In recognition of February as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, Harbor House, in partnership with other organizations, is hosting various events to educate teens, parents, and the community about the dating violence epidemic.
“Teen dating violence impacts 1 in 3 teens and out of those affected, only 33% tell anyone,” says Jenny Schoenwetter, executive director and CEO of Harbor House. “It is imperative that we as a community start talking to youth as early as possible about healthy relationships, boundaries, and what to do if our youth find themselves in an unhealthy or abusive relationship. Harbor House is here to help start those conversations and empower teens through these special Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month events.”
Harbor House’s interactive, free events are as follows:
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Love Is…? Youth Spoken Word Showcase featuring Jeronimo Speaks: City Life Center in Kankakee from 4 to 6 pm on February 18 with hors d'oeuvres provided. No registration is required to attend. To register to perform, go to harborhousedv.org/events. Performers are to be between the ages of 12-25, their piece must relate to “Love is?” theme, and the material needs to be appropriate for all ages. This event is in partnership with the City Life Center, Illinois Coalition for Community Services Inc., Kankakee County State’s Attorney’s Office, and the Kankakee Public Library.
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Bowling Against Bullying, Iroquois County: Concord Bowl in Iroquois from 4 to 6 pm on February 19 with dinner provided. Participants will enjoy complimentary bowling, food, giveaways, and more. This event is in partnership with T.I.P. the Scale and the Juvenile Justice Council of Iroquois County.
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Bowling Against Bullying, Kankakee County: Brookmont Bowling Center in Kankakee from 2:30 to 4:30 pm on February 26. Participants will enjoy complimentary bowling, pizza, giveaways, and more. This event is in partnership with the Juvenile Mentoring Program and Kankakee County State’s Attorney.
Additionally, Harbor House will be in schools throughout Kankakee and Iroquois Counties conducting educational presentations, activities with youth, and presence at various basketball games. Funding for these events are provided in whole or in part by the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority.
To learn more about these initiatives, registration, or volunteer opportunities, visit harborhousedv.org/events, call 815-932-5814, or email info@harborhousedv.org
Harbor House is the domestic violence agency for Kankakee and Iroquois Counties. Free, confidential services include a 24-hour hotline, chatline at harborhousedv.org, counseling for adults and youth, support groups, emergency shelter, support with the court system, connections to community agencies, prevention, and outreach initiatives.To learn more about Harbor House services please visit harborhousedv.org or call our hotline at 815-932-5800.
