Growing Strong Sexual Assault Center

If becoming a volunteer at Growing Strong is something you have been interested in gathering more information on... Sunday is your day!

The Volunteer Committee is hosting an informational orientation for all interested participants! The orientation will consist of all of our services so you can choose which area would best suit you and your talents!

Please call our office with any questions you have, or just to let us know that you will be attending with us! We can't wait to see you there! 217-428-0770

You deserve support. You deserve to be heard.

Beginning June 8th, Growing Strong Sexual Assault Center will offer Survivor Support Walk-In Hours at our Clinton office. Whether your experience happened recently or years ago, our advocates are here to listen, provide information, and help you connect with services.
No appointment necessary. Just come as you are.
803 W. Leander St., Clinton, IL
217-428-0770 24/7
Second Monday: 9 AM–3 PM
Fourth Wednesday: 1 PM–5 PM
Free. Confidential. Survivor-centered.

June is Pride Month!

This month acknowledges the hard work that LGBTQIA2+ activists have put into creating safer spaces all around us.

Marginalized groups, including LGBTQIA2+ members, are more at risk of experiencing violence of any kind and often encounter unique barriers to reporting sexual assault.

At Growing Strong, it is important to us that survivors feel accepted for who they are, and that our office fosters a safe and welcoming space for healing from sexual violence.

If you would like more information on how you can support survivors, please reach out to us at our 24/7 Hotline: 217-428-0770

Join us tonight from 5:30-6:30 pm here at the Growing Strong office! (270 W. Prairie Ave. Decatur, IL 62523)

We are hosting a night of inspiration and pizza (provided by Monical's!) to gain interest in our volunteer program.

Learn:
- What volunteers of Growing Strong do
- Information on the application process
- Growing Strong's history & impact on the community
- How YOU can prevent sexual violence & support survivors!

Can't make it tonight? Don't worry! We will be hosting another event this Sunday, June 7th from 10:30-11:30 am. (with Panera bagels!)

We hope to see you there!

One of Growing Strong's most meaningful connections is with our students! Every week, our Prevention Team visits schools in our 5 County service area to provide educational lessons. Some students share their creative endeavors with us. From origami to coloring sheets to portraits of our educators, student art always has a home in the Growing Strong office.

24/7 Hotline: (217) 428-0770

At Growing Strong, we understand that transportation can be a barrier to getting help. That’s why we partner with Decatur Moves to provide free rides for clients in Macon County who need assistance getting to appointments and services. Whether it’s counseling, advocacy services, or another important visit—we’ll help you get there safely. How it works: Contact our team, and if you qualify, we’ll schedule and cover the cost of your ride. Serving individuals throughout Macon County Reach out today to learn more or schedule transportation. You don’t have to navigate this alone—we’re here to help every step of the way. 217-428-0770

Hygiene Supplies Needed – You Can Help Restore Dignity
At Growing Strong, we are currently seeking donations of hygiene supplies for the individuals and families we serve. These basic items are often some of the hardest to access during times of crisis, but they make a huge difference in comfort, dignity, and wellbeing.
Items needed include:
• Shampoo & conditioner
• Body wash & bar soap
• Toothbrushes & toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Feminine hygiene products
• Lotion & lip balm
• Razors & shaving cream
• Travel-size hygiene items
Every donation, big or small, helps someone feel clean, confident, and cared for during a difficult time. Contact us for more information on how to give. 217-428-0770

Growing Strong hasn't always existed, but the need for sexual violence awareness, prevention, and treatment has. Before us, there was CAR and then RTF. As funding for sexual violence prevention grew, so did we. But the fight continues every single day.

-In 1976, a group of concerned citizens began meeting to discuss the issue of sexual violence in Decatur, IL. They called themselves Citizens Against R**e (CAR).

-In 1982, CAR volunteers and other interested parties disbanded CAR in favor of creating the R**e Task Force (RTF). The RTF board sought funding from ICWAR (later to become ICASA). With this funding, and no other local agency providing sexual violence services in the area, the RTK became the Growing Strong Sexual Assault Center.

-By 1986, Growing Strong was able to secure funding for Education, Counseling, Advocacy, Volunteer Coordination, and Professional Training.

Join us in the effort to end sexual violence!

Growing Strong 24/7 Crisis Hotline: 217-428-0770

Join us for an hour of learning how YOU (yes YOU) can help end sexual violence!

We are hosting two Volunteer Orientations in early June, just in time for our up-coming 40-Hour Volunteer Training.

Learn:
- A brief history of Growing Strong and the effort to end sexual violence
- What Growing Strong's volunteers do (We have multiple positions available!)
- The requirements to become a volunteer
- How you can best support survivors

Sign up for this event using our website at growingstrongcenter.org

Questions? In need of support? Call our 24/7 Hotline: 217-428-0770

Huge shout out to Monical's Pizza and Panera for donating meals and snacks for these dates! We will have pizza on June 3rd and bagels on June 7th!

We hope to see you there!