Penn State Chicago has always focused on community service with events supporting organizations such as THON, RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network), Inspiration Corporation, the American Cancer Society, Misericordia, St. Jude's Hospital, and many others. Starting this fall, we will be supporting the Chicago Children's Advocacy Center.

The vision of the Chicago Children's Advocacy Center is simple: to eliminate the suffering of abused children in Chicago.  Their mission is to unite public, private, and community partners to ensure the safety, health and well-being of abused children.  Here is an overview of what they do in their own words.

A Broken System
Before we opened our doors in August 2001, abused children in Chicago often had to tell their stories again and again – repeatedly reliving the horror of their abuse. After disclosing what happened to their teacher, a child might have to repeat the details to the principal, school counselor, nurse, police officer, police sergeant, doctor, lawyer, and more. In fact, research shows children would have to retell what happened to them an average of 10-15 times to child welfare and law enforcement professionals located all over the City. This might take months or even years, and some children never received help at all.

Joining Together for the Children
In 1998, a task force of professionals from across all disciplines was developed to create the Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center. These agencies included the Chicago Police Department, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, the Cook County Health & Hospitals System, and the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office.  Since our doors opened in August 2001, our on-site network of family advocates, mental health counselors, intake coordinators, forensic interviewers, and support services staff have worked together to serve thousands of Chicago’s abused children allowing them to live fuller, happier lives.

Penn State Chicago will be accepting donations for the Chicago Children's Advocacy Center (CCAC) at every football viewing party this season.  We'll also be helping with the CCAC Kids Holiday Party and toy drive in December, watch for details!

If you would like to learn more about the Chicago Children's Advocacy Center, please visit their site at www.chicagocac.org. To subscribe to the Chicago CAC newsletter, click here.  And don't forget to like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ChicagoCAC.

If you would like to get involved, please send an e-mail to our Service Chair, Ed Chicoski, at PSUChicagoService@gmail.com.