Crisis Center for South Suburbia Marks 40-Year Milestone

TINLEY PARK, IL — The Crisis Center for South Suburbia is commemorating 40 years of providing free services to victims of domestic violence. Officially incorporated in 1979, the Crisis Center provides “housing, counseling, advocacy, outreach and prevention programs” to local domestic violence survivors.

“Throughout the year we have been featuring key moments and accomplishments over the past 40 years,” Marketing Director Jay Capron said. “It's important to both our staff and volunteers that we share our history with the community and take time to thank the donors, volunteers, staff members and other key figures who have helped us along the way.”

What started in the late 1970s as a hotline in a residential kitchen and eight beds at a community center is now a 35-bed emergency shelter that “has impacted the lives of more than 60,000 people,” Capron said, noting a staff of more than 50 employees and a budget of more than 4 million dollars. “The Crisis Center continues to grow while offering free services to Chicago’s south suburban communities.”

The hashtag #Hope4Forty and a special anniversary logo are being used to recognize the 40-year milestone, along with a travelling exhibit displayed at local businesses across the community. “The powerful ‘Silent Witness’ exhibit features silhouettes of people along with a personal story of how domestic violence ended their life,” Capron said.

In addition to recognizing 40 years of service, the Crisis Center is also planning for Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October.

“We have a calendar full of events and activities to raise awareness of domestic violence and share information about the programs and services provided by Crisis Center for South Suburbia, along with our 40th anniversary,” Capron said. “October is a great opportunity for the Crisis Center to shine and to raise awareness of domestic violence,” which affects one in three women and one in four men, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV). “[It] is often a silent crime and we are asking the public to help us to 'Shatter the Silence' of domestic violence. It is a huge issue across the globe and most people know of someone who is, or has been in, a violent relationship.”

Capron said the best way for Tinley Park residents to get involved is to shop, donate and volunteer. Proceeds from resale store locations in Orland Park and Worth go to the Crisis Center. Neat Repeats also accepts donations of new and gently used clothing, jewelry, accessories and home decor.

The center is also looking for volunteers to help with daily operations at Neat Repeats, prepare and serve or cater meals and answer phones for the 24-hour hotline. More information can be found at https://www.crisisctr.org/get-involved/volunteer/.