The Open Door Project

Leading for the Future Initiative

Annual Gathering
Friday, March 8, 2024

Special Announcement: Event Postponed

In light of the recent passing of Stephanie Love-Patterson’s mother, Ms. Bobbie J. Love, our leadership team has made the difficult decision to postpone our annual Open Door Project reception scheduled for Friday, March 8, 2024, to a later date.

We trust that you can understand and know that we didn’t make this decision lightly. Stephanie, having been with CAWC for the past 25 years and spending the past 10 of those years in her current role as Executive Director, has impacted the lives of many and created deep bonds with our board and many constituents who had planned to be there on Friday. Our board and staff thought it best to stand in solidarity with Stephanie and her family at this difficult time.

We are deeply grateful to The Northern Trust, our host, as well as our partners and our donors, for all the interest and ongoing support we’ve received for the Open Door Project. We are truly looking forward to sharing more about our progress when circumstances are more favorable.

Please feel free to reach out to Judi Golemba, Development Director, at jgolemba@cawc.org or 773.489.9081 ext. 221. Thank you again for your flexibility as we pivot to another date.

CAWC has been guided and strengthened by courageous individuals and organizations willing to advocate and honor the voices of those among us that are vulnerable.

With 46 years of service, CAWC is confidently ready to realize our goal: to build a comprehensive and holistic care facility offering trauma-informed services for adult and child survivors. To achieve this mission, we launched The Open Door Project, and we’re excited for you to join us.

Hosted at the Northern Trust Global Conference Center, this will be an opportunity to gather with other long-term and passionate supporters of CAWC and hear from our leadership and project team about the plan and progress towards our goal.

Can’t make it but would love to learn more? Email Judi Golemba at jgolemba@cawc.org or call 773-489-9081 with any questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the date of this event?
Friday, March 8, 2024

Where will this event be (co)located?
This event is being hosted at Northern Trust Global Conference Center at 50 S. LaSalle, located at the corner of LaSalle and Monroe. Because this event is happening after business hours, please enter through the entrance on Monroe Street, between LaSalle and Wells Streets.

When should I arrive?
The opening reception, which will offer a selection of drinks and appetizers, begins at 5 PM. We wanted to allow for generous socializing time ahead of the program which will begin promptly at 6 PM. You will certainly be able to enjoy the food and drinks throughout the program so do not stress if you can’t get there early.

What’s the intended schedule for this event?
5 PM doors open, check-in, refreshments served, socialize/network hour commences
6 PM program begins and includes hearing from CAWC leadership, supporters, and DV survivors
645 PM celebration and toast to the “birthday” of CAWC’s Emergency Shelter
7 PM resume socializing
730 PM conclude 

What is the Leading for the Future Initiative?
The Leading for the Future Initiative (LFFI), launched in 2022, is a community of like-minded  advocates, committed to the belief that everyone deserves to live a life free of violence. They are passionate allies, willing to extend their resources, skills, and advocacy to ensure CAWC can deliver on it’s mission. The LFFI is comprised of our organization’s former and current leaders, partners, and donors that continue steward The Open Door Project.

What is The Open Door Project?
The Open Door Project is CAWC’s capital campaign to fund the building of our new home that will offer trauma-informed care and services and house many of our services in one location.

Why did CAWC initiate The Open Door Project?
When CAWC opened our emergency shelter, Greenhouse, in a converted, historic farmhouse, it was outfitted with 10 beds.  In the last 45 years, the need for our services has only increased and we’ve managed to extend the same space to hold more than 40 beds, plus communal areas, staff and counseling offices, etc.

Ultimately, the current building has reached the end of its long and productive life. While we have improvised, stretched, and squeezed services into every inch, it is necessary to create a building that can truly support the quantity and quality of care we have always strived to deliver.

Who will be attending?
Former and current staff and board members, foundation partners, ongoing donors and allies, and project partners.

Why am I being invited?
This event is an opportunity for you to learn more about CAWC and our future as an organization as well as meet our leadership, staff, and fellow advocates and partners.

Who can I contact with questions?
Please reach out to Judi Golemba at jgolemba@cawc.org or 773.489.9081 ext. 221 or Stephanie Love-Patterson at solve-patterson@cawc.org or 773.489.9081.