POMS MAKE BLANKETS The Minooka Community High School Poms-Varsity and JV Arrowettes spent an afternoon making blankets for our shelter clients. Not only did the Poms Girls make and donate the blankets but they also compiled a huge donation of items from our wish list.
ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY GIVES BACK The ladies of the sorority’s Kappa Mu Omega Chapter, donated all of the materials for, and even took the time to put together, individual medical advocacy kits for our advocates to provide to survivors in local emergency rooms.
EMPOWERING SURVIVORS THROUGH STRONG PARTNERSHIPS The Groundwork Program completed the third round of Career Empowerment Groups made possible by partnering with the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Allstate Career Club. The groups provide employment support and strategies for survivors of domestic violence. Groundwork clients who participated were given a gift card of their choice upon successful completion of the program. This group has been a valuable resource to so many survivors.
FLECK NAMED YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR GACS Board Member, Sandra Fleck, was honored as the Joliet Area Young Professionals (JAYP) Young Professional of the Year. The award recognizes JAYP members who have made outstanding contributions to their profession and the community during the early years of their career. Ms. Fleck is Senior Vice President and Market Leader for Heartland Bank & Trust Company and has been a GACS Board Member since May 2012.
UNIVERSITY OF ST. FRANCIS HOSTS BOWLING FUNDRAISER TO BENEFIT SASC This winter, Dr. Richard Vaughan, Associate Professor at University of St. Francis, contacted GACS seeking to host a fundraiser as a project for his non-profit marketing class students to learn hands on experience. The class planned and hosted a bowling “FUN-raiser” coining their slogan “Help us Strike Against Sexual Assault,” and raised $1,850 that was donated to our Sexual Assault Service Center. Thank you Dr. Vaughan and all of the USF students involved in such a successful fundraiser to benefit those impacted by sexual violence.
S L O C U M S C O R E S A T HOLLYWOOD CASINO JOLIET, DONATES WINNINGS TO GACS Scott Slocum of WJOL Radio proved that his talents extend beyond the radio industry when he braved up for a half-court basketball shot at Hollywood Casino Joliet on April 7, 2014. Not only was Scott successful in making the difficult shot, he donated his winnings to GACS! A check for $2,500 was presented to GACS, represented by Fundra is ing Opera t ions Manager Jane Ukleja pictured with Scott Slcoum (WJOL) and Wayne Smith, General
Manager of Hollywood Casino Joliet. Thank you, Scott and Wayne, for everything you have done and continue to do for the programs and services of GACS.
BETH ANN MAY HONORED AT 75TH ANNUAL CEREMONY Joliet Township Clerk, Beth Ann May, has been a supporter and friend of GACS for many years, joining our Board of Directors in March of 2013. Recently, Beth Ann was honored at the 75th Annual Community Services
Council of Will County’s Annual Meeting & Awards Breakfast when she was presented with the award for Outstanding Individual in Human Services. Beth Ann was recognized for her work with the Community Service Council as its President and other offices held and for her dedicated volunteer work that has touched the lives of many in Will County.
CONGRATULATIONS GACS BOARD OF DIRECTORS!
PAGE 5 HOLIDAY GIVING & COMMUNITY SUPPORT
The overwhelming support of our community made the holiday season “merry & bright” for so many families served by GACS. The generosity of community members, schools, churches, groups, businesses, organizations and clubs never ceases to amaze us. Below are just a few of the heart-warming stories of holiday giving at GACS. On behalf of GACS staff and all of those served by our agency, thank you to all of those who donated time, talents and goods throughout the fall and winter seasons, making such a positive impact in the lives of so many families in need.
SHOP WITH A FIREMAN PROGRAM GACS and the clients that we serve have been fortunate to be a part of the Joliet Fire Department (JFD) Annual Shop with a Fireman Program year after year. On December 8, 2013 the JFD firemen accompanied 55 children from GACS for a lovely breakfast before assisting the kids with holiday shopping for their families at Sam’s Club – Joliet. Volunteers even helped wrap all of the gifts before the kids returned home. The firemen donated an additional $875 in gift cards to support even more families! A special thank you to JFD for their support of GACS by giving so much of their time toward such an amazing gift year after year.
JOLIET JUNIOR COLLEGE ANGELS Every year, GACS hosts an “Angels on Assignment” Program to make sure those in need are able to have a happy holiday season. As the holidays drew near, it was realized that 50 women and children on the list had not yet been “adopted.” Eager to help, Joliet Junior College & their Division of
Information Technology staff banded together to purchase gifts for our families in need. A special thank you to Mary Schulte, Administrative Secretary of Information Technology, for heading the project and former “Angelica” dancer, Jim Serr Executive Director of Information Technology, for their continued support of GACS.
THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR 2014 ANGELS ON ASSIGNMENT Alissa, Dr. Chen, Derrick and Liz Glazik, Joliet Junior College, Erica Kenney, Jenn Lennhardt, Kathy and Jerri Lewandowski, Midwest Respiratory Ltd., Our Savior Lutheran Church, Panduit, The Scott Family, St. Joseph Church, St. Mary Immaculate, University of Chicago & Jennifer Wirtz.
THE SANCTUARY CHURCH (BOLINGBROOK) HOSTS SPA NIGHT EVENT A group of volunteers from the Sanctuary Church (Bolingbrook) put together a “Loved” Spa Night Event for our Groundwork clients complete with snacks and gifts. Moms who attended were pampered with haircuts, manicures, pedicures, and massages. While the Moms enjoyed their special treatment, the volunteers entertained the kids with games and
crafts including cookie and cupcake decorating. The event was truly a night of much needed relaxation for women and children who have been impacted by domestic violence.
THANK YOU TO THE LOCAL GROUPS AND BUSINESSES
WHO GAVE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON...
DAMCO DISTRIBUTION SERVICES INC. (ELWOOD) goes out of their way to help us during the holidays every year. This year was no exception. Damco surprised us by purchasing a brand new double range oven, a roaster oven, and a full set of pots and pans for our emergency shelter. Now, families living in our shelter can prepare dinner much more efficiently with two different oven temperatures. CHICAGO TUBE & IRON (ROMEOVILLE) contacted us before the holidays and asked if they could help by holding an employee donation drive. During a short 2-week period, this amazing group collected HUNDREDS of much needed items from our agency wish list. But the group did not stop there - Chicago Tube & Iron employees continued their giving by donating funds raised from employee jeans pass sales and fundraisers throughout January and February, totaling more than $800 in additional monetary donations. JOLIET CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL HUMAN RELATIONS & KIWANIS KEY CLUB students collect non-perishable food items for GACS every year before the holiday to distribute to our clients. The students came together for their most successful year by almost doubling the number of items collected! BOY SCOUTS TROOP #63 & CREW #63 collected and donated approximately 1,100 pounds of food to our Groundwork Emergency Shelter. THE MINOOKA LIONS CLUB, led by Jeff Hanley, donated gift cards for gas, groceries, restaurants, and retail stores valued at nearly $1,100 for our clients. EXXON MOBIL WOMENS INTEREST NETWORK made adorable, fuzzy blankets to help keep our clients warm through the cold winter months. AT&T (JOLIET) employees collected and delivered a very generous donation of several much needed items from our agency wish list. FAIRFIELD INN SOUTH (JOLIET) dropped off some holiday cheer along with boxes upon boxes of paper goods and food items for our clients. CHICAGO BRIDGE AND IRON (PLAINFIELD & BOLINGBROOK) continued their support of GACS by holding a slipper drive for our clients. STAR TOURING AND RIDING CHAPTER 394 raised $300, which representative Kelly Ledford presented to us, to help our families this holiday season. PLAINFIELD JUNIOR WOMEN’S CLUB continued their support by hosting a sock drive and donating to our Groundwork Program. PARTY PLANNING WITH A PURPOSE Thank you to the following groups who hosted holiday parties complete with food and gifts for our clients over the holidays: Church of God (Joliet), the Shepherd’s Place (Joliet), Verizon Wireless Cellular Connection Network (Romeoville), and the Zonta Club of Joliet.
These are just a few of the many groups who supported our causes this holiday season. A heartfelt thank you from all of us at GACS to those of you who helped make the holiday season such a memorable one for so many in need!
APRIL: SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH (SAAM) 2014 PAGE 6
PROM N’ AID 2014 Every year during prom season, our Sexual Assault Service Center (SASC) hosts its Prom N' Aid Project. The idea is simple - ask local teens to attend a dating safety class a n d o n c e completed, allow them to shop GACS' collection of gently used prom dresses and pick out their FREE prom dress! Then, to wrap up the project, the SASC Program works in conjunction with the Joliet Public Library - Black Road Branch, to host the Annual Prom Fashion Show - always proving to be a great awareness event and overall amazing project in preparation for a safe and fun prom season. This year, 47 teens attended dating safety classes, which marked the 7th annual SASC Prom N’ Aid Project. More than 200 people attended this year’s fashion show. Professional volunteers stepped up including hair styling provided by Regency Beauty Institute and makeup provided by Artistry. John Parli of John Parli Photography was extremely generous with his time and talents. He helped the program promote the event, attended the prom dress shopping days AND the fashion show and even allowed all teens who participated and their families to make copies of the beautiful photography at no charge. Special thanks to the Plainfield Junior Women’s Club who went above and beyond in donating prom dresses this year - even contacting local consignment shops to arrange for dress donations on behalf of SASC. The SASC program accepts donations of gently used prom dresses, shoes, & accessories throughout the year. The program especially needs dresses size 16 & up.
JOLIET AREA YOUNG PROFESSIONALS (JAYP) VOLUNTEER FOR TEAL FLAG DISPLAY JAYP volunteers offered their time to team up with GACS to help with the construction and display of over 1,000 teal flags on the lawn of the agency for SAAM. JAYP constructed an awareness ribbon with the number 4,991 next to it, representing the number of victims and their significant others served by the program since it opened its doors in 1998. Thank you JAYP for your time and support!
WALK A MILE IN HER SHOES 2014 Once a year in April, the Crest Hill Police Department closes down the streets in the busy intersection next to GACS - so that men can walk a mile in women’s shoes. That’s right; men who attend the annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® event, hosted by the SASC Program, are asked to walk a mile in women’s shoes in order to bring awareness to sexual violence in our community during Sexual Assault Awareness Month (April). When men arrive at the event, they get to “shop” the collection of women’s shoes – ranging from heels to wedges to sensible flats. Walk attendees included many long-term supporters of the program: loyal volunteers, GACS staff and their families, and survivors of sexual violence. This year, Star Touring and Riding Chapter 394 arrived in style, pulling up as a group wearing matching teal bandanas on their motorcycles, but they weren’t the only group; United Souls Motorcycle Association also attended. Prior to the walk, our keynote speaker, Assistant State’s Attorney Chris Regis of the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office, addressed the crowd and spoke of his experience working with sexual assault cases as a prosecutor and the importance of men speaking out against sexual violence. Event attendees enjoyed refreshments and bagels courtesy of Einstein Brothers Bagels (Naperville) and had the chance to win over 14 raffle prizes! This year’s event proved to be a great success for the SASC Program, and a great time was had by all.
THANK YOU 2014 SAAM SPONSORS:
2-FERS PIZZA AND PUB, CHICAGO STREET PUB, CINEMARK THEATER (JOLIET), COMEDY SHRINE, CREST HILL PAWN, DOCK ROTZ TAVERN, THE DOG WASH, DOLPHIN CAR WASH, EINSTEIN BROTHERS BAGELS, FASTENAL, FAT BOYZ PIZZA AND STUFF, HOLLINGWORTH CANDIES, IPIC THEATERS, JIFFY
LUBE, KIDSWORK CHIDRENS MUSEUM, LADIES WORKOUT EXPRESS, MARY KAY, MONGOLIAN BARBARQUE, PETLAND, PF CHANGS, SAGES MEAT, SCENTSY, SHRIMP BARN, STERBAS DANCE SPORT, UNCLE BUBS, WINE STYLES & A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO SCOTT SLOCUM & WJOL RADIO
INTERESTED IN GETTING INVOLVED IN SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH EVENTS? CONTACT DONNA PLIER, PROGRAM SUPERVISOR, AT 815-729-0930 X 330 OR [email protected]
CANDLELIGHT VIGIL 2014 A Candlelight Vigil was held on April 1, 2014 to kick off Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). Robin Stortz, Morris Hospital Trauma Coordinator, and GACS Program Committee Member, shared her knowledge and expertise as the evening’s keynote speaker. Thank you Robin and to all who attended this year’s Candlelight Vigil!
ROCK AGAINST RAPE 2014 SASC hosted its second annual Rock Against Rape awareness event and fundraiser. The event was held at Chicago Street Pub in Downtown Joliet for the second year in a row. Talented local musicians entertained event attendees while SASC program staff educated them on our programs and services. Event attendees were able to support the program by making donations, purchasing awareness t-shirts, or trying their luck by purchasing 50/50 or raffle tickets. One lucky attendee was selected as the raffle winner for a bass guitar that was donated to the program. The winner told program staff that he would prefer to donate his prize back to the agency so that it could be given to a child or family that has an interest in music. The SASC Program expressed their gratitude for the support from the community, talented local musicians, all event donors, and especially Chicago Street Pub for being so accommodating in hosting the event the past two years and donating raffle baskets.
PAGE 7 GET INVOLVED, VOLUNTEER, DONATE & MORE
Wish List New items only, please :)
Immediate Needs:Immediate Needs:Immediate Needs: Basic First Aid Supplies (Band-Aids, OTC Cold Medicine) Newborn Diapers Formula (All Ages) Women’s Pajamas Toilet Paper Lysol Wipes/All Purpose Cleaner Dish Soap/Hand Soap Organizing Containers & Bins with Lids (All Sizes)
Food Pantry Needs:Food Pantry Needs:Food Pantry Needs: Pasta/Sauce, Mac & Cheese Individually Wrapped Snacks Fruit Snacks Granola Bars Peanut Butter & Jelly Candy Bars/Breath Mints Juice Boxes/Gatorade Cases of Bottled Water Condiments
Gift Cards Needed:Gift Cards Needed:Gift Cards Needed: Target Wal-Mart K-mart Grocery Stores Gas Stations PACE Bus Passes (Jewel-Osco)
Call
815-729-0930 to donate today!
INTERNSHIP & VOLUNTEER POSITIONS AVAILABLE Interested in getting more involved in the fight to end domestic violence and sexual assault? GACS offers a 65-hour training class several times throughout the year for anyone interested in working with survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault. As a State of Illinois Requirement, the training is available to Bachelors or Masters level student interns, professionals requiring training certification, and anyone interested in becoming a volunteer. Courses are usually scheduled for a 6 week period meeting every Monday and Tuesday from 6-9pm and Saturday from 9am-5pm. Enrollment in the class requires a $250 deposit (the deposit is waived for those requiring an internship) however, after completing the course and providing 20 hours of direct volunteer services, the deposit is refunded. For Information or to register for the 65-hour training, Contact Val Pastwa, Marketing & Communications Specialist at 815-729-0930 Ext. 233 or [email protected].
FOSTER CARE CELEBRATES Congratulations to our Foster Care Program for successfully completing 22 permanencies this year so far, which surpasses our goal of 16.4 and puts us in the number one spot for permanency in the State of Illinois. Overall, our Foster Care Program has experienced exponential growth this year. The program currently serves 73 children, which is more than double the number of children normally served. Keep up the great work, Foster Care Program!
FIRST QUARTER FY 2014 STAFF SPOTLIGHT NAME: ERIN COHAN
GACS PROGRAM: FOSTER CARE POSITION: FOSTER CARE PROGRAM MANAGER
Erin Cohan, Foster Care Program Manager has been with GACS for 1.5 years. In that short time she has made a tremendous impact on the Foster Care Program. Just recently the program met its annual permanency goal determined by the Department of Children and Family Services in just five short months- not even half way into the fiscal year! An additional eight have
been completed since! Erin always leads by example and is an excellent manager of the wonderful foster care team. Whether she is in the office until 3am working on adoption subsidies or attending court in sub zero temperatures, she always ensures that the job is done well and that children’s safety remains our priority. Erin is excellent at thinking “outside of the box” when problem solving potential or real placement issues, juggling schedules to encompass court, Administrative Case Reviews, parent-child visits, and meetings – often all in the same day! Erin also maintains excellent working relationships with all Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) personnel, often assisting the program with problem solving. In December, the Foster Care program made history, along with Kankakee Court, by successfully closing a case through reunification. This case was groundbreaking in Kankakee Court, as it was the first time that this court, as well as GACS, had reinstated parental rights in a case. Under Erin’s leadership and excellent supervision of an amazing staff, the program has also significantly increased its available foster homes by over 70%, its performance standards set by DCFS, as well as the overall number of children served by 47% during Erin’s first year with the program.
SECOND QUARTER FY 2014 STAFF SPOTLIGHT NAME: CHRISSY SENIOR
GACS PROGRAM: SEXUAL ASSAULT SERVICE CENTER POSITION: PREVENTION EDUCATOR
Chrissy Senior, Sexual Assault Service Center’s Prevention Educator has been with GACS since July 15, 2013. As soon as Chrissy started in SASC she was willing to go above and beyond for the program. Chrissy is currently doing presentations for Erin’s Law in the school districts of Will and Grundy Counties. Erin’s Law went into effect in 2011 when Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed Senate Bill 2843 mandating that all public schools must educate students, parents, teachers, and school administration on child sexual abuse. In addition to providing some of the hundreds of Erin’s Law presentations that SASC has offered, Chrissy holds groups for other social service agencies in the community and also serves as part of the Sexual Assault Awareness Month Committee. No matter how busy Chrissy is, she always has a smile on her face and is willing to help out in whatever capacity she is needed. Chrissy is a great member on this team and she is indeed making a difference in the lives of both adults and children every day. Chrissy goes above and beyond for her students at the schools when she is teaching about good touch, bad touch, sexual abuse, and healthy boundaries. She always presents herself and the Agency in an excellent manner when advocating for both victim rights and awareness in the community. Chrissy has also impressed many members of management with her leadership qualities that are already visible in such a short time here at GACS.
GACS STAFF SPOTLIGHT GACS launched a quarterly “Staff Spotlight” in which GACS staff members can nominate one another to be recognized for their hard work and dedication. Going forward, each quarter, a nominee is chosen and given special recognition for their contributions to Guardian Angel Community Services. Below are the GACS staff members recognized for the first two quarters of the year. Thank you Erin and Chrissy for everything you bring to our team!
1550 Plainfield Road Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 729-0930 (phone)
(815) 744-6087 (fax) www.gacsprograms.org
Our greatest contributions to society are the ones we leave behind. The lives we have touched, inspired, mentored and educated may one day show to someone else the love and compassion which was bestowed upon them. Give a gift that will help someone to realize their life’s potential, sowing a seed of giving that your community can reap for generations to come. ...When you decide to include Guardian Angel Community Services in your estate planning the following wording is suggested: “ I give, devise and bequest to Guardian Angel Community Services, an Illinois not-for-profit organization currently located administratively at 1550 Plainfield Road, Joliet IL (the agency will be moving to a new location in Joliet in the summer of 2014) in the sum of $ _(or specifically describe property).
ALLOW US TO THANK YOU NOW AND FOR YEARS TO COME!
INES KUTLESA, MA, LCPC CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
LARRY WIERS CHAIRPERSON
ANN CANEVA VICE CHAIRPERSON
KATHRYN GIEGERICH SECRETARY
ANNE O’NEILL TREASURER
JAMES RUZON IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRPERSON
LORI BERGMAN KARLA BOYD JACK DALY
CINDY FIOCCA-BLOOM SANDRA FLECK
LOU ANN JOHNSON CHARLES JONES BETH ANN MAY
KENNETH PLANTE
EDITOR: VALERIE PASTWA, BA, ICDVP
D IL L AR D H AR R IS E DU CATIO NAL C E NT ER
Supportive alternative education for at -risk students grades 2-12
E XCHANG E C L U B C E NT E R Counseling & education-based services for the prevention of child abuse & neglect
F O S TER C AR E P R O GR AM Nurturing and safe homes for children
G R O U NDW O R K D O MES TI C V IO L ENCE P R O GR AM Comprehensive services for individuals & families impacted by domestic violence
P AR TNER A BU S E I N TER V ENTIO N P R O GR AM Support & education for the development of healthy relationships
S EXU AL A S S AU L T S ER VI CE C E NT ER Sexual assault and rape crisis services
S U Z Y ’ S C AR ING P L ACE Transitional housing & support services for survivors of domestic violence
G U A RD I A N A N G E L C OM M U N I T Y S ER V I C ES P R O G R A MS
