Family Rescue

Breaking the Cycle of Domestic Violence

Victims of Domestic Violence

How to Get Help with Your Situation

Get information and tools to help you and your family cope by clicking below, or for immediate help call our 24-Hour Crisis Line, 800.360.6619.

News and Events

Current Family Rescue Events

Family Rescue's 11th Annual Course Against Domestic Violence Charity Golf Tournament

August 22, 2008
12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

On August 22, 2008, Family Resuce will host our 11th Annual "Course Against Domestic Violence" Charity Golf Tournament at the Eaglewood Resort and Spa in Itasca, Illinois.

For more information, please contact Tara B. Dabney
773.375.1918 | t_dabney@familyrescueinc.org

Reach Out Chicago! 4th Annual Wine Fest for Family Rescue

September 11, 2008
7:00 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Reach Out Chicago! has chosen Family Rescue as the benefactor of the 4th Annual Wine Fest! Enjoy a starry night on the rooftop of Orso's-take pleasure in unlimited pizza, wine, raffle and silent auction items. Purchase tickets online at www.reachoutchicago.org

For more information, please contact Tara B. Dabney
773.375.1918 | t_dabney@familyrescueinc.org

Reach Out Event at ZED 451!

June 5, 2008
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

$40 per person includes Adult Beverages and appetizers along with Silent Auction and Raffle

For more information, please contact Tara B. Dabney
773-375-1918 | t_dabney@familyrescueinc.org

Make a Donation

Donate now using JustGive.org

$50 will pay for a child to have two sessions with a Child Behavioral Specialist.
$100 will pay for the operation of eight hours of crisis line. Last year, over 2,000 victims called us for help.
$250 will pay for one night of food, safe refuge and counseling for a mom and her three children.

JustGive.org: http://www.justgive.org/nonprofits/donate.jsp?ein=36-3170408

Overiew

The Heart of Us
Incorporated in Illinois in 1981 with a mission to be more than a shelter, Family Rescue dedicated itself to eliminating domestic violence in Chicago by providing support services and shelter to victims of domestic violence.

The heart of our work can be divided into these three areas:
Direct services to victims and their children in residential and non-residential settings and a 24/7 crisis line.

Systemic advocacy with city departments, governmental and private agencies, businesses and individuals, to help develop policies and procedures that encourage a coordinated, compassionate and effective response to victims of domestic violence.

Community education and prevention through informational presentations, interactive workshops, seminars, and in-depth training to raise awareness of domestic violence and prevent future violence.

Download our annual report: http://www.familyrescueinc.org/pdf/FamilyRescue06AnnualRpt.pdf

Programs

One Woman at a Time
One woman at a time, Family Rescue has become one of Illinois' largest and most comprehensive domestic violence agencies. These are our four major programs:

Rosenthal Family Lodge Program: Providing safe refuge and support services for women and their children who are fleeing domestic violence.
Community Outreach Program: Providing portable domestic violence services within the community, as well as on-site to reach as many victims as possible.
Ridgeland Apartments & Daycare: Providing a safe, supportive living environment that promotes an effective change of lifestyle for homeless mothers with children.
Court Advocacy Program: assisting victims of domestic violence access the legal system and obtain criminal and civil legal remedies that will promote a violence-free lifestyle.

Services

From Counseling to Shelter and Life in Between
Family Rescue's programs offer these services in both English and Spanish:

Crisis intervention
Safe shelter with short-term support
Individual and group counseling
24-hour crisis line
Comprehensive legal and medical advocacy
Parenting and life management skills
Economic empowerment and career connections
Educational support
Enhanced children/youth services
Child care
Substance abuse recovery support
Community education

Our Newsletter

Download our current newsletter: http://www.familyrescueinc.org/pdf/FamilyRescueTransitions_2007.pdf

Success Stories

Tracy's Story

The Courage to Live
Tracy was in an abusive marriage for years, and came close to death before entering our program. One day, Tracy's husband doused her with gasoline and set her on fire in front of their four children. She was severely burned, hospitalized, and upon release, homeless. She searched for the nearest police station for help. An officer took her to Family Rescue's Court Advocacy Program where our court advocates secured a police escort for Tracy to pick up her belongings and move with her children to our shelter. Family Rescue's court advocates accompanied Tracy to all court proceedings where Tracy courageously testified against her husband. He was charged with several felony counts including attempted murder. Tracy and her children continue to receive counseling and support and they are beginning to heal.

Sue's Story

A Better Life
One day, our 24-hour Crisis Line received a desperate call from Detroit. The terrified caller exclaimed, "I have nowhere to go, but if I don't leave today, I will lose my sanity." Sue suffered years of verbal abuse during her marriage, which escalated to severe physical violence. Sue arrived in Chicago by bus and found her way to Family Rescue with only the clothes on her back. Although Sue could only cry at first, she defiantly said, "I am ready to begin a new life." Without knowing the city, she took trains and buses to follow up on every job lead provided. After ten days, Sue found a job! Next, Sue began submitting applications to dozens of housing programs and was soon offered a space at a newly developed housing program for single women. Sue was an independent woman. Recently, Sue contacted Family Rescue staff to report her promotion. She said, "Despite some sad days, my life is better than I ever thought possible. Thank you."

Alice's Story

Step by Step
Alice was in an abusive marriage for years. During that time, Family Rescue’s Community Outreach Program helped her cope with the trauma and provided counseling for her three children. After months of speaking with a women’s counselor, Alice decided to leave her marriage. Community Outreach staff helped Alice and her children move into our Rosenthal Family Lodge where she made quick progress. She began to understand the dynamics of domestic violence as she worked toward emotional and financial stability. She then moved into the Ridgeland Apartments Program where her family advocate registered Alice into the CARA Program and her children enrolled in the Ridgeland’s Daycare and Before & After School program. Today, Alice works with Bank One, and still lives in the Ridgeland Program. She uses her budgeting skills to fulfill her goal of one day purchasing a home.

Family Rescue Employment

Every Day is Another Chance to Help
Every day, over 65 of us come to work to help women navigate through one of the most difficult times of their lives – whether that’s by helping victims work through the complex shelter and court system, helping kids resolve conflicts without violence or providing administrative support. Our employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package and training. We are an equal opportunity employer.

View current employment opportunities: http://www.familyrescueinc.org/jobpostings.html

Download an employment application: http://www.familyrescueinc.org/pdfs/FamilyRescueEmploy_Appl.pdf

Direct Services Volunteers

Work Directly with the People You Help
Family Rescue volunteers make an immediate difference in people's lives by working directly with victims of domestic violence. Current opportunities include:

Crisis Line Volunteer
Children's Group Volunteer
Childcare Volunteer

All direct service volunteers are required to attend 40-hours of domestic violence training, which is provided four times per year. Interested volunteers must complete an application and interview with the volunteer coordinator. The Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professionals lists Family Rescue as an approved training site. For more information, call Stephanie Scott at 773.375.1918.

Download a volunteer application: http://www.familyrescueinc.org/pdfs/FamilyRescue_IV_Appl.pdf

Special events Volunteers

From Event Planning to Community Outreach
Family Rescue organizes special events to raise awareness of domestic violence, gain program funds, and increase our supporters. We are always looking for volunteers with experience in event planning, marketing, fundraising and professional writing. Depending on interests, experience and scheduling, volunteers may help with event planning, community outreach, public relations or by working the day of the event. For more information, call Tara Dabney at 773.375.1918.

Download a volunteer application: http://www.familyrescueinc.org/pdfs/FamilyRescue_IV_Appl.pdf

Family Rescue, Inc.
P.O. Box 17528
Chicago, Illinois 60617
email: administration@familyrescueinc.org

Administration Office
9204 South Commercial Avenue, Suite 407
Chicago, Illinois 60617
Phone: 773.375.1918
Fax: 773.734.1245

Programs
24-Hour Crisis Line
800-360-6619
773.375.8400
TTY 773.375.8774

Court Advocacy Program
Courthouse
555 West Harrison
Room 2200
Chicago, Illinois
312.325.9300

Ridgeland Daycare
773.667.1075

Police Station
7040 South Cottage Grove
Chicago, Illinois
312.747.5494

Community Outreach Program
9204 South Commercial Avenue Suite 402
Chicago, Illinois 60617
773.375.6863
773.375.6863

Ridgeland Apartments
773.667.0715

City of Chicago Domestic Violence Helpline
877.863.6338

Chicago Department of Human Services
800.654.8595

Rape Victim Advocates
312.986.4200

Center on Halsted LGBT Violence Hotline
773.871.2273

Legal Aid Bureau
312.986.4200

Legal Assistance Foundation
312.341.1070

National Runaway Switchboard
800.621.4000

Are you in an abusice relationship?

Does Your Partner...

Embarrass, belittle or put you down?
Dislike your friends and family and discourage your relationships with others?
Make all the decisions in the relationship?
Chastise you after social functions for talking with others?
Act jealous of people you talk to?
Blame you for his or her mistakes?
Forbid or prevent you from working or going to school?
Keep money, credit cards, and checking accounts away from you?
Control access to your medicines or medical devices?
Threaten to have you deported?
Abuse your children or pet when mad at you?
Push, slap, kick, or otherwise assault you?
Demand sex, make you perform sexual acts you are not comfortable with, or sexually assault you?

Download our Abusive Relationship Warning Signs guide: http://www.familyrescueinc.org/pdfs/SignsofAbuse.pdf

Safety Plan

These Reasons Can Help You Stay Safe
If you're still in the relationship....

If you are still in the relationship

Plan a safe place to go if an argument occurs
Make a list of safe people to contact
Memorize important numbers
Establish a "code word" or "sign" so that friends or family know when to call for help
When you leave, take important papers to apply for benefits or take legal action

If you have left the relationship

Save and document all contacts, messages and incidents involving the batterer
Change locks, if the batterer has a key
Avoid staying alone
Plan how to get away if confronted by an abusive partner
If you have to meet your partner, do it in a public place
Notify school and work contacts

Your Options

Three Ways We Can Help

Legal
Call 911 if you are in immediate danger. If you would like to speak with a legal advocate about other options, call Family Rescue’s Court Advocacy Program at 312.747.5493 or 312.325.9300.

You can also get an order of protection with or without filing a police report. Please call Family Rescue’s Court Advocacy Program for assistance. You do not have to go alone.

Shelter
Call Family Rescue’s 24-hour crisis line, 800-360-6619, if you are a victim of domestic violence and seeking emergency shelter. A trained counselor will ask a series of questions to see if our shelter is the best option for you and go over safety planning.

Counseling
Call Family Rescue’s Community Outreach Program, 773.375.6863, if you would like to speak with a counselor about setting up visits for yourself or your children.

Help for Kids and Teens

What Kids Need to Hear from a Survivor

It's not okay
It's not your fault
It must be scary for you
I will listen to you
You can tell me how you feel; it is important
I'm sorry you had to see/hear it
You do not deserve to have this in your family
I will keep you safe
There is nothing you could have done to prevent/change it
We can talk about what to do to keep you safe if it happens again (For example, staying in your room, going to neighbors, etc.)
I care about you, you are important

For Teens

You Have the Right to be Treated with Respect

Are you involved in a dating relationship that is abusive or potentially abusive? Here are some things you can do:

Talk to your parents if you can, or tell a friend, teacher, counselor or relative.
As a minor, you can get a restraining order. Contact Family Rescue’s Court Advocacy Program for help at 312.325.9300 or 312.747.5494.

Ask yourself the following questions. If you answer "yes" to any, you may be in an unhealthy relationship.

Does your partner prohibit you from having friends?
Does your partner try to control you or make all the decisions?
Are you afraid of what your partner might do if he/she becomes angry?

Download our Complete List of Warning Signs guide: http://www.familyrescueinc.org/pdfs/SignsofAbuse.pdf