{"id":24027,"date":"2026-10-29T13:54:19","date_gmt":"2026-10-29T18:54:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pillarscommunityhealth.org\/?p=24027"},"modified":"2026-10-29T13:54:19","modified_gmt":"2026-10-29T18:54:19","slug":"connected-for-safety-building-a-safer-community-through-conversation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pillarscommunityhealth.org\/es\/connected-for-safety-building-a-safer-community-through-conversation\/","title":{"rendered":"Connected for Safety: Building a Safer Community Through Conversation"},"content":{"rendered":"

Meaningful conversations can create meaningful change.<\/b><\/p>\n

On Sunday, October 25, Pillars Community Health (PCH) brought together community members, advocates, and local leaders at The Elm in La Grange for <\/span>Connected for Safety: A Benefit for Survivors of Domestic Violence & Community Conversation<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Held in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the event created space for an important discussion about technology-facilitated abuse and the ways technology can be used to monitor, control, and harm people in relationships.<\/span><\/p>\n

Moderated by Pamela Lannom, editor of <\/span>The Hinsdalean<\/span><\/i>, the conversation featured Beth Payne, Legal Director of the Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation and PCH Board Member; Judge Mike Chvatal of the Circuit Court of Cook County; and Sophia Grallert, PCH Domestic and Sexual Violence Community Outreach Advocate.<\/span><\/p>\n

Together, they explored warning signs of digital abuse, online privacy, legal protections available to survivors, and how friends, families, and communities can offer support.<\/span><\/p>\n

One message resonated throughout the conversation: <\/span>Supporting survivors starts with listening, believing, and speaking up.<\/b><\/p>\n

Honoring Those Who Give From the Heart<\/b><\/h3>\n

The event also included the presentation of PCH\u2019s inaugural <\/span>Hand & Heart Award<\/b> to the <\/span>PNCC Nurses of UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Hinsdale and La Grange<\/b>, recognizing their longstanding generosity and commitment to survivors of domestic and sexual violence.<\/span><\/p>\n

Through holiday gift collections, back-to-school drives, and other acts of kindness, this dedicated group has helped bring comfort, joy, and a sense of community to survivors and their families, including those staying at PCH\u2019s Constance Morris House domestic violence shelter.<\/span><\/p>\n

Their generosity comes from a simple but powerful place: a desire to help others. Year after year, they have shown survivors that their community cares and that they are not alone.<\/span><\/p>\n

We are grateful for their kindness and proud to recognize them as the first recipients of the Hand & Heart Award.<\/span><\/p>\n

Continuing the Conversation<\/b><\/h3>\n

Thank you to our panelists, moderator, honorees, attendees, and everyone who helped make Connected for Safety possible.<\/span><\/p>\n

As Domestic Violence Awareness Month comes to a close, our commitment continues. Conversations like these remind us that everyone has a role to play in building safer, healthier communities.<\/span><\/p>\n

For more insights from the discussion, read Pamela Lannom\u2019s <\/a><\/span>Hinsdalean<\/span><\/i> column, <\/span>Talk About DVAM, as the Conversation Matters<\/span><\/i><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Support Survivors<\/b><\/h3>\n

PCH provides confidential advocacy, counseling, shelter, and other essential services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.<\/span><\/p>\n

24\/7 Domestic Violence Hotline:<\/b> 708-485-5254<\/span>
\n<\/span> 24\/7 Sexual Assault Hotline:<\/b> 708-482-9600<\/span><\/p>\n

Your generosity helps ensure survivors in our community have somewhere to turn.<\/span><\/p>\n

Support Survivors<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Connected for Safety: Photo Gallery<\/b><\/h3>\n