CCSS to welcome new board members

The Crisis Center for South Suburbia (CCSS) is proud to announce the addition of two new board members, Paula Ledbetter and Jennifer Smith. The staff and board at CCSS are elated to have such accomplished women join the 15 member board. As members, Ledbetter and Smith will not only help to promote CCSS and raise awareness of domestic violence in their community, they will also oversee CCSS finances, policies and procedures, fundraising, strategic planning, and community outreach. “We look forward to the new insights Paula and Jennifer can bring to our board,” said David Anders, CCSS Board President. “It is always exciting to bring different views to the board because it makes us a stronger team.”

Paula Ledbetter is Assistant Vice President of Marketing at Mather LifeWays, a 74 year-old non-profit enhancing the lives of older adults. There, she works heavily with marketing strategies, public relations and brand campaign development. She has received gold and silver awards from the National Mature Media Awards for her excellence in direct mail and ad campaign in 2014.

“I wanted to be involved with CCSS to help make a positive impact on the lives of those affected by domestic violence. I have personal experience with domestic abuse, and I want to give back to those whose ‘freedom’ stories are just beginning” says Ledbetter. “I found out about CCSS after I moved to Orland Park in late 2013. I started donating to the CCSS wish list, dropping off items at Neat Repeats, and keeping an eye on the happenings through the CCSS website and Facebook posts. I spent about a year researching nonprofits and the mission of CCSS kept drawing me in.” Ledbetter holds a BA in English from Governors State University. She previously served as board president of Literacy DuPage and was awarded Outstanding Volunteer from the West Suburban Philanthropic Network.

Jennifer Smith is an attorney at Merlo Kanofsky Gregg & Machalinski Ltd., a law firm representing clients nationwide in a broad range of civil matters. Smith’s practice areas include insurance defense and aviation litigation. She has been recognized by the Illinois Super Lawyers as a ‘Rising Star’ since 2009. “I can provide insight and a viewpoint for individuals needing services with young children”, says Smith. “I will come with a fresh perspective and enthusiasm!”

“My neighbor is a Board member for the Crisis Center and invited me to the Heart to Heart Dinner Dance last year. I came to learn what a tremendous asset the Crisis Center is to our community as well as the entire Chicago area, and felt compelled to lend my support to its cause. The Crisis Center provides so much to those whose options are limited. I want to assist in spreading awareness about the Crisis Center and domestic violence.” Smith holds a JD from Michigan State University College of Law. She holds professional memberships with the State Bar of Michigan and the Illinois State Bar Association. She is also a member of the British Association of Teachers of Dance, the Federation of US Teachers and Adjudicators, and the Food Allergy Research & Education.

CCSS is pleased to welcome these two exceptional women onto the Board of Directors. Staff and current board members are eager to work with new members to enhance the mission of the Crisis Center and continue services for victims of domestic violence.

The Crisis Center for South Suburbia is a non-profit community organization that provides emergency shelter and other essential services for individuals and families victimized by domestic violence. Learn more at www.crisisctr.org.