www.gacsprograms.org

1550 Plainfield Road ● Joliet, IL 60435

815‐729‐0930 (phone) ● 815‐744‐6087 (fax) ● www.gacsprograms.org

It is because of supporters like you, we are able to give new hope to those whom would otherwise have nowhere to turn.

 Our Mission is to improve the quality  of people’s lives so that they may become 

 empowered to realize their God‐given potential. 

2012 Annual Report

From the CEO

Dear Friends, Guardian Angel Community Services (GACS) joins together with you in celebration of 115 years of service to the community! This year we were thankful to be recognized by the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Illinois State Senate for providing over a century of service to the community! We are also delighted to share that in 2012 GACS was re-accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA), whose commitment to maintaining the highest level of standards and quality improvement is designed to identify providers that have set high performance standards for themselves and have made a commitment to their constituents to deliver the highest quality services. COA proudly recognized GACS as one of these outstanding providers. It is a pleasure to present to you the GACS 2012 Annual Report. Recapping the fiscal year of July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012, the following report will serve as a window through which you, our loyal friends and supporters, will see our ongoing commitment to changing and saving lives right here in our community. This year we helped nearly 30,000 people, over 6,400 through direct service, and over 21,000 through social responsibility advocacy and justice for human rights, community outreach, prevention education, trainings and presentations. Our staff continues to be able to provide critical assistance to a growing number of people in the community, because of generous donors like you, and partnerships with more than 100 community and social service organizations, hospitals, police departments and schools. As a member agency, we are also very grateful to the United Ways of Will and Grundy Counties. Thank you all for walking beside us on this journey to fulfill our mission of helping people improve the quality of their lives so that they become empowered to realize their God-given potential. The Sexual Assault Service Center (SASC) and Groundwork (GW) domestic violence program continued to serve the greatest number of people, 958 and 5066 respectively. Both programs hosted wonderful events to raise awareness throughout April and October, as SASC hosted a Candlelight Vigil, and Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, a men’s march to stop rape, sexual assault and gender violence. Suzy’s Caring Place and Groundwork held the annual Angels Against Abuse Walk with more than 150 people in attendance. SASC, GW, and Suzy’s Caring Place continued their excellent collaboration to provide 24 hour service to victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. Our Chief Operating Officer, April Balzhiser, did a fantastic job representing us at the World Conference of Women’s Shelters in Washington D.C., that is often described as a truly life changing experience where thousands of people came together from all over the world in one shared voice for the rights of others, especially those who have been victimized by violence. April was invited by the late Ms. Susan Murphy-Milano, Intimate Partner Violence and Cold-Case Crime Expert who was revered in the domestic violence field, to share her impressions. Programs also participated in Take Back the Night events in Will County and we celebrated another fantastic year with our annual fun filled night of dancing and music at our Angelica Gala, Dancing With Our Local Stars. Suzy’s Caring Place continued to provide a safe, transitional living environment for domestic violence victims and their children. We redesigned Suzy’s Caring Place to be community based and successfully moved families. We couldn’t be more grateful to the late Mr. Harold Patrick Graham, affectionately known as H.P. Graham, and Mrs. Patty Graham and to their family for donating their beautiful home to GACS. This incredible gift will house those who have been without a safe place to live and will change the lives of families for many, many years to come at Suzy’s Caring Place, through which we served 52 women and children this year. Our Foster Care program welcomed 55 youth and provided counseling and supportive services to biological and foster families. Children’s Programs served 33 children via our Before and After School and Summer Camp Explore services. The Exchange Club Center (ECC) provided parenting classes quarterly to 44 families. Our Partner Abuse Intervention Program (PAIP) more than tripled the number of perpetrators of violence against women served to 108 this year, compared to 32 last year. The Dillard Harris Educational Center (DHEC) provided an individualized curriculum and emotional support to 87 youth. DHEC was also recognized, for the fifth year in a row, by the National Association of Special Education Teachers as a “School of Excellence,” accompanied by a new award recognizing our teacher, Megan Geiss, as an “Outstanding Special Education Teacher.” GACS was also honored to be the recipient of the Joliet Junior Women’s Club largest service project, the Children’s Playroom Makeover. The beautifully themed Dr. Seuss room that now includes a library and updated technology will benefit hundreds of children and their families for years to come! Groundwork was also happy to win the $10,000 IKEA Life Improvement Project Award, which is a program designed to help inspire and empower people to improve their lives, as well as the lives of others in their community. The following report represents the collaborative effort between our staff, administration, Board of Directors and all of our loyal donors. We hope that it encourages you to become an even more active supporter of Guardian Angel Community Services. For more information please visit our new website at www.gacsprograms.org, become our Fan on FACEBOOK, and give us a call at 815-729-0930. With your support, I’m confident we will continue to help more individuals and families break the cycle of violence and crisis that has prevented them and their families from reaching their God-given potential. Sincerely,

Ines Kutlesa, MA, LCPC

Children’s Programs include a Before and After School Enrichment  program (BASE) for children grades 1‐6 and a summer day camp (Camp Explore).    Dillard Harris Educational Center (DHEC)  is an alternative school  designed to meet the academic and social needs of socio‐emotionally challenged students in grades 5‐12 who require an individualized 

education.    Exchange Club Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse (ECC) provides services for the prevention of child abuse and neglect through parenting classes, counseling and in‐home parent aides. 

 Foster Care provides loving and nurturing families for children who have been removed from their caregivers due to child abuse or neglect.  Groundwork (GW) is a comprehensive domestic violence program offering 24‐hour crisis intervention, emergency shelter, counseling and advocacy services.    Partner Abuse Intervention Program (PAIP) is an education‐based program designed to help individuals in their efforts to develop healthy, mutually supportive relationships and eliminate domestic violence from their lives.  Sexual Assault Service Center 

(SASC) is a comprehensive program serving victims of sexual assault by providing 24‐hour crisis intervention, counseling, advocacy, and prevention education.    Suzy’s Caring Place is a transitional living program that assists victims of domestic violence and their children in breaking the cycle of family violence by providing transitional housing and supportive services.   

Programs

Individuals Served

2012 Total Served: 6,403 

Children's Programs  33 DHEC  87 

ECC  44 

Foster Care  55 GW  5066 

PAIP  108 

SASC  958 Suzy's Caring Place  52 

Major Funding Sources:

Gifts from individual donors, organizations and estates  Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault  Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority   Private Foundations  United Way of Will County  United Way of Grundy County  US Department of Justice  Various department and state agencies including the Department of Children         and Family Services; Department of Human Services; and the State Board of Education 

The above statement was prepared by management of Guardian Angel Community Services without audit. The financial statements for the year ending June 30, 2012 were audited by a certified public accounting firm and they expressed an unqualified opinion.

A copy of the audit is available for review at the Administrative Office of Guardian Angel Community Services.

36%

0%

19%

23%

0%

14%

8%

DHEC

ECC

Foster Care

GW

PAIP

SASC

Suzy's Caring Place

2012 Financials

2012 Revenue

42%

30%

23%

3%0%2%Program Services

Grant s

Public Support

Unit ed Way

Invest ment s

Ot her

Program Services  1,673,126 

Grants  1,187,122 

Public Support  893,749 

United Way   102,000 

Investments  262 

Other  92,510 

Total  3,948,769 

General Administration  347,609 

Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA)  217,770 

Fundraising  219,382 

Children's Programs  38,756 

Dillard Harris Educational Center (DHEC)  983,429 

Exchange Club Center (ECC)  10,240 

Foster Care  531,117 

Groundwork (GW)  626,375 

Partner Abuse Intervention Program (PAIP)  11,577 

Sexual Assault Service Center (SASC)  396,299 

Suzy's Caring Place  223,141 

Total  3,605,695 

2012 Expenses

“Things have moved along at a quicker pace over the past 4 months,

with much improved communication, focus &

direction.” -Foster Care

“I learned how to understand my kids.”

-Exchange Club Center

“I enjoy coming to class. I learn and get  reminded of all my problems and errors so I can correct them. The staff is friendly and helpful.”  

‐Partner Abuse Intervention Program 

“I have seen great improvements in my child’s learning

and behavior. He is able to take responsibility for his

actions and work at a higher level.”

-Dillard Harris Educational Center

“My safety and my support from counselors, staff and ladies-I have been very comfortable and all the groups and the staff

are very helpful with a lot of things.” -Groundwork

“My son seems to have a happy attitude when

returning home.” -Children’s Programs

“I am able to relax in the secure and

stable environment while I prepare for

court and begin to look for a job.”

-Suzy’s Caring Place

“Things have improved greatly for me since starting counseling here. My self-esteem has gone up & my trauma, I feel, is under control.”

-Sexual Assault Service Center

2012 Donors

Foundation Support

Over $10,000

Harrah’s Casino Joliet  Hollywood Casino Joliet 

Mr. and Mrs. David Schlesinger 

$5,000 - $9,999

Charter One  Ecolab, Inc.  

Timothy C. Klotz Memorial Fund  Mr. and Mrs. Bill Schmitz 

$1,000 - $4,999

Adler Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc 

Mr. and Mrs. Jay Bergman 

Channahon Township 

Mr. and Mrs. Greg Chellino 

Crane Fund for Widows and Children  

Exchange Club of Joliet 

Exelon Commonwealth Edison Company 

Gantzert Investments 

Havi Global Solutions 

Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Jarz 

Carroll Klotz 

Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers 

Northern Insurance Services 

Mrs. Erin O’Sullivan 

Mr. and Mrs. James Ruzon 

 

Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital 

Blackburn, Giegerich, Sonntag Funeral Home 

Mr. and Mrs. Julio Check 

Clarity 

D’Arcy Buick GMC 

Exchange Club of Naperville 

First Midwest 

Mr. and Mrs. Mel A. Gray, Jr. 

Holly Club 

Kiwanis Club of Joliet 

Mr. and Mrs. Ivan Kutlesa 

Northern Illinois Steel Supply Company 

Old Plank Trail Community Bank 

Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center 

Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate 

 

 

W here there is charity

and wisdom, there is neither

fear nor ignorance. -St. Francis of Assisi

Will County Take Back The Night 

The Gift of a Lifetime… Years ago a mother and daughter decided to volunteer in our Groundwork domestic violence shelter. Mrs. Patty Graham and her family found them-selves so deeply moved by their experience that they began to consider more ways that they could give and support the clients of Guardian Angel. Mrs. Graham reached out to GACS to share that it had been her family’s dream for many years to donate their home to GACS in order to help families who are survivors of domestic violence. This gift will house those who have been without a safe place to live and will change the lives of so many families for so many years to come in our Suzy’s Caring Place Transitional Housing Program.

Our Sincerest Gratitude to the Graham Family, our Private Donor of the Year.

The Blowitz‐Ridgeway Foundation  Guardian Angel Community Services Foundation 

Illinois Tool Works Foundation  Weyerhaeuser Family Foundation, Inc. 

$500 - $999

$250 - $499

Guardian Angel Community Services is grateful for these gifts given between July 1, 2011 and

June 30, 2012. Please accept our apology if we have inadvertently omitted your name.

AT&T United Way 

Mr. and Mrs. Frank C. Bender 

Mr. and Mrs. George Block 

Mr. and Mrs. Donald E. Buss 

Caneva Foot and Ankle Clinic, LTD. 

Mr. and Mrs. Benedict Cerven, Sr. 

Mr. and Mrs. Jack Daly 

Mrs. Susan Dienslake 

Mrs. Frances Gale 

State’s Attorney James Glasgow 

Illinois Tool Works Foundation 

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Inserra 

Joliet Area Community Hospice 

Mr. and Mrs. George Jones 

Dr. and Mrs. Raymond Orenic 

Mrs. Frances Schultz 

St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church 

Teamsters Local 179 

Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Weiss 

Ms. Jalayne A. Ahoyt 

Mr. and Mrs. William Avery 

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Benson 

Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Bornhofen                         

Dr. and Mrs. Daryl Caneva 

Catholic Holy Family Society 

Christian Brothers Services 

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Dehm 

Exchange Club of Beardstown 

Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Garson 

Hometown National Bank  

Illinois Truck Sales 

Jackson Township 

Joliet Junior College 

Ms. Cynthia Malin 

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Potter 

St. John’s United Church of Christ 

Dr. Ernesto Tan and Dr. Consuelo Tan 

Mr. and Mrs. Cody Ward 

Mr and Mrs. Lawrence Wiers  

“G enerosity

consists

not of the

sum given,

but the manner

in which it is

bestowed.”

-Mahatma Gandhi

Custer Township Town Fund 

First Presbyterian Church 

Joliet Junior Woman’s Club 

Peace Lutheran Church 

Mr. Robert Rohder 

Mrs. Jane Rudolph 

     Sewer & Tunnel Miners  Union Laborers’ Local 2 

T. J. Lambrecht 

 

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Bersano, Jr. 

D Construction 

John Manner Insurance Agency Inc. 

Mr. David R. Nuetzmann 

Mr. and Mrs. Tom Polyak 

Ms. Ann Rubio 

Mrs. Patricia Ruth 

   Take Back The Night  of Northern Will County 

  Turk Furniture 

G U A R D I A N A N G E L C O M M U N I T Y S E R V I C E S W W W . G A C S P R O G R A M S . O R G

1550 Plainfield Road

Joliet, IL 60435

815‐729‐0930 (phone)

815‐744‐6087 (fax)

www.gacsprograms.org

 

Our greatest contributions to society are the ones we leave behind.  The lives we have 

touched, inspired, mentored and educated may one day show to someone else the love and 

compassion which was bestowed upon them. Give a gift that will help someone to realize 

their life’s potential, sowing a seed of giving that your community can reap for generations to 

come...When you decide to include Guardian Angel Community Services in your estate 

planning the following wording is suggested:  “ I give, devise and bequest to Guardian Angel  

Community Services, an Illinois non‐for‐profit organization located administratively at  

1550 Plainfield Road, Joliet, Illinois, the sum of $______ (or specifically describe property).   

Allow us to thank you now and for years to come!

Founded in 1897 as an orphanage run by the Sisters of Saint

Francis of Mary Immaculate, Guardian Angel Community

Services (originally Guardian Angel

Home) has a long history of reaching

out and helping those in need.

Incorporated in 1973, Guardian Angel

Community Services is a licensed, not-

for-profit 501(c)(3) agency committed

to improving the quality of people’s

lives, especially those who suffer

from abuse, emotional trauma and neglect.

Ines Kutlesa, MA, LCPC James Ruzon

Chief Executive Officer Board President

Our History

James Ruzon, Chairperson   

Larry Wiers, Vice Chairperson 

Ann Caneva, Treasurer 

Kathryn Giegerich, Secretary   

Theodore Jarz, Immediate Past Chairperson            

Lori Bergman Karla Boyd Jack Daly 

Cindy Fiocca‐Bloom Sandra Fleck Paul Gantzert 

Lou Ann Johnson Charles Jones Beth Ann May Anne O’Neill 

Clare Pfotenhauer Kenneth Plante Michael Trafton 

Board of Directors