Resources in our Network

Since 1979, the Crisis Center for South Suburbia has been dedicated to providing a safe haven for victims of domestic violence (DV). Today, in addition to providing immediate safety, we offer an array of services to help victims gain independence and enable children to learn how to process the violence they have experienced in their young lives. The Crisis Center is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. All services to victims of DV are free and confidential. CCSS offers a comprehensive approach to addressing the complex issue of DV. Programs include Housing and Victims Services, DV Outreach, and Prevention.

Programs and Services

Housing services

• Emergency shelter – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year we provide emergency housing, food and support services to those who are experiencing DV in their lives
• Interim Housing – A longer shelter stay is offered to clients who have demonstrated motivation toward obtaining housing, but are struggling with barriers to secure housing.
• Transitional housing – This program is designed to assist those who lack the resources to become financially independent and helps them to gain life skills to disengage from their abusive pasts. Families can live in a community-based apartment for up to 24 months.
• Rapid Re-Housing – This program offers financial and supportive services for up to 24 months to help you out of homelessness.

Victim services

• Counseling – Individual and group counseling services are offered free of charge to individuals and families victimized by DV.
• Court advocacy – At both the Markham and Bridgeview courthouses, our professional legal advocates assist with DV education, securing orders of protection and provide support during the legal process.
• Emergency services – CCSS provides limited funds to help individuals and families flee from violence and move toward self-sufficiency. Examples include but are not limited to lock changes, hotel vouchers, transportation or utility assistance.
• Aftercare services – Our professional counselors reach out to our former program clients and assess their needs and stability. Clients are reminded of resources and counselors ensure that clients are still living free from DV.

DV Outreach Services

• DV hotline – Trained volunteers and professionals are available 24/7 to provide victims of DV with support and resources to intervene in their crisis.
• Live Safe Patient Advocacy – Our advocates conduct screenings at local hospitals to identify and assist those in need of DV services.
• Law Enforcement Victim Outreach (LEAV) – We collaborate with local law enforcement to identify and support victims of DV and provide them with the resources and support they need.
• Community education We provide educational and engaging presentations to educate the community on the issue of DV. Contact our Volunteer Coordinator at (708) 429-7255 Ex. 202 or e-mail volunteer@crisisctr.org. Visit crisisctr.org to see our training opportunities.

DV Prevention

• SAFE START – We collaborate with local schools to educate young people about dating violence and encourage healthy relationships. We provide students with resources to reach out for help should the need arise.
• Partner Abuse Intervention Program (PAIP) – In an effort to end abusive patterns and violence, batterers participate in a 26-week educational group that focuses on accepting responsibility for the violence.