Especially during the month of October we are reminded of the necessity to continue our agency mission to “promote safe and stable families, neighborhoods, and communities”.

Domestic violence is one of the most pervasive problems in our society, both from a public safety and public health perspective.  It is not a private issue—it is a crime.

Excerpt from a Resolution passed at the August 17, 2010 McLean County Board meeting: “The McLean County Board urges all County residents to take a moment to talk to their children about healthy relationships, to remind those in abusive relationships that they are not alone and that help is available, and to encourage the development of domestic violence policies in the workplace”.  As Advocates we commit to being the help those in abusive relationships need and deserve to replace their fear with safety.  We invite families, schools, churches, and businesses to partner with us to have open dialogues throughout the year about the importance of equality and respect in relationships. 

On October 1, 2010 the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence published “From the Front Lines:  Survivor and Provider Perspectives on Illinois Domestic Violence Assistance Gaps and Action Initiatives”.   Our winter issue of the Observer will offer insights from the 900 Survivors in Illinois who participated in this assessment process. 

In closing, we celebrate with Survivors as they triumph over tragedy.  We honor the memory of those who died and now serve as Silent Witnesses for peace and justice.

In memory of Duncan and Jack Leichtenberg, and in honor of Duncan’s 11th birthday, we invite you to support Mid Central Community Action’s Countering Domestic Violence program as we run, walk, roll or ride the one-mile trail through beautiful Tipton Park, Bloomington. And we don’t want our four-legged friends to miss out – what a great excuse to give your dog a workout too!

You can choose to participate in a 5K run or a 1 mile family walk, and in honor of Duncan’s 11th birthday, kids 11 and under can participate for free.

See our events page for more details, and to register.  See you on the Trail!

Countering Domestic Violence / Neville House, a program of Mid Central Community Action, Inc., seeks to hire a part-time Adult Therapist to provide individual and group counseling services to adult victims of domestic violence.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate dedication to client population and cultural sensitivity, effective therapeutic intervention techniques and the ability to work independently and in a team environment.

Master’s Degree in Counseling or Social Work and professional licensure required.

For consideration:  submit cover letter, resume, and 3 references  to cdvnev@mccainc.org by 8:00am on August 11, 2010

MCCA, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Our mission is to promote safe and stable families, neighborhoods, and communities.

For more information, and to sign up online, please visit the CDV 40 Hour Training page.

The postions are Full-Time Law Enforcement Advocate (to provide quality criminal justice advocacy services to victims of domestic violence identified on police reports by informing them of their right to protection through IDVA law  and resources for safety and healing through CDV) and  Full-Time Court Advocate (to provide quality legal advocacy services to assist victims of  domestic violence through the Order of Protection process.)

Please take a look at the job announcements on the Employment Opportunities page.

Mid Central Community Action, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

LaShanya Aikerson, Chapter President 2009 – 2010, the Association for Women in Communications (Bloomington-Normal Chapter) speaking at the annual Crystal Awards. LaShanya explains how the AWC Chapter has been helping MCCA’s Countering Domestic Violence/Neville House

Topics discussed include:

• self esteem
• safety planning
• assertiveness
• characteristics of an abusive relationship
• healthy boundaries
• identifying/verbalizing personal needs
• “Bill of Rights”
• being single parents
• red flags
• intergenerational cycle of abuse
• and much more

The group meets on Tuesday nights from 6:30pm – 8:00pm, and a children’s support groups is offered at the same time for children ages 6 to 12. Assistance is available for child care for younger children.

Please call the Neville House 24 hour hotline at (309) 827-7070 for further information and location of the meetings.

“When these strangers gathered, something happened – some would call it “a dynamic”, others “grace” – that allowed them to speak truthfully from the depths of their hearts and also to be receptive to each others truths, where in other circumstances they could not do either, and in this giving and taking, to begin to heal. What makes this possible and why it is healing remains the mystery and miracle of self-help groups.”

“Notes and Comment”
The New Yorker
April 23, 1990