October Is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is known for Halloween, but what many may not realize it is also National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Doranita Tyler, owner of an American Family Mutual Insurance Agency in Lynwood, Ill, is doing her part to educate people about domestic violence. She uses her personal experience of an abusive marriage, bankruptcy, divorce and being a single mother with two young children to highlight the impact of domestic violence.

After leaving her abusive marriage, Tyler started with American Family in 1996 with zero policies in her book of business. Unable to feed her family on what she was making, she moved into her parents’ basement, it was a low point in her life. But instead of giving up, Doranita used her faith, her family and her energy to build her business. She is now a successful business owner, mother, grandmother and wife. “My strong family support has made me the person I have become. I also understand the value of insurance and have used my experience to educate my customers about its value, especially life insurance,” Tyler said.

She also has used her business contacts to educate people about domestic violence by sharing her story. On Oct. 15, 2019, she is participating in Homewood Stories, a storytelling event where individuals share personal experiences. “I am going to use that event to share my experience with domestic violence so I can raise awareness about how serious the problem is,” she said. Homewood Stories is held at the Ravisloe Country Club, 18231 Park Ave. Homewood, Ill.

The Crisis Center for South Suburbia, located in Tinley Park, Ill, recently was the recipient of a $5,000 grant from The American Family Insurance Dreams Foundation. The Crisis Center was selected based on the merit of their application for their Emergency Residential Shelter which was built specifically as a shelter for survivors of domestic violence and their vulnerable family members. The Crisis Center’s Emergency Residential Shelter offers a safe temporary residence and related emergency services. The 35-bed accessible shelter has the capacity to add cribs for infants and toddlers. The shelter includes a commercial kitchen, dining room, large living room, laundry room, a children’s play/activity room, and an outdoor play area.

The American Family Dreams Foundation demonstrates the company’s commitment to bringing its mission- to inspire, protect and restore dreams - to the communities served by their agents. Tyler presented the $5,000 check during the Professional Women’s Network (PWN) Summer Soiree. Tyler is currently serving as president of PWN and thought the Summer Soiree was a great chance to highlight the crucial work being done by The Crisis Center for South Suburbia.

Successful business owner, volunteer, community speaker, all can be used to describe Doranita. By telling her own domestic violence story, she also is a survivor and an inspiration for other women that a better life is out there and no one should endure an abusive relationship.

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