“That is What She Stated” is an empowering and entertaining night time of storytelling the place native, notable girls share private tales of energy, braveness and inspiration. It’s a one-night-only affair celebrating the resilience and triumphs of ladies in our personal neighborhood. The proceeds might be used to straight help the Youngsters’s Advocacy Middle of Illinois.
CACI is a nonprofit group commemorating its thirtieth anniversary this 12 months as an accredited chapter of the Nationwide Youngsters’s Alliance community and offers a complete response to baby abuse in Illinois. The group works to advocate for brand new legal guidelines that help and defend baby victims of abuse and their households. CACI additionally offers trainings, program help and collaborates with different companies, such because the Division of Youngsters and Household Companies and the Illinois Lawyer Basic’s Workplace.
CACI’s anniversary objective was to boost extra consciousness about what they do, and felt a “That is What She Stated” occasion can be an ideal match.
“Due to the work we do – sexual abuse, baby abuse victims and witness to violent crime – we’re a comparatively unknown group until you have used us,” stated CEO Kim Mangiaracino. “It is vital the neighborhood is aware of we exist and that there is a place they will go for prosecution, baby safety, psychological well being care and specialised medical follow-up,” she stated.
Mangiaracino stated the hope is that the occasion will assist increase extra consciousness in regards to the group.
In accordance with probably the most up to date data from the Nationwide Sexual Violence Useful resource Middle, 81% of ladies and 43% of males reported experiencing some type of sexual harassment, abuse and/or assault of their lifetime – and people statistics are solely what’s reported. It’s an unlucky indisputable fact that sexual abuse is prevalent in many ladies’s lives. “That is What She Stated” audio system will focus on their very own private struggles and the resilience they’ve proven after the very fact.
“The message is, you are not outlined by your circumstances or the issues that occur to you. It is not the top of your story,” stated Mangiaracino.
Liz Brown-Reeves, one of many featured audio system, additionally represents CACI professionally as its lobbyist. She was thrilled when the group requested her to take part within the occasion.
“I’m sharing my private story round poverty. We all the time share tales of ‘pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps,’ however mine is in regards to the love, grace and help from my neighborhood. I need individuals to know that small acts of generosity can change individuals’s lives,” stated Brown-Reeves.
Together with Brown-Reeves, Julie Staley might be emceeing, with storytellers Amy Wheeler, Carrie Ward, Desiree Logsdon, Rikeesha Phelon, Sara Jimenez, Veronica Espina, Candice Bushes, Doris Turner and Stacey Skrysak. Mangiaracino may also focus on the work of CACI.
All the ladies CACI requested to take part agreed to inform their tales, and Mangiaracino stated she understands neighborhood members are on the lookout for methods to help the trigger. Although CACI does not make the most of volunteers, there are methods to get entangled.
“The most important manner to assist us is to unfold the message about baby abuse, our group, and to observe us on social media,” stated Mangiaracino.
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“That is What She Stated”
Wednesday, April 15, 7 p.m.
LRS Theater on the Hoogland Middle for the Arts
Hcfta.org
217-523-2787
The night guarantees not solely a charming efficiency however an opportunity to attach with fellow neighborhood members. Doorways open at 5:30 p.m. for a pre-show reception within the Hoogland LRS Foyer the place visitors can take pleasure in heavy appetizers, a money bar and music. Audiences can anticipate a night of honesty and vulnerability as girls inform private tales of adversity and the way it fashioned their paths to accomplishment.
“I feel what you must anticipate is to snort, possibly cry, and have an excellent time feeling linked to your neighborhood,” stated Mangiaracino.
For extra details about CACI, go to childrenadvocacycentersofillinois.org.
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Courtney Wick lives in Springfield and is energetic within the space theater scene.
