Free and open to the public!Since 1997, Will County Take Back the Night offers an opportunity for survivors of abuse and gender based violence to join with others of all races, cultures, backgrounds and experiences to combine the strength of their voices to declare an end to violence.
Each year, the event includes a speaker, a candlelight vigil to memorialize victims, a brief march, and information tables from organizations involved in helping violence survivors.
Our guest speaker will be Mary Jo Claffy, sharing the story of her son who lost his life in an abusive, same-sex relationship in April of 2022 at the age of 31.
Mary Jo moved into the Joliet area over 27 years ago with her husband Milt and two sons, Mitchell and Evan. Mary Jo supports the LGBTQ+ community and is a strong advocate against Domestic Violence. Unfortunately, Mary Jo experienced the loss of her son Mitchell in 2022 due to domestic violence. As an advocate, Mary Jo shares “Mitchell’s Story” to bring awareness that domestic violence is not just physical between a man and woman. Domestic violence is between two people no matter the age, race or gender. Domestic violence is any type of abuse, physical, emotional and psychological. She is highly involved with many organizations locally and throughout Illinois including Guardian Angel Community Services, Riverview Center in Galena, OUTspoken! LGBTQ+ Storytelling and the Joliet Pride Network.
Apparel will be for sale at the event.
We will be collecting pantry and hygiene items to distribute to local programs supporting survivors of gender based violence.
Funds raised will be distributed to local programs that provide direct services survivors of gender based violence.
5-6pm: Resource Tables and poster making station in the atrium
6pm: Program
Roughly 7pm: Awareness march on Essington
For more information, to donate, or to see past events, visit our website at willtbtn.com
Event Venue
Crossroads Christian Church, 2318 Essington Rd, Joliet, IL 60435-1664, United States,Joliet, Illinois
