Who Should Call?

  • If you are calling because you are in danger or you feel you are a danger to others, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
  •  If you are calling to report a suspicion of sexual abuse towards a minor, call Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) at 1-800-252-2873 and report your concern and see the link in the menu bar on how to report child sexual abuse.
  • If you are an adult who experienced childhood sexual abuse by clergy or church personnel, we may be able to help you.

When to Call?

  • The Office of Assistance Ministry is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 4:45pm, and staff can be reached at 312-534-8267 or at 312-534-8256.
  • The Office of Assistance Ministry can also be reached by email at ttharayil@archchicago.org.  or at rurobinson@archchicago.org.

During the Call:

  • The Office of Assistance Ministry staff will take the time to listen to you. We will explore with you the variety of services we offer victims-survivors and their families to help them to achieve psychological, emotional, and spiritual healing.

After the Call:

  • After our professional staff has had a chance to listen to you and discuss services, we will strive to use our resources to help you. This could include counseling, support groups, spiritual guidance and reflection, newsletters, and opportunities to gather with other survivors who are also seeking healing in their lives.

The Office of Assistance Ministry offers the following programs to honor its mission to victims-survivors of sexual abuse and their loved ones. We have coordinated with other professionals to provide psychological, emotional, and spiritual healing. Due to space limitations, first priority will be given to those who have not participated in past programs offered through Assistance Ministry in the past. For more detailed information, call (312) 534-8256.

Workshops

The Archdiocesan Office of Assistance Ministry offers half-day workshop for family members of victims-survivors of childhood sexual abuse. For more information and to register, call (312) 534-8256.

Catholic Charities Programs

Holbrook Counseling Center

If you're hurting inside, or your life doesn't seem to be working, Holbrook Counseling Center of Catholic Charities has been providing compassionate counseling and other related services for more than 50 years to the residents of Cook and Lake Counties. Holbrook Counseling Center provides professional counseling for individuals, couples and families with emotional, behavioral and relationship/family problems. They also provide assessments, psycho-education groups, classes and presentations as well as consultations. Fees are based on income and ability to pay, which range from $20 to $120. For more information or to schedule an initial appointment, call (312) 655-7725.

Addiction Counseling Education Services (ACES)

Do you know someone who could use affordable counseling for problems related to alcohol and/or substance abuse? The ACES program of Catholic Charities provides professional outpatient counseling to adults 18 or older struggling with a variety of problems primarily related to alcohol and/or substance abuse or dependence. Their professional licensed staff provides information and referrals to appropriate resources; outpatient counseling for recovering addicts and alcoholics and/or their families: and educational/informational community presentations. Fees are based on a sliding scale adjusted for both income and family size. Services are available in Spanish. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (312) 655-7453 or (312) 655-7459