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HistoryBefore October 2002 there was no forum foragencies, legal, religious, law enforcement and educational professionals and community representatives that worked with victims of violence to meet in the Northwest suburban area of Chicago. Former Senator Wendell Jones formed the Northwest Suburban Alliance on Domestic Violence to meet this need. The group continues to strive to further its mission on raising awareness and promoting the prevention of domestic violence. Over the years the Alliance has embarked on hosting meetings throughout the community and creating partnerships with key organizations and professionals. In addition, the Alliance has developed a Speaker’s Bureau from its membership and a Northwest Suburban domestic violence Resource Sheet in English and Spanish. This resource reference provides information for surviving abuse as well as including information about local service providers, how to get an order of protection, safety tips and Web site links. Other accomplishments include distributing the resource sheet and business sized “Order of Protection” cards to doctors, hairstylists, interfaith councils, local university student activity offices, local social service agencies, mayors, police chiefs and social workers, municipalities and townships. The Alliance supported the activities and funding to establish WINGS, Inc. the only domestic violence emergency shelter in the Northwest Suburbs. Also, partnered with the Cook County judicial offices to establish local Family Violence Coordinating Council for the Third Municipal Court where members still serve on all committees. Other activities include hosting and partnering in community resource fairs and collaborating in drafting and supporting legislation regarding domestic violence. Most recently the Alliance has secured grants to launch and support the Men’s Initiative Program including development of an educational DVD, brochures, newspaper ads, posters, speaker tool kits and Web site. |
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