John Fitts, Chair of the Harbor House Board of Directors, announced the plans to proceed with a $4.5 million project to create a survivor-centered program facility to serve survivors of domestic violence.
“In partnership with the City of Kankakee and the $2 million grant they are managing on our behalf,” Fitts stated, “Harbor House is poised to move forward with an exciting new chapter in our history. This facility serves a dual purpose: to provide a larger capacity emergency shelter and additional office spaces.”
To meet the needs of survivors, the 12,000-square-foot facility will include 12 safe and welcoming living spaces of varying sizes, more confidential office spaces, and additional collaborative program spaces—each space designed to provide privacy, dignity, and a safe place for healing. A transformative gift from Alex Panozzo has led to the naming of the new facility in memory of his sister Lorena Panozzo, a devoted social worker who dedicated her life to helping others. The facility will be known as the Harbor House Lorena Panozzo Center for Domestic Violence Services and Prevention.
Jenny Schoenwetter, Harbor House Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, noted, “Thanks to the City of Kankakee for securing the grant and to Alex Panozzo for his generosity, we are prepared to advance the construction of the Lorena Panozzo Center. We will be guided by the thought ‘Defining Moment. Lasting Impact.’ This theme encompasses what the Lorena Panozzo Center will signify for survivors of domestic violence, our organization, and the community.”
Domestic violence remains a pervasive and lethal community crisis. Kankakee County State’s Attorney Jim Rowe, serving as Harbor House’s Campaign Chair, has spoken passionately that domestic violence is the number one violent crime in Kankakee County. It is not a private, family problem—it is a community problem requiring a community response.
“Domestic violence impacts every facet of the community,” Rowe stated, “and when victims have nowhere to turn, it creates a potentially lethal void. Construction of the Lorena Panozzo Center will enable Harbor House to more effectively meet the needs of the community and survivors of domestic violence.”
To date, the community has responded with gifts exceeding $1.5 million towards this effort. The campaign will continue through early summer with opportunities for participation at multiple levels.
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