Listen, believe, provide. That's the mission of Rockford's Family Peace Center. It will provide safety and services for survivors of violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder or dependent abuse, and human trafficking.
Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara announced that "Phase 1" of the center will open in the next six months. It will be located on North Main Street, across from the Coronado Theater.
He said, "We are terribly excited to create a safe space that survivors can get all the services they need -- and not just the services they need, but the hope they need -- that tomorrow's going to be a better day for them and their family."
Judy Moe serves on a committee that represents a variety of religious organizations who work together to help survivors. She said they have been meeting for several months so they can warmly welcome and help any person who enters the door.
"We are going to work with people when they come in and do it in a way that is non-threatening." She continued, "We will not just be good listeners, we will be there for people when they need it and not push any particular religion."
After the mayor spoke, Manager of the Mayor's Office on Domestic Violence Jennifer Cacciapaglia, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos, and survivor Beth Edge each shared their perspective about the need for the Family Peace Center.
