05/31/2026
Celebrating Our Partnership with the Chicago Police Department
Since our founding in 2019, Helen & Joe Community Organization has remained committed to serving families in crisis with compassion, dignity, and hope. As we reflect on our journey, we are incredibly grateful for the strong partnerships we have built with the many dedicated members of the Chicago Police Departmentās Community Engagement Units, Community Policing Teams, Office of Victim Services, Family Liaison Teams, Crisis Intervention Teams, Marine Unit, and countless officers and civilian professionals who work every day to strengthen our communities.
Our partnership began during the challenging days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through our collaboration with Community Policing Officers and District Community Office (DCO) teams, we worked together to ensure older adults and vulnerable residents had access to meals, wellness checks, resources, and support during one of the most difficult periods our city has faced. Together, we delivered food, checked on seniors, connected families to resources, and demonstrated the power of community partnerships during a time when so many felt isolated and uncertain.
As our organization grew, so did our partnership with the dedicated professionals of the Office of Victim Services Unit 227, serving survivors of domestic violence and violent crime. Under then leadership of Ms. Aileen Robinson, we were honored to support countless survivors and families by providing advocacy, emergency assistance, safety planning, referrals, basic needs, and compassionate support during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. She taught us what the meaning of building community means.
We are also proud to serve alongside the Chicago Police Department and many respected domestic violence service providers throughout the city by participating in three Chicago Police Department Domestic Violence Committees. These collaborative committees bring together advocates, law enforcement professionals, service providers, and community organizations to identify challenges, share resources, strengthen response efforts, and improve outcomes for survivors. We are honored to have a seat at the table with so many dedicated partners who share the same goal: ensuring that victims and survivors of domestic violence receive the support, advocacy, safety, and services they deserve. Through these partnerships, we continue to learn from one another and work collectively to build a stronger, more coordinated response for families affected by domestic violence across Chicago.
As a small community-based organization, we never take for granted the opportunity to contribute our voice, experiences, and the perspectives of the families we serve to these important conversations that help shape services and support throughout our city.
In early Spring of 2022, Helen & Joe Community Organization was honored to begin building a strong relationship with the Family Liaison Program within the Bureau of Detectives. Under then the leadership of now LT . Haleem and the dedicated Family Liaison Team at Area 1, we worked together to support families experiencing unimaginable loss and grief.
Together, we hosted four Christmas celebrations for children whose families have experienced the tragedy of violent loss, creating meaningful opportunities for joy, connection, healing, and hope during the holiday season. Through gifts, activities, meals, and community support, we sought to remind every child and family that they are seen, valued, and surrounded by a community that cares.
We also partnered on numerous Back-to-School events, community resource fairs, and outreach initiatives throughout the city. During the summer months, we were proud to collaborate with the Family Liaison Team at youth summer camps held at Jackson Park and Washington Park, where children participated in educational programming, wellness activities, arts and crafts, and positive community-building experiences. What began as a strong partnership with the Family Liaison Team at Area 1 soon expanded to additional detective areas throughout Chicago, allowing more families to receive support, resources, and connections to services during difficult times.
We are equally grateful for our partnership with the Crisis Intervention Teams, whose dedication to serving individuals and families experiencing trauma and crisis is truly inspiring. We have been honored to assist by providing resources, referrals, care packages, emergency support, and community connections that help these teams better serve residents across Chicago.
Another partnership we cherish is with the Chicago Police Marine Unit, whose officers have always warmly welcomed our children and families for educational tours and learning experiences. These visits provide youth with unique opportunities to learn about water safety, public service, and law enforcement while building positive relationships with officers in a fun and engaging environment.
One of the accomplishments we are most proud of is our annual Back-to-School initiative. Through our partnerships with Chicago Police Department community engagement teams, Family Liaison Teams, and district officers across the city, we have distributed more than 1,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to children throughout Chicago, helping students begin the school year equipped, confident, and ready for success.
Many of our families also look forward to our famous gift baskets that never disappoint. Lovingly assembled by Ms. Bautista, former Sergeant with the Cook County Stateās Attorneyās Office, these baskets have become a symbol of encouragement, care, and support for families during both celebrations and challenging times. Her generosity and dedication have touched countless lives and helped create special moments for the families we serve.
Because of these incredible partnerships, we have gained something even more valuable than programs and eventsāwe have gained beautiful families. Many first came to us through a police referral, a victim advocate, a Family Liaison, a Crisis Intervention Team member, a detective, or a community event. Today, many of those same families continue to participate in our programs, seek support when needed, and remain cherished members of the Helen & Joe Community Organization family.
These partnerships have shown us that when organizations come together with a shared purpose, remarkable things can happen. We have witnessed healing, resilience, hope, and the strength of families who continue moving forward despite tremendous challenges. We are honored to walk alongside them on that journey.
To every officer, detective, advocate, liaison, civilian member, and community engagement professional who has worked alongside us since 2019, thank you. Your compassion, professionalism, and commitment to service have helped us touch countless lives throughout Chicago.
Together, we continue to demonstrate what is possible when community organizations and law enforcement work hand in handācreating stronger families, safer communities, and brighter futures for the people we serve. A huge thank thank you to our retired blue familes Brennan and Rios that continue to support us through both monetary donations and in-kind donations to better help us serve our families across Chicago.
š With gratitude and appreciation,
Helen & Joe Community Organization
Serving Chicago families with hope, healing, compassion, dignity, and community since 2019.
