My Nonprofit Reviews

I am a domestic violence attorney that has worked with lifespan for many years as a mentor and friend to them and mainly the downtown Chicago attorneys. I have supported them financially by contribution and by helping them academically when necessary. I found myself in a domestic violence situation that I did not recognize was ongoing where even a medical doctor (his) recognized the situation and advised me (at a joint meeting with my spouse) that if I did not get away and protect myself, I would be dead. There was an ongoing mental health issue. I could not see through the emotion. I was not really working and unable to function other than to try to get my children to school. We lost our home and moved into a tiny apartment. The Director of Life Span came to my home and said "Come on, I'm taking you for coffee." I was not dressed to go out. She made me in my unmade up self put on a winter coat, shoes and get in her car. She drove me to the Maywood Court house where I obtained an Order of Protection. Mind you, I did not even have underclothing on above the waste if you know what I mean and I had gained about one hundred pounds eating chocolate while on public aid. I was rock bottom. I looked like a crazy person. I remember telling her that my husband had come over and put a switch blade to my throat. He kept saying do you want me to do it, do you, do you? I finally said NO. He asked for money that day or he would not leave. He took all I had and left. He came back all the time for more until I had the Order of Protection. I did not know him after about 25 years of marriage with two kids in middle school. I do not know where I would be without that coffee lie right now. That is just one story but it is about me. Someone in the business. Someone who should know better. I barely remember that day. You need someone you can count on to take care of you when you are in that position. I am glad I could count on them from the top dog and down. Please support them! (Btw, I am back now, lost the weight, practicing, kids are in school and well and we are coming back. It takes time but you always can rebuild. For me the hardest word was four letters. HELP.