2009 Annual Open House - “The Art of Peace”
April 4, 2009
Overcoming the psychological and physical horror of sexual abuse does not have to be done alone. That is what representatives of Youth Allies CARE (Creating A Rape-free Environment) wanted to get across to dozens of people during an open house Saturday at Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center. In its four years the organization has attempted to raise awareness about sexual harassment and abuse among kids.
Sexual harassment is a growing problem at Waukegan High School, according to a group of that school's Youth Allies at the event. "My mother is a nurse, and she deals with these types of issues every day," said Kevin Dejaresco, a senior at Waukegan High. "I really want to help people who have similar problems."
To illustrate day-to-day struggles with verbal abuse, the students performed skits. One skit highlighted a girl being ostracized for perceived promiscuity. Another tackled harassment for being homosexual.
"So many people do not know that this is going on," said Waukegan senior Terry Bautista. "It is something that we have to keep letting everyone know about." After the event was over, the students and public participated in a roundtable discussion, directing adults to encourage their children to speak out when signs of abuse arise.
In addition to the Youth Allies sessions, guests were invited to take a closer look at the resources and opportunities Zacharias offers in creating a safer community. The center has sought to provide quality, comprehensive services to survivors of sexual assault and abuse in Lake County.
Jane Hunter, director of community education at Zacharias, said victims of abuse have a difficult time speaking out because society does not always make victims feel comfortable. "Our culture on occasion blames the victims, and with that comes automatic shame and guilt," Hunter said. "We have to realize the abuse is not all about sex. It is about taking away something more. People can eventually heal," she said. "When have worked with kids as young as 3 years old and adults 86 years old. I can't explain how it feels to experience the sense of accomplishment when people are able to have a breakthrough."
By Kendrick Marshall, Lake County News-Sun
More than $1,600 was raised during the third annual open house hosted by the Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center in Gurnee. The event was themed “The Art of Peace” and took place April 4.
“We chose “The Art of Peace” because we want to let people know that there is peace after adversity,” said Alondra Olvera, 17, of Waukegan. Olvera is a co-chair of the Youth Allies Creating A Rape-free Environment organization, the Zacharias Center’s grassroots youth group, which organized the open house.
The group – which has grown this year from about a dozen teens to 34 members – worked on coordinating the open house since December. “These kids are amazing,” said Tammy Bradford, medical advocate at the Zacharias Center. “Their dedication to the center and the cause is inspiring.”
The open house program included more than 100 pieces of artwork, such as photos and paintings, which were donated by students at Waukegan High School. During the event, the art was displayed in two Zacharias Center rooms for a silent auction. In addition to the auction, a bake sale took place and tours of the facility were given.
Performances by the teens – a skit on sexual harassment and two songs, performed by Marie Joves, a senior at Waukegan High School – also were represented during the event. “The group put on a wonderful show,” said Gurnee Mayor Kristina Kovarik, who attended the open house. “Sometimes kids don’t speak out, and bullying is something that’s out there – presentations like these help.”
Although the event raised more than $1,600 –with more money coming in from the art pieces – the objective of the open house was not just the fund-raising. “This was an opportunity for the kids to develop their leadership skills and connect with the community,” said Jane Hunter, director of community education at the Zacharias Center. “By these terms, I definitely consider this event a success.”
The Zacharias Center provides services to survivors of sexual assault and abuse. Services at the center are offered free of charge.
Teens ages 14 to 19 who are interested in joining Youth Allies Creating A Rape-free Environment group, can call Jane Hunter at 847-244-11187, ext. 26, to learn more about the organization.
By Yadira Sanchez Olson, Lake County Journal
Event Photos
Coming Soon!