(Bob Chwedyk/Daily Herald) Deborah Skoskiewicz

We all know that the problem exists, but it’s not a subject that is usually discussed by friends over coffee. Domestic violence and abuse occur behind closed doors, not only in modest homes and apartments in low-income neighborhoods, but also in luxurious homes on beautiful, tree-lined suburban streets. The victims are usually too afraid to talk about what is going on, so suffer in silence, because they feel they are trapped in a hopeless situation from which they cannot escape. Deborah Skoskiewicz volunteers at the Safe House established by WINGS (Women in Need Growing Stronger), and is a tireless worker on behalf of women and children struggling to escape from dangerous relationships. “I like to help people. I’m a giver,” Skoskiewicz said. “I think it is important for women to know that there is help available, and that they don’t have to remain in an abusive situation. I don’t like to see women appear to be vulnerable, and I hope to help put an end to the cycle of domestic violence,” she said. WINGS serves residents of the north and northwest suburbs of Chicago, and its mission is to help end domestic violence and homelessness for women and children. The Safe House, which opened a little over a year ago, works specifically with women and children who are victims of domestic violence. Skoskiewicz is a psychology major at DePaul University, and she began volunteering with WINGS as part of an externship for a course she was taking. She stayed on as a volunteer because she found that there was a huge need at the Safe House for people to assist the staff so that they could devote more time to special projects, and have additional time to be more creative. “I love working with the staff,” she said. “They are wonderful, dedicated people who really care.”

Volunteers at the Safe House are required to be flexible in the types of tasks they perform. Skoskiewicz may be found answering the crisis phone line where she must be empathetic to the needs of the caller, while also pushing herself to the limit in terms of actively listening so that she can provide accurate and helpful information. She also collects necessary information so that staff can determine if a caller is eligible for services at the Safe House. In addition, she sorts donations, helps with laundry, organizes the linen closet, sanitizes the playroom, prepares rooms and assembles toiletry packets for their guests. When time permits, she also performs clerical duties such as making copies of forms, assembles welcome booklets and manuals and updates client referral information. Whatever is needed, she does, whether it is getting medication for a resident or watching a child so that their mom can make a phone call.

Elizabeth Channer, Safe House Coordinator, said, “Deborah has made herself an integral member of the Safe House team. She is an excellent volunteer, who is reliable and enthusiastic. She always arrives with a smile on her face and an attitude that raises everyone’s spirit. No task is too little or too big for her to perform, and she is respectful and understanding of the residents needs.”

Skoskiewicz works full-time with the Northwest Suburban Special Education Organization, and also volunteers one night a week with Alexian Brothers’ Transitional Living Program where she spends time with the clients. Her ultimate goal is to continue her education by going to law school so that she will be trained to work within the field of family law. She and her husband, Bogdan, an attorney, have lived in Mount Prospect for 15 years, and their family includes their son, Mark, and daughter, Kristen. She is an avid reader, and enjoys gardening, but her most important activity is spending time with her family. Deborah was honored recently as one of the finalists at the Caring Hearts Awards Recognition Dinner sponsored by The Volunteer Center of Northwest Suburban Chicago.

To obtain information about the hundreds of volunteer opportunities available locally for people of all ages contact The Volunteer Center of Northwest Suburban Chicago, at 847-228-1320, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program ( men and women ages 55 or better) at 847-228-1006, or visit their website www.volunteerinfo.net.

[HOME] [Volunteer of the Week] [Volunteer Opportunities by Category]
[Northwest Suburb Opportunities] [Other Opportunities]