Jennifer Gabrenya, chief executive officer of Anew: Building Beyond Violence & Abuse, announced she is stepping down from her position after nine years.
Anew, based in Homewood, serves persons who are dealing with domestic violence by providing caring and confidential help through a range of specially designed programs in English and Spanish.
In her announcement to Anew supporters, Gabrenya said she would continue at the agency, on a limited basis, while the board of directors searches for a new director.
“The staff at Anew is such an amazing group of people. Getting to know each of them has been a joy,” she said. “I enjoyed too many moments of laughter to count and equally as many moments of pride.
“The south suburban communities we serve are equally wonderful. I have always been so proud to tell people that whatever a survivor needs, our community will deliver. From holiday decorations to food pantry needs and diapers, you never fail!
“In these times of divisiveness, the sense of true community is heartwarming and brings me hope. Our mission remains strong because you have always walked alongside survivors on their journey.”
When the organization was founded 44 years ago, the hope was to create a permanent on-site shelter for those experiencing domestic violence, but several factors prevented that goal. Instead, the agency focused more on providing orders of protection, a hotline and counseling for short-term emergency shelter, and spreading education and awareness of domestic violence.
The staff remains committed to the mission to provide comprehensive, coordinated services to individuals and families in which domestic violence exists, without imposing any one solution. Anew’s array of services includes a 24-hour bilingual hotline, emergency shelter, counseling, court and medical advocacy, as well as transitional and rapid re-housing.
To fulfill the vision of a world free of domestic violence, it continues to provide education on healthy relationships with kids and families alike throughout the South Suburbs.
Michael Leonard, president of the Anew board, said, “Jennifer has created a culture of compassion and excellence that centers on survivors of abuse and promotes healing. The impact of her work will continue for years to come.”
He outlined several of the agency’s major achievements under her leadership, including its 2021 rebranding from South Suburban Family Shelter to Anew: Building Beyond Violence & Abuse as the agency marked its 40th anniversary. It was also under Gabrenya’s leadership that Anew positioned itself as a valuable resource, training other domestic violence agencies to provide emergency hotel-based shelter, and navigating through the state’s 2016 budget crisis.
“The board is committed to conducting a timely and thorough search for a new CEO,” Leonard said. “Our search committee is working to secure an executive search firm.”
