Works to reduce the incidents of child sexual abuse through public awareness and education. The ads are a "call to action" encouraging adults to call or go online for free materials that educate adults to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to child sexual abuse.

HELPLINE is a national toll-free number for community based referrals that will immediately route callers to an information and referral service representative, who can provide referrals to sexual abuse resources in the local community.

PARENT EDUCATION & GUIDANCE through community partnerships.

STEWARDS OF CHILDREN is a sexual abuse prevention training program that provides front-line training for organizations and corporations that serve children and youth.

INFO and PRODUCTS including 5 Steps booklets, Rack cards, Risk Management Essentials and much more.

WEBSITE features recent articles on child sexual abuse, book suggestions, mandatory reporting laws, a Darkness to Light sponsored internet radio talk show and access to educational materials.

Helps youth achieve positive growth and development, improve expectations and capabilities for future success, and avoid and/or reduce risk-taking behavior.

Offers academic enrichment, life skills education, parental involvement, recreational/cultural opportunities, positive adult mentors, and community service.

Forensic interviews when requested by law enforcement or Child Protective Services. A child interview specialist will conduct a video-taped forensic interview with the child. One of the goals of this interview is to reduce the number of times the child must tell the story of his/her abuse.

Medical exams to evaluate children who are suspected to have been abused or neglected.

Assessment and referrals by mental health professionals, who assess each child's needs and refer them to the appropriate therapy, support groups, and other resources. Families also receive help in "understanding the system".

Multidisciplinary teams consisting of law enforcement, Child Protective Services, medical professionals, prosecution, school personnel, Project Harmony staff, and other professionals regularly review cases to make certain children do not fall through the cracks. Teams work toward making changes and finding solutions to any problems in reporting and investigating child abuse, permanency, treatment, and system issues.

Anyone can refer a case to the teams; call and include:

-- The child's name

-- Date of birth

-- School

-- Protective Service Worker's name

-- The reason for the referral

Training to professionals and volunteers.

Provides crisis shelter for those who are victims of domestic violence. In addition, the following services are provided for both domestic violence and sexual assault survivors, legal advocacy, medical advocacy, prevention education, supportive counseling, sexual assault victim therapy. children's counseling (domestic and sexual violence), case management.

Temporary emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence and accompanying children. Emergency needs such as food and clothing can be provided while in shelter, if needed.24 hour crisis line provides support, info and confidential emergency services available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Client advocacy is available to help support individuals through crisis, such as assistance in applying for Department of Health and Human Services economic assistance programs, finding a new place to live, or for emotional support and talking through options.

Legal advocacy provides assistance with filing domestic violence and harassment protection orders, legal referrals, help in finding legal representation, and court accompaniment.

Medical advocacy offers referrals and accompaniment as needed.

Bilingual advocacy provides immigration information for victims of domestic violence or sexual assault. To reach a Spanish-speaking advocate, contact the Spanish line or stop in at the Crete office to speak with a Spanish-speaking advocate.

Information and referrals provided regarding assistance outside of Hope Crisis Center.

Community education programs offered free of charge on topics such as: domestic violence, sexual assault, bullying, good touch/bad touch/secret touch, teen dating violence, date rape, violence in the media, sexting, domestic violence and the effects on children, sexual assault and the effect on children, and others.

Help line for parents, grandparents, baby-sitters, and caregivers, including tips to calm a crying baby.

Education on prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome.

Police services which promote a safe and secure community.

Neighborhood Watch Program provides a formal network for concerned citizens to communicate with neighbors and the Police Department regarding crime-related problems. Services include education to reduce crime which affects families and property; home security and personal awareness information provided through meetings, films and displays; and an Operation Identification System of marking property to aid in owner identification of stolen property.

Provides support working with victims to help them process a traumatic event, get back on their feet, and protect themselves and their families from future abuse.

Provides General Assistance for those who are ineligible for any other state or federal funding program.

Provides Emergency Assistance for rent to prevent eviction and disconnection of utilities.

Also provides:

- TRIAD Senior Program - Informational seminars for seniors focusing on reducing criminal victimization of older persons.

- Voter registration and early voting for Kane County residents.

- Household battery recycling.

- Notary Public services.

Special education services for students with all type of disabilities ages birth to 21.

Specialists in speech pathology, hearing, vision, physical, and occupational therapies.

Professional development for all levels of staff within both public and private schools specializing in math, reading, science, and early childhood curriculum areas.

School and community planning and addressing long-range goals for schools.

Provides training in many school climate issues around bullying, discipline, and addressing at risk factors.

Provides abuse and crisis intervention services to those going through a domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or sex trafficking situation. Services include a family violence crisis line, counseling or counseling referrals for survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault, emergency shelter and transportation, peer support groups, and child advocacy.

Protection order assistance, criminal justice/legal advocacy, and medical advocacy are also available to those who may need it.

Works to build awareness of abuse by partnering with local agencies to offer community education programs and a resource library.

Travels to schools, youth groups, and communities to empower children and young adults, reaching students from grades K-12.

Presentations to youth, educators, mentors, parents, and social service agencies. Programs include Social Media Safety and Healthy Relationships.

Provides a 6-week program of prevention education to youth considered high risk. A separate and specific curriculum educates parents, educators, mentors, service providers, and community members to help keep youth safe.

Curriculum for adults include educators, law enforcement agencies, first responders, social service providers, healthcare professionals, retail & food service employees, religious organizations, PTA groups, and more.

Provides abuse and crisis intervention services to those going through a domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or sex trafficking situation. Services include a family violence crisis line, counseling or counseling referrals for survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault, emergency shelter and transportation, peer support groups, and child advocacy.

Protection order assistance, criminal justice/legal advocacy, and medical advocacy are also available to those who may need it.

Confidential helpline to prevent child sexual abuse before a child is harmed.

Helpline staff provide guidance so adults can learn about sexual abuse; identify specialized treatment options and resources for themselves or someone they care about; develop prevention and safety plan strategies; find language for an effective conversation when they have concerns; and learn how to report concerns to authorities when appropriate.