Advocacy

Webster defines advocacy in part as "the process of advocating or supporting a cause or proposal."  It is important to support hose institutions that you believe in and that you know provide good works for your community.  Thousands of people have advocated for Crisis Nursery since it beginning in 1983 and have made it the strong agency it is today.

From time to time we need your special support with funding groups, elected representatives and government agencies at all levels.  Please, work Crisis Nursery into your everyday conversation and spread the word about us.  Watch this page for times of special advocacy needs for Crisis Nursery.

To be a strong advocate for something or someone you care about, it is important to know the facts about your special place or person.  Recently, board members, volunteers and staff brainstormed in a number of sessions to delineate myths and facts about Crisis Nursery.  To assist you, below are some of the facts that we came up with.

Thank-you for being an every day advocate for Crisis Nursery!

         Children age newborn through age five are welcome at Crisis Nursery.
         A “crisis” can be many things, can affect anyone, and is defined by the family.
         Referrals are made by word of mouth and outside agencies; services are free.
         In-kind donations enable Crisis Nursery to focus expenses on professional care.
         Nursery staff and volunteers are trained and meet Illinois licensing standards.
         Gifts to Crisis Nursery are essential; there are no permanent recurring funds.

         Family programs, including parent support and parent education, are provided.
         Operating hours are 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
         Respite care offered by Crisis Nursery helps prevent child abuse and neglect.

         Kids are safe here with paid staff, community and university volunteers.
         Island of Safety is provided to every child by Crisis Nursery.
         DCFS is notified only if Nursery staff sees evidence of abuse or neglect.
         Support from Provena Covenant helps with in-kind daily operations; Crisis Nursery is not a part of the                medical  center.