LaCASA: New name, same goal

LaCASA's name may have changed to the Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center, but its important mission remains the same as it has been for the past 25 years.

The nonprofit center, based in Gurnee, provides 24-hour crisis intervention, counseling services and advocacy for victims of sexual assault and their loved ones. The bilingual agency serves as a haven for rape and incest survivors and gives them a voice.

So, why the name change after 25 years?

"We wanted to put what we did in our name," said Torrie Flink, executive director. "Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center leaves no doubt about what we do."

Flink said that under the name, LaCASA/Zacharias Center, some people weren't quite sure what services they provided.

In addition, Flink said the LaCASA acronym stands for the "Lake County Council" against sexual assault. Since they also serve people outside of Lake County, Flink said the name "seemed prohibitive" and created financial restraints regarding possible support as well.

"When my dad passed away, his peers wanted to do something for a charity to make a difference," said Nancy Freedman, about her late father, Dick Zacharias, who lived in Highland Park.

Freedman said that there are pictures of her father at the center and his name of course, on the sign.

"It keeps him alive," Freedman said. "It's certainly an honor. People loved him so much. He was just an amazing man."

"These people would have never had a voice," said Freedman, about the sexual assault victims and the sensitivity of the subject. She said the family greatly admired Flink and the organization's mission. "So it's pretty remarkable."

"They were really huge supporters," Flink said. "They're the reason we were able to open the facility."

As part of its 25th anniversary celebration, Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center has announced a year-long aggressive campaign to clarify its name and mission. They are getting the word out through e-mails, newsletters and through the media.

"We're letting people know we're not going away," said Flink.

Sexual assault facts

• A woman is raped every 45 seconds in the U.S.

• 1 in 3 females will be sexually abused by the age of 18.

• 1 in 6 males will be sexually abused by the age of 18.

• Only 3 in 10 sexual assaults are reported to police.

Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center

Provides 24-hour crisis intervention, counseling and advocacy support services for victims of sexual assault, abuse and rape, and their loved ones. Services are free and confidential.

Location: 4275 Old Grand Ave., Gurnee

Web site: www.zachariascenter.org

Main office: (847) 244-1187

Crisis hotline: (847) 872-7799