HR0531 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0531 LRB101 14366 MST 63252 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, On April 24, 1979, Pillars Community Health (then the Des Plaines Valley Community Center) opened its first domestic violence shelter, the Constance Morris House, to provide shelter for four to five women and children in the western suburbs of Chicago; and

WHEREAS, Pillars Community Health later moved the shelter to be able to accommodate 20 domestic violence survivors, including women and children, and to provide assistance for others in the community, such as men and transgender individuals; and

WHEREAS, Pillars Community Health has expanded its domestic violence services to include a confidential 24-hour hotline, crisis intervention, individual and group counseling, family counseling with the non-offending parent, legal and medical advocacy, community education and prevention, a police response collaboration, and links to ongoing support services, such as emergency financial assistance and housing programs, all at no cost; and

WHEREAS, Pillars Community Health employs 31 staff in domestic violence services and relies on approximately 20 direct service volunteers who assist at the shelter and answer hotline calls, as well as numerous community groups who offer support through service projects and donated meals and items; and

WHEREAS, Pillars Community Health believes everyone has a right to be safe in their own bodies, in their homes, and within the larger community and gives a voice to survivors of domestic and sexual violence that affirms their value in the world; and

WHEREAS, Pillars Community Health believes healthy relationships and human rights are critical to the overall well-being of a community and works to challenge and change attitudes about domestic and sexual violence in an effort to build stronger, healthier communities; and

WHEREAS, Pillars Community Health's vision is to help all people access the care they need, when they need it; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Pillars Community Health on the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Constance Morris House and commend them for the positive contributions that they have made to their community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Pillars Community Health as a symbol of our respect and esteem.