South Suburban Family Shelter names new director

South Suburban Family Shelter has named Jennifer Gabrenya as its new executive director

Gabrenya comes to the agency with many years of experience in the nonprofit sector, working with Family Shelter Service in Wheaton, Illinois Violence Prevention Authority in Chicago, La Rabida Children's Hospital in Park Forest, Chicago Metropolitan Battered Women's Network, Sarah's Inn in Oak Park, Will County Children's Advocacy Center, Rainbow House in Chicago, and most recently with the Center for Disability Services in Joliet.

"The board of directors feels confident that Jennifer will continue to lead South Suburban Family Shelter to achieve the excellence in service provision to victims of domestic violence and their children that it has for the past 36 years," according board President Verlon Johnson. "Jennifer brings strong leadership and management skills, sound grant management and budgetary acumen, while remaining mission driven and client-focused."

Gabrenya holds a master of science in public service management and bachelor of arts in women's studies. She is also a Ladder to Leadership graduate, and is an Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional.

South Suburban Family Shelter provides comprehensive services to victims of domestic violence and their families. These services include 24-Hour Hotline, Emergency Shelter, Counseling for adult victims and their children, Prevention Program, Safe from the Start, Sanctuary Program, Court Advocacy, Medical Advocacy, Partner Abuse Intervention Program, Training and Community Outreach Programs.