A Letter from AND's Board President
At this time, when we are all “social-distancing” and “sheltering in place,” domestic violence victims have more to fear than touching a grocery cart, a door handle or having been near someone who may be a carrier of the sometimes-deadly virus Covid-19. Their fears at this time may be magnified by the fact that they may be socially distanced from their support system and ordered to shelter in place with their abuser.
No one has been adequately prepared for the fallout from this pandemic.
According to the recent New York Times article "Where can Domestic Violence Victims Turn During Covid-19?" Katy Ray-Jones, chief executive officer of the National Domestic Violence Hotline, recently shared that her biggest worry is that victims “can’t reach out for help. Victims are unable to have a phone conversation when the perpetrator is beside them, and abusers often monitor the phones of their victims.”(1) Click here for full link to article.
Out of an abundance of caution, we have been forced to close our office for our clients and staff. AND continues to provide counseling, advocacy, education and support remotely to our clients through phone calls, emails, texts and video conferencing. We are fortunate to have a team in place that is able to respond in this way when a client is safe enough to reach out. This may not be the case for all of our clients–some may not be able to secure a moment away from their abuser.
The Board of Directors, our staff and I are focused on continuing to provide services to our clients during this time and at any time needed in the future. We are sending this heartfelt thank you to our supporters that continue to donate so that we can continue our work.
To our clients and other victims of domestic violence... It is not your fault. You are not alone.
At this time, when we are all “social-distancing” and “sheltering in place,” domestic violence victims have more to fear than touching a grocery cart, a door handle or having been near someone who may be a carrier of the sometimes-deadly virus Covid-19. Their fears at this time may be magnified by the fact that they may be socially distanced from their support system and ordered to shelter in place with their abuser.
No one has been adequately prepared for the fallout from this pandemic.
According to the recent New York Times article "Where can Domestic Violence Victims Turn During Covid-19?" Katy Ray-Jones, chief executive officer of the National Domestic Violence Hotline, recently shared that her biggest worry is that victims “can’t reach out for help. Victims are unable to have a phone conversation when the perpetrator is beside them, and abusers often monitor the phones of their victims.”(1) Click here for full link to article.
Out of an abundance of caution, we have been forced to close our office for our clients and staff. AND continues to provide counseling, advocacy, education and support remotely to our clients through phone calls, emails, texts and video conferencing. We are fortunate to have a team in place that is able to respond in this way when a client is safe enough to reach out. This may not be the case for all of our clients–some may not be able to secure a moment away from their abuser.
The Board of Directors, our staff and I are focused on continuing to provide services to our clients during this time and at any time needed in the future. We are sending this heartfelt thank you to our supporters that continue to donate so that we can continue our work.
To our clients and other victims of domestic violence... It is not your fault. You are not alone.
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AND In the News |
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Rex Foundation Selects AND for 2019 Grant
A New Direction was honored to receive a $5000 grant from the Rex Foundation. The Rex Foundation was formed in 1983 by the Grateful Dead, with family and friends, and was established as a non-profit charitable organization, allowing the band to proactively support creative endeavors in the arts, sciences, and education. In the years following Jerry Garcia’s death in 1995, the Rex Foundation has continued to make grants funded by the very elements that hold our community together: music, connection, fun, creativity and community spirit.
Jay Cauuwe, a Beverly resident who serves on the Board of the Rex Foundation, recommended AND for the grant because it is a community-based organization formed through the grassroots efforts of people in the neighborhood. AND also was recommended because it fits the mission of Rex Foundation, which is to provide support for critical and necessary social services and to work to build a stronger community. AND will use the funds to further its goal of expanding the services of the agency.
Jay Cauuwe, a Beverly resident who serves on the Board of the Rex Foundation, recommended AND for the grant because it is a community-based organization formed through the grassroots efforts of people in the neighborhood. AND also was recommended because it fits the mission of Rex Foundation, which is to provide support for critical and necessary social services and to work to build a stronger community. AND will use the funds to further its goal of expanding the services of the agency.
2019 ANDi Award to Honor Family Law Attorney Nicole Centracchio
A New Direction (AND) is excited to announce that they will present the 2019 ANDi award to Nicole Centracchio, a family law attorney and partner at Reed Centracchio and Associates, LLC. The ANDi award is a partnership award given to an individual, business or organization who helps AND fulfill its mission “to provide counseling, education, support and advocacy to individuals and families affected by domestic violence." Centracchio is being honored for her passion and commitment to victims of dv and her legal representation of them.
According to Rita Ryan, AND’s Domestic Violence Counselor and Legal Advocate, Centracchio and her associates have been extremely helpful to AND clients. “These lawyers are approachable, trustworthy, knowledgeable and caring.” She added that Centracchio’s work on ANDs more complicated cases has been exceptional.“The legal process of divorce is such an important step in a client’s journey to free themselves,” said Ryan.
Centracchio agreed with Ryan about the importance of a good legal team for victims of domestic violence. “I cannot thank AND enough for this honor and the work that they do to empower victims of domestic violence. Protecting women and their children through the fear and uncertainty of the legal system is a mission that causes my law firm, Reed, Centracchio and Associates LLC, and me to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with AND.”
The ANDi award will be presented to Centracchio at the agency’s annual benefit and reception on October 26, 2019 at Ridge Country Club, 10522 South California, from 7:00 pm until 10:00 pm. Highlights of this popular event are musical entertainment from Motown Nation, open bar and hors d’oeuvres, along with a grand raffle and silent auctions. Tickets cost $75 and can be purchased after September 1 at http://AND2019.givesmart.com.
According to Rita Ryan, AND’s Domestic Violence Counselor and Legal Advocate, Centracchio and her associates have been extremely helpful to AND clients. “These lawyers are approachable, trustworthy, knowledgeable and caring.” She added that Centracchio’s work on ANDs more complicated cases has been exceptional.“The legal process of divorce is such an important step in a client’s journey to free themselves,” said Ryan.
Centracchio agreed with Ryan about the importance of a good legal team for victims of domestic violence. “I cannot thank AND enough for this honor and the work that they do to empower victims of domestic violence. Protecting women and their children through the fear and uncertainty of the legal system is a mission that causes my law firm, Reed, Centracchio and Associates LLC, and me to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with AND.”
The ANDi award will be presented to Centracchio at the agency’s annual benefit and reception on October 26, 2019 at Ridge Country Club, 10522 South California, from 7:00 pm until 10:00 pm. Highlights of this popular event are musical entertainment from Motown Nation, open bar and hors d’oeuvres, along with a grand raffle and silent auctions. Tickets cost $75 and can be purchased after September 1 at http://AND2019.givesmart.com.
8th Annual Work Out To Wipe Out Domestic Violence Raises New Funds
The Morgan Park Junior Woman's Club held the Eighth Annual Work Out to Wipe Out Domestic Violence© (WOWO) Benefit Day on Saturday, February 9, 2019. With over 300 participants at 25 fitness centers in Beverly Morgan Park and surrounding neighborhoods, the Juniors collected over $10,000 in donations for our agency and helped raise awareness about AND's services.
As always, this event would not be possible without the help of these wonderful sponsors and neighborhood fitness centers:
Beverly Therapists, Bullpen Sports, A Relaxed You, All Level Yoga with Donna Wilkinson, Barre It All, Bethany Union Church, Beverly Barre, Open Outcry Brewing, Beverly Bodyworks/TruAlpha, Beverly Ride On, Beverly Yoga Center, Beverly Unitarian Church, Core Fitness, CrossFit Beverly, Emily Yoga, Evergreen Racquet and Fitness, Fit Code, Fit4Mom Palos, Orland, Mt. Greenwood Oak Lawn, Light House Wellness & Yoga, Morgan Park Academy, Run to the Pub, Sculpt and Shred, Sore No More Massage, Southside Knockout, St Cajetan's Warrior Workout, St.Cajetan Parish, St. John Fisher Parish, St. Christina Parish, and TreadFit Beverly.
As always, this event would not be possible without the help of these wonderful sponsors and neighborhood fitness centers:
Beverly Therapists, Bullpen Sports, A Relaxed You, All Level Yoga with Donna Wilkinson, Barre It All, Bethany Union Church, Beverly Barre, Open Outcry Brewing, Beverly Bodyworks/TruAlpha, Beverly Ride On, Beverly Yoga Center, Beverly Unitarian Church, Core Fitness, CrossFit Beverly, Emily Yoga, Evergreen Racquet and Fitness, Fit Code, Fit4Mom Palos, Orland, Mt. Greenwood Oak Lawn, Light House Wellness & Yoga, Morgan Park Academy, Run to the Pub, Sculpt and Shred, Sore No More Massage, Southside Knockout, St Cajetan's Warrior Workout, St.Cajetan Parish, St. John Fisher Parish, St. Christina Parish, and TreadFit Beverly.
Dana Kozlov to Emcee AND Annual Benefit
CBS 2 Chicago's Dana Kozlov will emcee AND's Benefit and Reception to be held on October 27, 2018 at Ridge Country Club, 10522 S California from 7:00 pm-10:00 pm.
Kozlov is a general assignment reporter at CBS 2 Chicago. She joined their news team in 2003. after working at WGN as a general assignment reporter and fill-in anchor. Her live reports from DeKalb, IL during CBS 2 Chicago’s coverage of the NIU shootings in 2008 helped the team win an Emmy Award for spot news.
Before working at WGN-TV, Kozlov was at WEEK-TV in Peoria, IL as the 5:00 PM news anchor and general assignment reporter (1992-95). She began her career in journalism at CNN’s Chicago bureau as an intern in 1991. Kozlov later served as a field producer for CNN, based in Chicago (1995-96). Kozlov's work includes covering issues like domestic violence. In 2016, she reported on the state's funding cuts for domestic violence programs. https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2016/12/13/domestic-v.. In 2017, her reporting examined how deportation was becoming a new fear for undocumented domestic violence victims. https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2017/04/07/for-some-v..
Kozlov and her husband have two young children and in her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family, doing yoga and cooking. She’s also volunteered for The Cradle, a local adoption agency and for Rainbow House, which helps victims of domestic violence. She also served on the Board of the Chicago Battered Women's Network. Kozlov grew up in northwest suburban Palatine and graduated from Fremd High School. She received her B.S. in Journalism from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign in 1990.
Kozlov is a general assignment reporter at CBS 2 Chicago. She joined their news team in 2003. after working at WGN as a general assignment reporter and fill-in anchor. Her live reports from DeKalb, IL during CBS 2 Chicago’s coverage of the NIU shootings in 2008 helped the team win an Emmy Award for spot news.
Before working at WGN-TV, Kozlov was at WEEK-TV in Peoria, IL as the 5:00 PM news anchor and general assignment reporter (1992-95). She began her career in journalism at CNN’s Chicago bureau as an intern in 1991. Kozlov later served as a field producer for CNN, based in Chicago (1995-96). Kozlov's work includes covering issues like domestic violence. In 2016, she reported on the state's funding cuts for domestic violence programs. https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2016/12/13/domestic-v.. In 2017, her reporting examined how deportation was becoming a new fear for undocumented domestic violence victims. https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2017/04/07/for-some-v..
Kozlov and her husband have two young children and in her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family, doing yoga and cooking. She’s also volunteered for The Cradle, a local adoption agency and for Rainbow House, which helps victims of domestic violence. She also served on the Board of the Chicago Battered Women's Network. Kozlov grew up in northwest suburban Palatine and graduated from Fremd High School. She received her B.S. in Journalism from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign in 1990.
InStyle Magazine Highlights AND Work with Salon Professionals
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InStyle Magazine recently highlighted the work of AND's Domestic Violence Training of Salon Professionals. AND Board President Jessica McCarihan has taken a leadership role in training salon professionals to recognize signs of domestic violence in their clients. For the last two years, Jessica taught the first wave of classes at the American Beauty Show in downtown Chicago. These classes are part of a Chicago Says No More program called Listen. Support. Connect., a program that is believed to be the first of its kind in the country and the world. The program is aligned with new Illinois legislation that requires salon professionals to participate in one hour of training to identify signs of domestic violence in their clients. This legislation was sponsored by State Representative Fran Hurley in the Illinois House of Representatives and Senator Bill Cunningham in the Illinois Senate. Read the Article.
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AND Holds 7th Annual Work Out To Wipe Out
Domestic Violence© Benefit Day
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A New Direction powered up for the 7th Annual Work Out To Wipe Out Domestic Violence Benefit Day (WOWO), which was held on March 24, 2018. Organized by the GFWC IL Morgan Park Junior Woman's Club, and sponsored by Marquette Bank, BullPen Sports and Beverly Therapists, WOWO brought out a couple of hundred participants to various workout facilities in the neighborhood. The purpose of the event is to raise funds for AND and raise awareness about domestic violence. Thank you to all who supported the event. It was a huge success! |
AND President Leads Trainings for New Anti-Domestic Violence Salon Program
AND Board President Jessica McCarihan has taken a leadership role in training salon professionals to recognize signs of domestic violence in their clients. For the last two years, Jessica taught the first wave of classes at the American Beauty Show in downtown Chicago. These classes are part of a Chicago Says No More program called Listen. Support. Connect., a program that is believed to be the first of its kind in the country and the world. The program is aligned with new Illinois legislation that requires salon professionals to participate in one hour of training to identify signs of domestic violence in their clients. This legislation was sponsored by State Representative Fran Hurley in the Illinois House of Representatives. To learn more about this important DV initiative, click here.
Ryan Honored with County Unsung Heroine Award
Cook County's Commission on Women's Issues recently honored Rita Ryan, AND's certified domestic violence counselor and legal advocate, with the Peggy Montes Unsung Heroine Award. Ryan was one of 18 honorees recognized for making important contributions to the greater good of the community and the County. Ryan has been a tireless advocate for victims of domestic violence for over 30 years. The award was presented to her by 11th District Commissioner John Daley and Ginger Rugai, a member of the Cook County Commission on Women's Issues. Attending the breakfast with Ryan were members of the AND Board and AND staff.
AND Pledges Support to "No More" Campaign Pictured (l to r): Jennifer Welch, First Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Family and Support Services, 19th Ward Alderman Matt O'Shea and AND Board President Jessica McCarihan.
AND recently announced its support of ChicagoSaysNoMore, a local campaign to addressing the challenges of domestic violence and sexual assault in the Chicago Metro area. The campaign is part of the national NO MORE campaign started by leading advocacy groups, service providers, and major corporations. AND's Board President Jessica McCarihan was among attendees as the new campaign was introduced to the Chicago City Council. For more information about this campaign, visit www.chicagosaysnomore.org. |
AND Seeks Donors Through Amazon Smile Program
Amazon smiles when you shop! No, really. Did you know that AmazonSmile will donate 0.5% of your eligible Amazon purchases to A New Direction Beverly Morgan Park? It's easy! Just click this AmazonSmile link before you begin shopping. Then select A New Direction as your charity. AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know and love; same products, same prices, same AmazonPrime benefits. Your purchase simply helps Amazon help AND! AND Awarded First Midwest Bank Grant
First Midwest Charitable Foundation recently awarded AND a $2000 community grant to help fund its domestic violence services. The grant is awarded to non-profits nominated by First Midwest employees. The goal of the program is to provide assistance to programs that improve the lives of women and children in the Bank's market area. Paul Sterk, and his wife Lu, submitted a nomination for AND. Sterk (pictured at left with AND staff) is a financial consultant at First Midwest's Oak Lawn branch office. He and his wife have been actively involved in supporting AND from its inception. The bank grant will be used to maintain and augment AND's services which include legal advocacy, children's therapy, and domestic violence education. |
