Message from the Interim Co-Directors

Dear Friend,

Happy Black History Month! We’re celebrating and highlighting Black History, Black achievements, and Black leaders and figures in the anti-rape movement. Check out our section below and follow us on social media to read more about how important leaders from the past and present advocated for survivors of sexual assault while advancing the civil rights movement. Illinois recently made steps toward racial equality with the Pretrial Fairness Act (PFA). You can learn more about the PFA and how it impacts survivors of sexual violence on our website.

As winter slowly comes to an end and spring somewhere in the distance, there’s so much we at Resilience are looking forward to. We hope you will join our Associate Board’s fundraiser event, Cocktails for a Cause, this Saturday, February 18, from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. at Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club, Montrose Harbor. You won’t want to miss this fun night filled with food, drinks, dancing, music from Birds & B-sides DJs, a beautiful view of the skyline and harbor, and more. Get your tickets if you haven’t already and learn more below.

We have so many events, workshops, support groups, trainings, and more coming up in the next few months. Take good care of yourself and we hope to see you soon!

With gratitude,

Sarah Layden and Amy O'Keeffe, Interim Co-Directors

Resilience

Celebrating Black History Month 2023

Throughout February, we will be highlighting leaders in Black history who have fought against sexual violence. Do you know about Pauli Murray, a lawyer, civil rights activist, gender equality advocate, author, and first African-American priest of the Episcopal church? Her refusal to move to the back of a bus led her to organize sit-ins that desegregated restaurants in Washington, D.C., leading her to pursue working as a civil rights lawyer. In law school at Howard University, she was the only woman in her class and she co-founded the National Organization for Women in 1966.

Before her historic refusal to sit at the back of a public Montgomery bus, did you know that Rosa Parks was a sexual assault investigator for the NAACP? Parks’s work at the time included ensuring Black survivors who had been assaulted by white people could bring the incident to court, and also protecting Black men from false accusations of assault.

In 1991, attorney Anita Hill testified that Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas had sexually harassed her. Although Thomas was still confirmed, she started a broader conversation and inspired countless others with similar stories to come forward. She has since expanded her career to bring awareness and prevention to sexual harassment, assault, and other forms of gender-based violence. 

Ida B. Wells investigated and reported on lynchings in the south. What often gets erased is the way that Wells highlighted and connected lynchings and sexual violence. She protected Black women from rape by white men and brought attention to dangerous, detrimental, and false portrayals of Black men as rapists. One of the first public hearings that connected racial violence and sexual violence was initiated by Wells.

Marsha P. Johnson is one of the better-known trans activists in America’s history. Did you know Johnson was a survivor? She stopped wearing the clothes she felt most comfortable in after she was sexually assaulted by a boy. She was an outspoken activist for LGBTQ+ rights, unhoused youth, and AIDS patients. Johnson advocated for the safety and liberation of these groups when they faced so much hostility, stigma, and violence, paving the way for future generations of activists.

These are just a few of the many incredible historical figures in Black history who have fought against sexual violence. This movement would not be where it is today without their dedication and political action, along with so many others who have been erased from our history books. Black history is American history. We hope to draw attention to this beyond this month, and to continue to contribute to the progress that these individuals made.

Legislative Updates

Resilience was proud to sign onto a clemency letter to Governor Pritzker with the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence and The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence, along with other organizations concerned with the criminalization and subsequent incarceration of survivors of gender-based violence. 

This letter asks Governor Pritzker to provide immediate action in considering the release of incarcerated survivors of gender-based violence. We join in these efforts because we know that the impact and experience of sexual violence can often result in behaviors that are misunderstood by our criminal legal system. Survivors should not be criminalized for defending themselves against an abuser, or similarly, not being able to defend themselves from their abuser. We urge Governor Pritzker to consider the impact of gender-based violence in these cases and to grant clemency to all of the incarcerated survivors in our state who have submitted clemency petitions. 

We appreciate Governor Pritzker’s history of attentiveness towards survivors and hope that we can make even more progress toward safety and freedom for survivors of gender-based violence. Resilience is happy to support these survivors and our partners in paving the way for better futures and protections for survivors of gender-based violence. Thank you to Ascend Justice for authoring this letter. 

For more information on legislation impacting survivors contact Sarah Layden, Chief Operating Officer & Interim Co-Director, at slayden@ourresilience.org. 

No wait time for Resilience Trauma Therapy services

Resilience offers free, time-limited, individual Trauma Therapy as well as support groups and workshops. There is currently no wait time, so reach out to get connected to our Trauma Therapy services today! Our individual therapy is limited to 20 sessions, while groups and workshops are unlimited as long as you are living in the state of Illinois. Reach out to our main office at (312) 443-9603 or to our Trauma Intervention Specialist, Alexa Diego at adiego@ourresilience.org to be added to our trauma therapy waitlist.

Read Resilience's Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2022

Our FY22 Annual Report is here, and we invite you to take a closer look to learn more about our programs, supporters, financial statements, and more. Everything that our organization was able to accomplish this year is a result of your steadfast support and involvement in our mission. Thank you to each and every one of our amazing staff, volunteers, Board of Directors, Associate Board, donors, and supporters. 

Resilience Interim Co-Directors on the Shame On You Podcast

Resilience Interim Co-Directors, Sarah Layden and Amy O'Keeffe, were honored to be guests on Shame on You, a podcast dedicated to sharing information on childhood sexual abuse. Shame on You is hosted by Resilience supporters and friends Jean Cozier, Tom Andreesen, and Derek Hopkins. Thank you to the Shame on You team for having Amy and Sarah! The episode is available on Spotify now.

Get involved in 2023! Train to become a Volunteer Medical Advocate!

Resilience is always looking for more Volunteer Medical Advocates to join our ranks. Applications for our spring training are open now. The deadline to apply is Thursday, February 16.

Orientation Sessions (by invitation only): February 20, 21, or 23

Training Dates: March 13, 14, 16, 20, 21, 23, 27, 29, 30; April 3, 5, 6, 10, 12, 13, 19

Are you interested in becoming a Volunteer Medical Advocate later in the year? Join us for a future training. We host them four times throughout the year. Please reach out to us at volunteer@ourresilience.org with questions! To learn more about our volunteer program, click here. 

Crochet and Craft Group – Virtual

Monthly, every first Thursday, 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. via Google Meet

Join us for a monthly craft group focused on teaching crochet stitches and helping troubleshoot crochet issues. This group is also open to any crafter (knitting, sewing, painting, coloring, etc.) who would like to craft in a safe community space. This virtual group is open to all survivors of sexual violence ages 18+ who reside in Illinois.

To register, please contact Erica Hungerford, LPC, at ehungerford@ourresilience.org.

Reflecting on Relationships with Art Workshop – Virtual

Thursday, February 16, 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Workshop participants will create a visual support net to reflect on relationships in their lives. The workshop will include demonstrations, guided step-by-step instructions, and open work time. This workshop is open to adult survivors 18+, who are Illinois residents, and all genders are welcome. Appropriate participants may be anyone who has experienced sexual violence, including harassment, abuse, or assault. No previous art-making experience is necessary.

Interested participants may contact Art Therapist Annalise Castro, MAATC at acastro@ourresilience.org to receive the meeting link.

Cocktails for a Cause hosted by the Resilience Associate Board

Saturday, February 18, 2023, 7:00 – 11:00 p.m.

Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club - Montrose Harbor (601 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL)

Drink, eat, and dance the night away all for a good cause! Tickets will include appetizers, an option for an open bar, appetizers, live music courtesy of Birds & B-sides DJs, and much more! Bring your friends and colleagues, and enjoy a night on the harbor while looking out at Chicago's beautiful skyline. Tickets are available now: click the button below to register! Regular tickets include access to the open bar. The Designated Driver ticket does not include access to the open bar. The dress code is cocktail attire. Purchase your tickets today!

Crochet and Mindfulness Workshop – Virtual

Monday, February 27, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

This free two-hour virtual workshop will teach entry-level crochet skills as well as mindfulness techniques for survivors of sexual violence. No disclosures about experiences are required, however, group participants are welcome to discuss this if they wish to. No crocheting experience is needed. Open to Illinois residents ages 18+, all genders welcome. Materials needed: One crochet hook, size 5mm or 5.5mm; one ball of yarn, medium weight (size 4). Free materials are available for those in need (must contact us at least 5 days in advance of the event).

Please contact the group leader Erica Hungerford, LPC, at ehungerford@ourresilience.org to request to participate and inquire about materials.

Exploring Vulnerability with Art, Music, and Movement Workshop – Virtual

Wednesday, March 1, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.

In this workshop, participants will explore the topic of vulnerability by listening to selected music together with the option to dance/move to the music. Followed by an art response and open discussion of the experience. Participants may use any art materials of their choice. This workshop is open to adult survivors 18+, who are Illinois residents, and all genders are welcome. Appropriate participants may be anyone who has experienced sexual violence, including harassment, abuse, or assault. No previous art-making experience is necessary.

Interested participants may contact Art Therapist Annalise Castro, MAATC at acastro@ourresilience.org to receive the meeting link.

Art Therapy Support Group – Virtual

Thursdays, March 2 – April 27, 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. CST, will not meet on April 6

Learn how to use art expression as a coping strategy and contemplative practice alongside other survivors of sexual violence. Group members will practice how to find a deeper understanding of difficult experiences, healing processes, and transitions. There is no expectation for trauma history disclosure or previous art-making experience necessary. Group members will use art mediums of their choice. This 8-week virtual support group is open to adult survivors 18+, who are Illinois residents, all genders welcome. Appropriate participants may be anyone who has experienced sexual violence, including harassment, abuse, or assault.

Interested participants may contact Art Therapist Annalise Castro, MAATC at acastro@ourresilience.org to set up a screening phone call.

Exploring Sexuality with Art Therapy Workshop – Virtual

Wednesday, March 15, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.

In this workshop, participants will learn how to use art-making as a judgment-free way of thinking about sexuality in order to reflect on how bodies, family, culture, and environment interact with our sexual selves. Participants will receive an art-making prompt to explore their personal history and pleasure goals. This workshop is open to adult survivors 18+, who are Illinois residents, and all genders are welcome. Appropriate participants may be anyone who has experienced sexual violence, including harassment, abuse, or assault. No previous art-making experience is necessary.

Interested participants may contact Art Therapist Annalise Castro, MAATC at acastro@ourresilience.org to receive the meeting link.

Communication with Partners Around Intimacy Workshop – Virtual

Monday, March 27, 2023, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Join us as participants will learn techniques for communicating with partners related to intimacy, including boundaries, asking for what you need, starting the conversation, and more. This workshop is open to survivors of sexual violence, ages 18+, who reside in Illinois.

Contact Erica Hungerford, LPC, at ehungerford@ourresilience.org to request to join or with any questions.

Knitting and Mindfulness Art Therapy Workshop – Virtual

Wednesday, March 29, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Workshop participants will learn how to use crafting as a mindfulness practice through guided prompts and open knitting time. A mindfulness practice can help survivors realign mind with body and deepen their sense of self-knowledge. Knitting involves repetitive micro-movements that elicit a sense of stillness in the mind to ease the development of mindfulness skills. Participants must have beginner knitting skills to participate. This workshop is open to adult survivors 18+, who are Illinois residents, and all genders are welcome. Appropriate participants may be anyone who has experienced sexual violence, including harassment, abuse, or assault. No previous art-making experience is necessary.

Interested participants may contact Art Therapist Annalise Castro, MAATC at acastro@ourresilience.org to receive the meeting link.

Dance Meditation and Art Response – Virtual

Thursday, April 13, 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Has meditation or sitting in stillness ever been a challenge for you? Join participants in a guided dance meditation where we will explore moving our bodies mindfully, followed by an art response and open discussion. Movement exploration can be sitting or standing based on accessibility needs. Participants may use any art materials of their choice. This workshop is open to adult survivors 18+, who are Illinois residents, and all genders are welcome. Appropriate participants may be anyone who has experienced sexual violence, including harassment, abuse, or assault. No previous art-making experience is necessary.

Interested participants may contact Art Therapist Annalise Castro, MAATC at acastro@ourresilience.org to receive the meeting link.

Spring/Summer 2023 Events

Keep an eye out soon as we announce dates for our spring and summer events including the fourth annual Celebrating Resilience Luncheon and our Associate Board's second annual Empowerment 5K! We'll also be hosting a support group and open discussion on substance-facilitated sexual violence next month. Please reach out to Katie Forrest at kforrest@ourresilience.org if you're interested in learning more. More details about all these events to come soon. You can follow Resilience on social media (Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter) to stay up to date in between newsletters as we announce fundraisers, support groups, trainings, workshops, and more.

Join the Resilience team, we're hiring

Resilience is looking for new staff to join our team in our mission of empowering survivors and ending sexual violence. The following positions are currently open: 

• Advocacy Volunteer Supervisor
• Case Management Specialist
• Executive Director
• Grant Writer
• Legal & Medical Advocate (Bilingual, Austin Location)
• Legal & Medical Advocate, MDT
• Prevention Educator (Austin Location)
• Trauma Therapist (Bilingual, Northside Location)

Apply today! To learn more about careers at Resilience, click here. Do you know someone who might be a good fit for one of these positions? Send them this email!

Get Connected with Resilience's Remote Services

Click here to connect with an Advocate
Please fill out this form to be contacted by a trauma therapist to schedule or confirm a one-time virtual session
Contact us to join our waitlist for free individual sessions of trauma therapy

Resources

Click here to visit our Information on Survivor Options and Rights Page
Click here to visit our COVID-19 Resource Page

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