NAPERVILLE – Every April, individuals and organizations across the nation recognize the importance of volunteering. State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) is encouraging local residents to help give back to the community during this public health crisis by volunteering.

“Volunteering has been absolutely crucial during this uncertain time,” Ellman said. “You can safely maintain social distancing guidelines while helping your local communities. Help of any kind has and will continued to be valued by the individuals working on the front lines of this pandemic.”

NAPERVILLE – Thursday, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) announced the launch of a $1.2 million plan to increase its services for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

“During this uncertain time when all Illinoisans are expected to stay home, many don’t have a home that is safe to stay in,” Ellman said. “Unfortunately, domestic violence is a reality that many experience, or fear they will experience due to the Stay at Home Order. Survivors need to know help is available.”.

The plan expands the role of the Domestic Violence Helpline by creating a one-stop access point for shelter needs. Survivors may call the Helpline directly at 1-877-TO END DV (1-877-863-6338 voice or 1-877-863-6339 TTY) and be connected to shelter through existing Domestic Violence Prevention and Intervention (DVPI) shelter services or to emergency shelter through available hotels and motels. Survivors also may contact their local domestic violence programs for shelter assistance.

In addition, DVPI providers will receive a three-month advance of their current grant to support continuations of services and respond to the needs of domestic violence survivors, such as hotels, emergency supplies, transportation, food, technology supports and other related services.

IDHS will provide the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault with a grant advance to enhance the capacity of local rape crisis centers statewide to aid sexual assault survivors. The agency also will advance grant funds to Partner Abuse Intervention Program grantees for program costs related to COVID-19. More information about COVID-19 is available at www.CoronaVirus.Illinois.Gov .

Other available resources highlighted by Senator Ellman include:

• Family Shelter Service (DuPage County) www.familyshelterservice.org (630) 469-5650 HOTLINE

• Guardian Angel Community Services (Will County) www.gacsprograms.org/groundwork (815) 729-1228 HOTLINE

• National Domestic Violence Hotline www.thehotline.org (800) 799-SAFE (7233)

• Naperville Police Department https://www.naperville.il.us/services/naperville-police-department/community-education-and-crime-prevention/domestic-violence-resources/d

NAPERVILLE – With Illinois’ Stay at Home Order extended through April 30, State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) is sharing mental health resources with residents.  

“Staying physically and mentally health is imperative in this challenging time,” Ellman said. “If you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, or other problems, there are resources available to help.”  

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in Wheaton can be reached at 630-752-0066 for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis.   Senator Ellman encourages residents to take simple steps to care for themselves, such as: ​

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) is taking action to remove an arbitrary law that prohibits drinking alcohol and hasn’t been enforced in nearly a century.

“I was shocked to learn that people were technically breaking the law by ordering a glass of wine on Amtrak,” Ellman said. “There’s no reason responsible adults shouldn’t be able to enjoy an alcoholic beverage on a train.”

Senate Bill 2961 repeals the Railroad Intoxicating Liquor Act of 1911, which prohibits drinking alcohol on trains, around train stations and gives conductors the ability to arrest violators and charge them with a Class C misdemeanor.

“This law hasn’t been enforced since the 1920s, during prohibition in this country,” Ellman said. “Just because a law isn’t generally enforced, doesn’t mean that it can’t be. Today, many trains include alcoholic beverages on their menus. It’s time to strike this archaic and arbitrary law off the books in the state of Illinois.”

The legislation has been assigned to the Senate Transportation Committee, where it awaits consideration.