Helping the Helpers: Crisis Center helps victims of domestic violence stay safe during pandemic
During a pandemic, sheltering at home sounds like a good plan - unless there's a reason home isn't a safe place.
The Community Crisis Center in Elgin is one of the oldest domestic violence shelters in Illinois. Founded in 1975, it provides comprehensive services to individuals and families in crisis due to domestic violence, sexual assault, or economic and financial difficulties.
The pandemic has affected the way the organization provides services, as well as its ability to fundraise. We spoke to Executive Director La Tonya Walker, who ensures the agency's mission is fulfilled through programs, strategic planning, and community engagement.
Q. Who does your agency serve, and how do you serve them?
A. The Community Crisis Center provides individualized services to women, children and men, with our main focus being safety and security. Services include emergency shelter for women and children; 24-hour crisis and information and referral hotline; individual and group counseling, both on- and off-site; hospital, court and social services advocacy; financial assistance, including emergency food and help with rent and utilities; and abuse intervention program.
Except for our abuse intervention program, all services are provided at no cost to our clients. Our service area includes northern Kane and far Northwest suburban Cook counties and portions of DuPage and McHenry counties, although we serve clients no matter where they present.
Q. From where do the majority of your donations come? Is there an annual fundraising event?
A. The majority of the revenue comes from contributions, including individuals, foundations, businesses, faith-based organizations, and local clubs, as well as government contracts. We are fortunate to have strong community support for in-kind donations of toiletries, diapers, food, and other supplies. The Community Crisis Center hosts an annual gala and auction in March.
Q. About how many people per year does your agency help?
A. In 2019, we served 4,715 individuals.
Q. How has the COVID-19 crisis affected your organization and its ability to help those in need?
A. Due to COVID-19, we made a shift to providing shelter both on- and off-site for three months to keep clients safe. We had to re-imagine services and provided lots of telehealth and telephone services.
As of July 1, we no longer shelter off-site due to funding. As we move forward, we would like to continue and provide safety off-site, yet this would be an added cost burden to our operational expense.
The Crisis Center had to temporarily suspend our walk-in services, along with hospital/court advocacy and individual and group counseling. We quickly made adjustments for telephone services, and with COVID funding was able to obtain the technology needed in order to meet the needs of clients.
Unfortunately due to COVID, our largest fundraiser, the 2020 auction and gala, was canceled. We are thankful for all of our sponsors, volunteers and attendees for their support as we work to provide more services virtually. We've always had safety as a key component of our services, and now have to add a new layer with social distancing as we work to be creative in providing shelter services.
As the rest of the world shelters at home safely, victims of domestic violence and sexual assault have an increase in risk of harm. Clients come with a history of trauma, and COVID-19 has had a profound effect on safety, mental health, and the well-being of parents and their children.
Q. How can readers help?
A. Our largest need right now is financial assistance. Readers can donate at www.crisiscenter.org/donation.html or visit our Amazon Smiles page at smile.amazon.com/gp/ch/list/36-2855797 to provide in-kind donations. We are not accepting donations at the door; Amazon Smiles provides safety for the donor, as well as residents of the shelter.
Q. If someone is in need of your organization's help, what should they do?
A. The Community Crisis Center is "always home." We can be reached seven days a week, 24 hours a day on our crisis line at (847) 697-2380.
Q. How can readers reach someone at your organization if they have questions?
A. Call (847) 742-4088 or visit t www.crisiscenter.org.
Q. Anything else you'd like readers to know about the Community Crisis Center?
A. Although we had to make many adjustments, the Crisis Center never closed and continued to shelter clients, provide essential items through partnership with other organizations, offered telephone counseling and our 24-hour crisis line to ensure client safety.
As we embark on our 45th year and navigate uncertainty, we are committed to serving victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and those who face economic crisis.
It is not a safe time for those living on the streets or those who are trapped with an abuser, but you are not alone. The Crisis Center is ALWAYS HOME, and with the generosity of individual donors, we can continue to offer hope.
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About this series: Helping the Helpers
"Helping the Helpers" is a series of short stories on how you can support suburban social service agencies impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. Know of a nonprofit or agency we should feature? Email sklovstad@dailyherald.com.