Family Shelter Service Receives Grant for Domestic Violence Prevention Program

Verizon Wireless on Wednesday announced the company donated $312,500 in 2011 to more than 25 Illinois nonprofits focused on preventing and raising awareness about domestic violence and providing direct support to residents throughout the state.

Family Shelter Service (FSS) 605 Roosevelt Road in Wheaton was one of the recipients. The organization, which celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2011, provides services for victims of domestic violence including individual and group counseling, court advocacy and services, shelter, hotline, teen services, children’s services and Latina services.

Verizon’s donation of approximately $10,000 supported the organization’s prevention program, aimed to teach youths about healthy relationships and warning signs that could lead to abuse, said Karen Kuchar, executive director of Family Shelter Service.

Family Shelter Service celebrated its 35th year with a “major thrust” to spread the word about its services. The FSS traveling art exhibit, “Behind Closed Doors” features artworks that symbolize what victims of abuse experience and the hope they find when they seek help and take steps to be safe, Kuchar said.

The exhibit, which began in October, ends after its final exhibit Jan. 9-23 at Glenside Public Library, 25 E. Fullerton, Glendale Heights.

In 1978, FSS volunteers established a network of safe homes and in 1980, a house with 12 beds opened for victims of domestic violence. With the passage of the Illinois Domestic Violence Act in 1982, the Court Advocacy Program was implemented and in 1989, another shelter opened, growing the shelter’s capacity to 43.

Family Shelter Service now has 29 emergency beds in Downers Grove, its 24-hour hotline and housing locations in Naperville and Glen Ellyn in addition to its advocacy, prevention and counseling services, Kuchar said. She added the hotline is available to those concerned about friends or family members who may be in abusive relationships in addition to the victims.

Family Shelter Service also owns two Second Chance resale shops in Naperville and Westmont, where clients can shop for clothes and home items and shoppers can donate to the organization.

T.J. Fox, region president of Verizon Wireless said in a statement that Verizon’s goal is to help break the cycle of domestic violence in Illinois, “by supporting outstanding organizations in our communities that have a track record of success with public outreach and education to prevent future violence, as well as programs that serve women and families who have survived abuse.” Verizon’s funding comes from the Verizon Foundation and HopeLine® from Verizon, according to a press release.

After a busy, successful year, “we’re catching our breath,” Kuchar said, before making another major thrust to raise awareness about FSS. “We’re always trying … to make sure people know we’re here,” she said.