Fall 2018 VOICES Symposium

On October 19th, the VOICES (Violence on Illinois Campuses Elimination Strategies) Project hosted their Fall Symposium entitled Overcoming Resistance: Meaningful Approaches to Changing Campus Culture and Preventing Violence at Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU). Pictured above is the VOICES team: Pam Stratigakis (Assistant State's Attorney), Kailey Hopkins (Paralegal/Advocate), Katherine Davis (Civil Attorney), and Sasha Solov (Project Coordinator).

We had two incredible featured speakers at the symposium, Dr. Valyncia Raphael ( pictured left ) from Cerritos College, presenting on Title IX Work as Oppression Disruption, and Heather Imrie ( pictured right ) from Catharsis Productions presenting Beat the Blame Game, a program that dives deep into unpacking victim-blaming.

Get to know Life Span's support groups!

“Spanish support group is a weekly group for Latinx individuals. We discuss different topics regarding domestic violence and self-growth. This group is intended to provide knowledge and community/unity for our clients. I have seen clients provide emotional support and hopefulness to others who are having challenges. Clients have stated feeling understood and surprised that others have gone through similar situations. We have adapted group to the needs of the clients. I have provided clients with the option to speak the entire time of their situations or speak of a certain topic.”

– Beisabel Velasco, Family Counselor

“ As the Polish support group developed over time, I can proudly state that it has molded into a community based on trust, support and friendships. The group initially started as a structured, 6 week course and was based on clients’ needs and requests. It currently runs as an open and ongoing group all year long. Group members are very committed and they come in with open minds and hearts and a readiness to share and provide support. They express that being a part of this group has helped them feel validated, supported and not lonely. As group facilitator, I am delighted and proud to see them develop kinships with one another and provide support for each other outside of group. ”

– Monika Baraniak, DV Counselor

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October was Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Life Span staff attended a number events in order to spread the word about our services and the resources available to survivors. Below are just a few examples!

Advocates Ericka Maya and Amanda Frankel at the Domestic Violence Informational Pop Up Booth with CPD 5th District, the Domestic Violence Subcomittee, the Cook County State's Attorney's Office, and Metropolitan Family Services.

DV Counselor Monika Baraniak with YWCA and hospital staff at Luther General Hospital's domestic violence awareness tabling event.

Counselors Jessie Spanton, Laura Valiukenas, and Monika Baraniak presenting on teen dating violence at Perspectives High School.

Donate to Life Span's Annual Toy Drive!

Each year we have a toy drive for the holidays. Many of our parents cannot afford gifts for their children so we try to help as much as we can to make this time less stressful for those families. Every current client with children 0-18 years old is eligible to receive gifts.

Consider contributing by buying a gift from our Amazon Wish List before December 13th!

Join our Board!

Life Span is recruiting talented, committed, compassionate, and dynamic members to our Board of Directors. Board members are invested in work to raise funds for the agency and foster community support for our mission. Board members provide fiscal and management oversight. Board members meet quarterly, with two meetings in Des Plaines and two in Chicago each year, and assist Life Span in other ways between meetings. Serving on the Board for Life Span is a satisfying and meaningful experience. It is a wonderful way to give back to your community! Life Span is committed to building a culturally diverse organization and encourages minorities and individuals with disabilities to apply.

Please send a cover letter and resume to Denice Wolf Markham at [email protected].

  LIFE SPAN: DOMESTIC AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE END HERE