Hospital Advocate Volunteer

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 Community Crisis Center’s skilled, caring individuals provide 24/7 crisis intervention, resources and shelter.

From 1975 to 1987, the Crisis Center was located in an historic Victorian Elgin home, which sheltered 14 people each night. By the mid 1980’s, a growing need for additional services and space forced the agency to seek a larger facility. In October 1987 the Community Crisis Center moved into the former Franklin Elementary School in Elgin’s Gifford Park neighborhood. Our 4-story, 20,000 square foot edifice was built in 1891 and is now home to nearly 60 staff members who provide round-the-clock services to individuals and families in crisis due to domestic violence, sexual assault, or economic/ financial difficulties.

Our current 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; an emergency food pantry; Abuse Intervention 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; however, there are no service area limits for domestic violence victims.

Hospital Advocate Responsibilities May Include:

• Providing on-site hospital advocacy to survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence
• Offering crisis intervention and emotional support to survivors during medical examinations and treatment
• Advocating for survivors’ rights, choices, and needs within the hospital setting
• Providing appropriate referrals and information about follow-up services and community resources
• Maintaining process documentation in accordance with the agency’s requirements and practices
• Returning all required documentation to the crisis center upon completion of an advocate call
• Completing all required training for volunteer hospital advocates, including the initial 60-hour domestic violence and sexual assault training, mandated reporter training, and a minimum of six (6) hours of continuing education annually
• Maintaining current knowledge of issues related to gender-based violence and practicing survivor-centered advocacy