I Need Help...

Welcome. Your courage has led you to the place where your healing can begin. Please let us show you how your courage is valued, by answering some questions you may have about your healing journey.

 

What can I expect from Zacharias Center?

From the moment you enter Zacharias Center, you will be greeted with admiration for your courage and the possibilities waiting within you.  It is this courage that will guide you in choosing the right services for you.  If you choose individual counseling, you can be assured that it will be private and confidential, as all our services are.

If you take the step to enter a support group, you will discover what a powerful tool the support of other survivors can be.  You will come to see that the violence you were made to be a part of is not who you are.

I Need to Talk with Someone, Now

Not sure if you want long term counseling?  Maybe you just want to talk to someone to feel grounded?  Maybe it’s the middle of the night and you have to talk to someone now?  Zacharias Center offers you what you need when you need it.

Our counselors are available Monday - Thursday from 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.  Our normal business hours are Monday – Thursday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.  For an appointment you can call: (847) 244-1187.

Our crisis intervention hotline is available 24/7.  For help, call the hotline at: (847) 872-7799. 

If you’re a minor over 12 seeking help, you can receive services up to 5 times without the consent of a parent or legal guardian.

If you have time to call us before you come in, we will make sure that as soon as you arrive, someone will be with you. We are located at 4275 Old Grand Avenue in Gurnee, IL. 

How much does it cost?

All of our services are free of charge.  Donations are not refused but they are not expected.

How long will I be in counseling?

There is no set time for the healing process.  Everyone works at her/his own pace.  Some factors that might influence your healing are: your age when the assault took place, who abused you, and your supports (family, friends, faith, etc.). Be assured that not only do you decide when to begin counseling; you also decide when to stop it.

One thing to keep in mind is: as painful as your memories may be, that’s what they are--memories.  You have already survived the actual event(s).  Now someone will help you sort through all the feelings connected to what happened to you.

Will I have to take drugs?

No.  However, sometimes a prescribed medication is not a bad idea.  It can help reduce your symptoms and make it easier for you to function and do things like work, play, relax, and enjoy your friends and family.

Also, taking prescription medication doesn’t mean you have to take it forever.  It may be useful to take it until you are finished with therapy, until you feel in control and free from depression, anxiety, or other symptoms that are common to being sexually abused.

How can you help my child?

For us to help your child, you must believe what she or he is telling you. This is absolutely critical to their healing. Children do not (usually) make these stories up. You are central to your child’s safety and sense of well being. So, if you are having problems coping with your child’s experience, please do not hesitate to speak with your child’s counselor.

Fortunately, children are remarkably resilient and strong. In determining what kind(s) of intervention we offer your child, we take into account her/his age and developmental abilities. Regardless of the services, our first priority will be to establish a trusting relationship with your child. Part of creating that trust is establishing a routine structure. Therefore, it is vital that you keep scheduled appointments in order for our work to really be effective.

We also move at your child’s pace. There may be weeks when you may think nothing is happening. Please do not abandon the process. Your child’s trust was violated and we are trying to re-engage their willingness to trust.  It may take a little more time.  

Sometimes we are asked to do assessments.  We do not do assessments. What that means is that we do not investigate or give psychological tests or medical evaluations to determine what happened.  We work with what you and your child tell us.

What kinds of groups do you have?

Most of our groups are for adults who’ve experienced sexual abuse as a child.  Whether you received help when the abuse happened or you didn’t, you are welcomed and encouraged to checkout one of our groups by first speaking with one of our trained counselors.

Periodically, we facilitate groups for children and for teens.  Recently, we have added a group specifically for African-American women called Sisters Seeking Healing.  Please call (847)-244-1187 for more information about groups soon to begin or go to “Support Groups” on our website.

What if I don’t want to come to Zacharias Center?

It’s okay if you’re not ready to come in.  Maybe you never will.  But you can access our 24 hour a day hotline at (847) 872-7799 and talk to someone whenever you need to.

You may decide that you prefer to write to us.  In that case, you can e-mail us at info@zachariascenter.org or use our online contact form.  We will work with you and at your own pace.  It is again your courage that will determine how and when something more needs to happen or to be said.

Do I have to report to the police? Will you report to the police?

No.  You do not have to report the crime to the police and neither will we. However, what happened to you is against the law.  For this reason, medical personnel in the emergency room, for example, have different reporting responsibilities.  They must call the police to report that a crime has been committed.

But, if you request it, they also will call Zacharias Center. One of our medical advocates will come to the emergency room to be with you to offer support and encouragement. The medical advocate can help answer many of your questions, such as what is going to happen during the medical exam.  You can tell us whatever you would like and know that your confidentiality will be upheld.

What if I want to report the assault or the abuse to the police?

You can report the assault to the police in the town where it occurred or in the town in which you live.  If you want us to go with you, that also can be arranged. 

However, please know that we should not be present during any interview between you and the police officer.  This would nullify our ability to maintain your confidentiality.

Will you call DCFS (Department of Children and Family Services)?

Zacharias Center and our trained volunteers are mandated reporters. What this means is that we are legally required to report any instances of child abuse where the child was abused by a caretaker. This is not something that we do casually. We will do our absolute best to work with you and to tell you what the possible outcomes might be.

We also will be mindful of your home life.  In other words, if the home is not a safe place for you or your child(ren) because of domestic abuse, we will work with you to secure safer housing before calling DCFS.  With your permission, we will let DCFS know that their involvement also might escalate an already bad situation.  This would not be done to prevent them from performing their job but to increase their awareness and their sensitivity to your family’s situation.

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