After watching some of her loved ones suffer abuse, Barbara Politano decided to dedicate her life to working to reduce domestic violence.
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“If you’ve ever known anyone who has been abused, it is important to get the information out there to them about the crisis center and for them to know they are not alone,” said Politano, who is vice president of the Crisis Center for South Suburbia (CCSS), a Tinley Park residential center that helps people suffering from abuse.
Now, Politano, who has been involved with the center in other roles for nearly two decades, wants others to help the center.
On Saturday, the 8th annual one-mile walk is scheduled at 9 a.m. at Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens, 7402 Lake Katherine Dr., Palos Heights. Registration starts at 8 a.m.
The cost to walk is $15 for adults. Children younger than age 12 can participate in the event for free.
Last year, the event raised $4,000 after attracting 200 participants. The event is sponsored by Prime Time Restaurant & Bar in Hickory Hills.
“Lake Katherine was chosen for the walk originally because of its beautiful picturesque scenery,” said Politano, of Palos Heights. “We continue to hold the walk there annually because it is very relaxing and calming.”
The Crisis Center for South Suburbia, which is the only one of its kind in the south suburban area, currently houses about 40 people. It has attracted more than 55,000 people since it started 36 years ago.
“Our center helps to instill self-respect for women and to teach them that they do not have to tolerate any form of abuse,” Politano said. “Education about self-esteem and appropriate behavior in relationships needs to be given to young people especially. It is never acceptable to let anyone control your life in any way. Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence. It is not only the uneducated or poor, how people typically stereotype domestic violence. We have worked with women with established careers and countless college degrees.”
Kelly White is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.