The Gretchen S. Vapnar Community Crisis Center
Ruth Peterson has extensive experience in education and organizational development, currently serving as a Domestic Violence Educator at the Community Crisis Center since October 2008, where presentations are made to raise awareness about domestic violence and available resources. Additionally, Ruth has been a Consultant in Training for Organizational Development since February 2006 and taught English as a Second Language at the YWCA from January 2007 to May 2016. Previous roles include Coordinator of Training at Sherman Hospital from 1995 to 2007 and HR Support Staff at Bethany/Garfield Park Hospital from 1969 to 1975. Ruth holds a Master’s degree in Adult Education from National Louis University and a Bachelor’s degree in English from Manchester University.
The Gretchen S. Vapnar Community Crisis Center
The Gretchen S. Vapnar Community Crisis Center, located in Elgin, Illinois, was founded in 1975 by a group of dedicated volunteers to meet the needs of individuals and families in crisis. Employees provide comprehensive services to individuals and families in crisis due to domestic violence, sexual assault, or economic/ financial difficulties. The Crisis Center is one of the oldest domestic violence shelters in the state and was instrumental in organizing both the Illinois and National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The mission of the Community Crisis Center is to provide Safety, Hope, Advocacy, Respite and Education for those impacted by crisis and violence in the Fox Valley Region and Illinois. Services include a 24-hour crisis hotline and information and referral; emergency temporary shelter for 40 women and children who are homeless due to domestic violence or financial crisis; individual and group counseling; medical, legal and welfare advocacy; financial assistance to abate homelessness; emergency food pantry; batterers’ intervention program; transitional living program; a distinct children’s program; and community education. The Community Crisis Center service area includes northern Kane County from St. Charles to the northern edge of the county and far northwest suburban Cook County; there are no service area limits for domestic violence victims.