Welcome our newest member and admin assistant, Melissa Harrington

Team Member Profile

Team member name:

Melissa Harrington

Position:  

Administrative Assistant for Illinois Imagines Mini-Grant

Agency/Program:

YWCA Metropolitan Chicago/Sexual Violence Support Services

Member since: 2016

Member Bio:

Melissa received her undergraduate degree in Social Work at Northeastern Illinois University and hopes to be attending graduate school in 2017 to obtain her MSW. Melissa has been a volunteer sexual assault crisis counselor with the Chicago Rape Crisis Hotline since 2014 and is passionate about advocating for survivors of sexual assault.

Quote: “No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted” -Aesop

Why I joined IL Imagines.  

I am passionate about working with and advocating for survivors of sexual assault, so working with Illinois Imagines was a perfect opportunity for me to continue that work in a meaningful way.

Fun Fact:  
Even though I am terrible at it, I really enjoy playing tennis! It’s a great way to alleviate stress while getting exercise!

Team Member Profile: Meet Ana Correa

IL IMAGINES CHICAGO 

TEAM MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Team member name:
Ana M. Correa

Position:  
Advocacy Manager

Agency/Program:
Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center

Member since: 2016

Member Bio:

Ana received her master’s degree from University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.   Ana has 15 years of experience working directly with victims of child sexual abuse.  Ana currently manages the Advocacy Team at the Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center. Ana continues to seek out evidence based interventions as well as collaboration from complex systems to support children and families.

Quote: “No one can’t hurt you without your consent” Eleanor Roosevelt

Why I joined IL Imagines.

I was invited by Linda Sandman to become a member of the Chicago Team.  I am interested in learning and collaborating with experts in the field, so I can better service our clients.  The Chicago IL Imagine Team is a venue to ongoing assesses what’s best practice to support children and adults with disabilities.

Fun Fact:

Watching cooking shows is a fun way to distress from trauma work!

IL Imagines Chicago's #SAAM2016 Awareness vi ART and PICTURES.

In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month #SAAM2016, we organized activities that opened opportunities for people to create messages of support through art and pictures.

Learn more about us on our socials.
Facebook
Twitteer
Instagam

Using Our VOICES for ART
The IL Imagines Chicago organized a creative arts event hosted by our partner Access Living.   13 attendees including, self advocates, survivors, disability and rape crisis staff and allies, all shared their creative energies to make a beautiful collective art piece covered with empowering words, images and messages of support for survivors of sexual violence on their healing journey.

Our intention is to display this art piece whenever possible at various community events.  Follow us on our socials to hear when you can see the art in person.:)

Thank you to our organizing team;
Anacany Barrera; Metro YWCA and Team Co-Chair
Carrie Kaufmann; Access Living
Jae Jin Pak; Self Advocate and Team Co-Chair
Julie Parikh; Metro YWCA Intern
Lisa Cesal; Self Advocate/Author
Lubia Nuñez-Montelongo; Mujeras Latinas en Acion

Tara Wickey; Self Advocacy Alliance

A very SPECIAL THANK YOU to all the wonderful artists who made this possible.

 

#OURRIHTSRIGHTRNOW Photo Campaign

We launched the #ourrightsrightnow photo campaign to show support for survivors of sexual violence with disabilities by asking people to take pictures of themselves holding signs with a message of support.   See our "2016 our rights right now" blog post for full details.

We have a good start, but as #SAAM2016 winds down, we want to keep the momentum.  Please keep sending us your selfies with messages of hope, healing and support by using either template below.

Blank template to make your own message.

Here are some messages so far.  See more by following our instagram @ilimagineschicago

Sign Text: "our rights are non-negociable!!"

Sign text: "Our rights... I support #survivors with #disabilities #right to be seen, heard, believed and RESPECTED."

Sign text: "Our rights... SAFETY is a RIGHT."

Sign text: "Our rights... to CHOICE and OPTIONS."

Sign text: "Our rights... I support better access to police support."

Sign text: "Our rights... Should be Respected, Protected: Never Dejected! Disability is Credibility!"

Sign text: "Our rights... #Respect4allabilities"

Sign text: "Our rights... Survivors can #fight, Survivors can #love, Survivors can #heal"

Sign text: "Our rights... #Freedom from Abuse"

Sign text: "Our rights... to be BELIEVED   to be HEARD"

Sign text: "Our rights... 83% of disabled women are assaulted.  100% of us deserve to be heard, believed, and respected."

Sign text: "Our rights... to be heard--- to access services.  to be believed."

Team Member Spotlight: LInda Sandman

IL Imagines Team Member Spotlight

Linda Sandman

Team member name: 

Linda Sandman

Position:  

Director of Clinical Services, Clinical Assistant Professor

Agency/Program: 

UIC Developmental Disabilities Family Clinics

Member since: 2012

Member Bio:  

Linda Sandman is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Institute on Disability and Human Development (IDHD) at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Linda has over 25 years of clinical experience working with adults with disabilities, including mental health, intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD). She is the Director of Clinical Services for the Developmental Disabilities Family Clinics, which provides comprehensive diagnostic and clinical services for children through adults with ID/DD. In addition, Linda is a founding member of the Sexuality and Disability Consortium at IDHD and is an active member of Illinois Imagines Chicago, as well as the state-wide Planning Team and Public Policy committee for Illinois Imagines.

Quote:  

“Why go chasing distant fancies? The good is ever near! Learn to grasp your chances! Happiness is always here.” – Goethe

Why I joined IL Imagines. 

As a therapist at the UIC Family Clinics, I met many people with developmental disabilities who had experienced sexual violence and I began working to address this issue. I was so excited to find out about Illinois Imagines. I love the collaboration – bringing together people with disabilities, disability service providers, allies and rape crisis center professionals. It is making change happen!

Fun Fact:  

I love to make jewelry, especially earrings. It’s fun, wearable art!

Featured Team Agency Profile: CHS

IL IMAGINES CHICAGO

TEAM AGENCY SPOTLIGHT

Agency/Program name:

Chicago Hearing Society, a division of Anixter Center

2001 N. Clybourn Ave.  Suite 200

Chicago, Illinois 60614

Office: (773) 248-9121

Web: www.chicagohearingsociety.org

Facebook: facebook.com/ChicagoHearingSociety

Twitter: ChgoHearingSociety

Agency overview:

Chicago Hearing Society (CHS) empowers Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Hearing people to communicate and collaborate by providing an array of social services, advocacy, support programs and assistive technology products to Deaf and Hard of Hearing people.

Agency/Program Mission:

Since 1916, CHS has offered programs and services that improve the lives of deaf and hard of hearing individuals by empowering them to connect with the world around them.

Range of services:

Hearing Health Clinic and hearing aids, Sign Language Interpreter and Translator Services, Free Amplified Telephones, Information and Referral, Video Remote Interpreting (VRI), Captioning, Parent Support, Hearing Aid Bank, Tinnitus Program, Youth Program, Victim Assistance, Domestic Violence Counseling, Income Tax Return Preparation, Deaf Community Calendar of Events (Deaf Line)

Specialties:

Our staff is fluent in American Sign Language and Spanish

Disability accessible:

CHS is 100% Disability accessible.

Team Member Spotlight: Meet Co-Chair Jae Jin :)

IL Imagines Chicago Team Member Spotlight

Team member name: Jae Jin Pak; Self Advocate

Position:  Co-Chair for 2015-2017

Member since: 2009

Member Bio:  

Jae Jin Pak is a social justice advocate, educator, and ally.  For over 20 years, he has worked on issues of mental health, ending men’s violence against women, disability, anti-oppression and cultural competency.  He has presented for high school & college students, teachers, law enforcement, medical staff, faith leaders, social service providers & community members.  

He has served on the Board of Directors of the Asian American Suicide Prevention Initiative (AASPI), Asian Giving Circle, the IL Imagines Chicago Team, IL Caucus for Adolescent Health (ICAH), Korean American Community Services (KACS), IL Coalition Against Domestic Violence MEN Committee and IL Coalition Against Sexual Assault Education & Training Committee.  He is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Quote:

"All that is necessary for evil to succeed is for good men to do nothing."

Edmund Burke

Why I joined IL Imagines.

I wanted to connect with my “disability” identity.   I learned of the lack of outreach to the disability community about men’s violence against women’s issues.  Being a person with a disability, I realized I could be a voice and bridge to educate, advocate and ally to my disability community.  I want to help.

Fun Fact:  

I’m a geek who loves my gadgets, gizmos and a long time Doctor Who fan. Life is timey whimey. :)

Team Member Spotlight: Say hello to our intern Julie :)

IL Imagines Chicago Team Member Profile

Team member name: Julie Parikh

Position:  Intern

Agency/Program: YWCA

Member since: December 2015

Member Bio:

I am 22 years old and I am from Plainfield, IL. I am currently finishing my undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois at Chicago. I will be graduating with a B.A. in Applied Psychology with a minor in Criminology, Law, and Justice. I am a Resident Assistant at UIC and enjoy creating social programs for my residents. My goal is to attain a Masters in Social Work and to continue advocacy work in Chicago.

Quote:

"Be the change that you wish to see in the world"

Why I joined IL Imagines.

My goal is to work to promote future changes in the system to help those that may not be able to advocate for themselves. I stand by IL Imagines message that advocates can not only just help survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault, but can make a lasting change in our community.

Fun Fact:

My favorite color is purple.

Featured Team Agency Profile: Metro YWCA

IL IMAGINES CHICAGO

TEAM AGENCY SPOTLIGHT

Agency/Program name: 

YWCA Metropolitan Chicago/Sexual Violence Support Services

820 W Jackson, Ste 550

Chicago IL 60607 

Office: 312.229.7259 

24hr Rape Crisis Hotline: 888.293.2080

Web: www.ywcachicago.org 

Facebook: facebook.com/ywcachicago

Twitter:  twitter.com/ywcachicago

Agency overview:

YWCA Metropolitan Chicago is committed to providing women with the support and tools needed to transform their lives, be confident in their choices and make valuable contributions to their communities.

Agency/Program Mission:

YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

Range of services: 

Sexual Violence Support Services:

Counseling, Medical and Legal Advocacy, Prevention Education, Rape Crisis Hotlines

Specialties:   

Rape Crisis Services 

Disability accessible:

All Facilities are accessible.

Meet our Senior Co-Chair Anacany Barrera:)

IL Imagines Chicago Team Member Spotlight

Team member name: Anacany Barrera         

Position:  Coordinator, Crisis Line and Volunteer Services

Agency/Program: YWCA Metropolitan Chicago Sexual Violence Support Services

Member since: 2013

Member Bio: 

Anacany received her undergraduate degree in History from Utah Valley University.  Anacany brings six years of experience working directly with underserved members of the community through Head Start.  Anacany spent three years as the Bilingual Prevention Educator for the YWCA Sexual Violence and Support Services. Anacany is on mission to innovate how we provide services on the Chicago Rape Crisis Hotline and expand our volunteer program.

Quote: 

“There is no agony like an untold story inside of you.” 

Maya Angelou  

Why I joined IL Imagines.  

I was invited to attend the Chicago Team meeting when I started working at the YWCA and that is all it took.  I am very interested in working with underserved populations and IL Imagines is a perfect way for me to get involved. 

Fun Fact:  

I am a member of the Jane Austen Society of North America, Chicago Chapter and a mom to an adorable pup.

Happy New Year from IL Imagines Chicago. Great stuff for 2016!

Greetings world.  Hope all is well.  IL Imagines Chicago is excited to re-launch our blog.  We have lots of plans for 2016. 

What have we been up to? 
We have successfully completed 3 mini-grant projects.

Team members Linda Sandman and Osvaldo Caballero
lead educational group on SV and disability for parents of
children with disabilities in Spanish.

• Project 1, focused on developing and conducting 4 total, educational groups for parents to learn and support their children who are sexually abused.  This project was designed to engage Spanish and English speaking parents.

Full room of health care professionals learning about
intersection of sexual violence and disability.

• Project 2, focused on developing and conducting an all day seminar for health care professionals with information about sexual violence and disability issues.  The seminar was designed to train attendees on how better respond to the needs of and support survivors of sexual violence with disabilities that they encounter in their practice.

Proud self advocates & ally trainees for the
40hr SV Crisis Intervention Training

• Project 3, focused on developing and conducting the 40hr sexual violence crisis intervention training for people with disabilities and their allies.  Upon completion, participants would meet IL certification standards as rape crisis counselor/advocates as monitored by the IL Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ICASA).

Our team has also participated in numerous community events and been invited to present on sexual violence and disability at various organizations.

Team members Jae Jin Pak(l) and Lisa Cesal(r)
Presenting on SV and disability as part of
40hr Training for Mujeras Latinas en Acion

Team members Cathy Saunders(l) and Lisa Cesal(r)
co-presented a webinar on self advoccy

What's happening in 2016?

We are getting ready for an exciting 2016.  We have lots in the works.  We will have regular updates here, on our blog.  

• Posts to get to know our team members and member organizations
• Activities for Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) which is April, 
• Participating in the 2016 Disability Pride Parade, and more.
• Follow us on twitter @ilimagineschgo
• Follow us on our NEW instagram @ilimagineschicago
• Like us on facebook

Stay tuned. :)
IL Imagines Chicago Team

Hello 2013! It's all about the education...

Hi, I'm Megan one of the co-chairs for our Illinois Imagines Team. I am a sexual violence prevention educator at Rape Victim Advocates here in Chicago. I've been involved in the local Illinois Imagines collaboration since February of 2010.


Hmm, hmm...

Well what to talk about first? Illinois Imagines has been very active over the past few months. At the end of October I had the opportunity to attend the 2012 National Conference on Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Against People with Disabilities. It was great to meet the women who have pioneered researching the intersection of disability and sexual violence. I went all the way down to Louisville to hear these speakers talk about their experiences in their own communities and how they focus on this intersection. The most enjoyable thing about this conference was the reminder that I am not doing this work alone. Not only do I have my Chicago team behind me but there are people all over the country who 'get it'. They are doing this incredibly challenging and necessary work and have been for decades. Here's a great quote from the workshop "Perspectives: Learning from the Past for a Better Future" with speakers Roberta Sick and Leslie Myers..."baby steps! Where you're at is where you start. If not you then who?" It was inspiring! 
Here are a couple of photos from the time I spent there: 

What else...

Well as you know one of our main goals on our team is not only professional development and education, like my trip to Louisville, but also having these conversations within the community. From October through December of 2012 myself and another educator, Stephen Adler from Rape Victim Advocates, worked with about 14 post-secondary students who have disabilities. We met with the Illinois Center for Rehabilitation and Education students once a week for six weeks to talk about everything from dating relationships, options for survivors of violence and a whole lot about consent (one of my favorite topics). I would say it was a success!

Illinois Imagines also worked with Access Living in December. If you don't know Access Living they are amazing. Check them out here! This organization is definitely integral within our team dynamic... Anyway, we lead a two-part workshop on healthy relationships and sexual violence for the Empowered Fe Fe's, a group of women with disabilities that meet regularly at Access. We had some interesting conversations and a couple of the participants mentioned they were surely prepared to help a friend if they ever needed it following a sexual assault. Sexual violence is a tough topic but it's great to have more access to resources in the community. Talking about dating violence and sexual abuse are not fun topics but we always try to end on a positive note. Here is a picture of our "empowerment graffiti board" and a group shot. Hey that's me with the green scarf!

So that's all for now. It was a great 2012 and we have some pretty rockin' things planned for 2013. We are just getting started!

-Megan for Illinois Imagines Chicago