Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center Provides Trauma-Informed Care in Vernon Township

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Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center (ZCenter) is a nonprofit organization in Vernon Township, Illinois that has been helping survivors of sexual violence for over 40 years. ZCenter provides a range of trauma-informed services including individual and group counseling, legal and medical advocacy, and prevention education programs for schools and the community. The organization's goal is to support survivors, raise awareness, and work towards ending systemic sexual violence.

Why it matters

Sexual violence is a pervasive public health issue that can have long-lasting psychological and emotional impacts on survivors. ZCenter plays a vital role in Vernon Township and the surrounding region by offering accessible, culturally-responsive support services and working to create safer environments through prevention education.

The details

ZCenter's Counseling, Advocacy, and Prevention Education (CAPE) programs provide a continuum of services for survivors. Counseling services incorporate expressive therapies like art, play, and mindfulness to help clients process trauma. Advocates respond 24/7 to provide emotional support, navigate legal and medical systems, and connect survivors to ongoing care. Prevention education specialists deliver age-appropriate workshops in schools to build understanding of consent, boundaries, and how to seek help.

• ZCenter has been serving the Vernon Township community for over 40 years, since its founding.
• The organization continues to provide vital services and programming to survivors and the broader community.