Threads of Compassion

Welcome to Threads of Compassion

C4’s Sexual Truama Awareness and Recovery Services (STARS) Program is the new home of Threads of Compassion, Chicagoland Chapter

Threads of Compassion provides hand-knitted scarves to survivors of sexual violence, made by other survivors and their supporters. One survivor reaches out to another through the threads of compassion, offering comfort and solidarity to others experiencing similar traumas and are seeking support and healing

WHO ARE WE?

Threads of Compassion is a group of people looking to offer comfort and support to survivors of sexual assault or abuse.

Anyone whose life has been affected by sexual assault or abuse is welcome to knit or crochet a scarf for Threads of Compassion, to be given anonymously to a survivor of sexual violence.

While the majority of scarves are created by survivors, friends or family of survivors, anyone who wishes to take a stand against sexual violence may participate as well. Each scarf is a gesture of love, comfort and support to those suffering through the unspeakable pain of sexual assault or abuse.

We wish to break through the silence and shame that surround rape and sexual abuse and let survivors know that they don’t have to bear this pain alone.

WHY SCARVES?

Your new scarf serves as a tangible reminder that you are not alone. Each stitch was made with care, concern and thought for you. Scarves can be worn, touched and held. They are a symbol of warmth, support and understanding that you can wrap yourself in. But they are also a private form of support. To others the scarf may merely be an article of clothing. But its true meaning is something reserved only for you.

As a token of compassion and understanding, these hand-made scarves represent the support that is available, and that you are not alone.

One aspect of Threads of Compassion that we never planned on, but has been pivotal, is the impact that knitting scarves has on survivors who make scarves for other survivors. So many have written thanking us for giving them the outlet to reach out and offer support to other survivors.

Donating Scarves:

A scarf does not have to be any specific size or color, however we suggest a size of at least 5 inches wide and about 60 inches long. The yarn used should be as soft as possible, so that the scarf can be held close without feeling rough to the skin. After you have made your scarf, please mail or drop off the hand-knitted or crocheted scarf to:

Community Counseling Centers of Chicago (C4)
c/o STARS Threads of Compassion
4740 N. Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60640

For additional resources:
ADULT SERVICES
Chicago Rape Crisis Hotline
888.293.2080

Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network
800.656.HOPE
www.rainn.org

Resilience
180 N. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60601
312.443.9603
www.ourresilience.org

YWCA Metropolitan Chicago
820 West Jackson Blvd., suite 550
Chicago, IL 60607
866.525.9922
www.ywcachicago.org

Servicios en español
Mujeres Latinas en Acción
2124 W. 21st Place
Chicago, IL 60608
773.890.7676
www.MujeresLatinasEnAccion.org

CHILDREN’S SERVICES
RISE Children’s Center
820 W. Jackson Blvd., suite 550
Chicago, IL 60607
312.733.2102

Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center
1240 S. Damen Ave.
Chicago, IL 60608
312.492.3700
www.chicagoac.org