Getting a Fresh Start on Life

At Family Shelter Service facilities in Downers Grove and Naperville, victim of domestic violence gains place to live, emotional help, important life skills.

She’s bright, attractive, articulate and a dedicated mother who gets misty eyed talking about her sons. She also is grateful for what she considers to be her second chance at life. The 29-year old woman, whose first name is Latasha, wishes for her last name to be undisclosed in order to protect her identity and her sons. Latasha was a victim of domestic abuse for longer than she cares to acknowledge. When she realized that her abuser was likely to ultimately kill her, she sought help from Family Shelter Service in Wheaton. Sixteen months later, Latasha is living in one of the organization's self-sufficiency sites, caring for her sons, saving money and preparing to move out of the area to be closer to extended family. “I feel like I’m …

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Wendy Foster

10:57 pm on Friday, July 15, 2011

Thanks Cinda!   more ›

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Renewing the Economy, one Blouse at a Time

A local resale shop helps others earn money, sells affordable clothes and donates excess items to charity.

When Naperville women find themselves out of work, their closets are usually still filled with clothes. That's exactly what Jennifer Micek was thinking when she opened her Ogden Avenue independent consignment business, Clothes Attic'd, pronounced "clothes addict." The store—set up like a swanky boutique and painted bright pink—has been buying and selling gently used women's clothing and accessories since May. And amidst a struggling economy, business is booming. "There were a ton of people in Naperville who had lost their jobs," 34-year-old Micek, of Naperville, said. "I knew that for one, these women were looking for money, so maybe they had clothes they didn't wear and would be willing to sell. And two, they don't have a lot of money but…

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