HEaling for Survivors of ChiLDHOOD SEXUAL ABUSE

Welcome:

Dear Visitor,

Welcome to the Office of Assistance Ministry. We are dedicated to providing outreach and healing to survivors of childhood sexual abuse and their families.

We hope you find this site informative and helpful.

Please do not hesitate to contact us. No matter where you are on your journey, we are here for you.

Sincerely,

Matthew Hunnicutt, M.A., L.C.S.W.
Director, Office of Assistance Ministry

Our History:

The Office of Assistance Ministry was first established by the Archdiocese in 1992 to respond to the sexual abuse of minors by Archdiocesan clergy. Joseph Cardinal Bernardin was instrumental in establishing Assistance Ministry following the recommendations of the first-ever Cardinal’s Commission on Clerical Misconduct. Francis Cardinal George has carried on with his commitment and support to this important ministry. Over the years, we have accompanied many victims-survivors of clerical sexual abuse on their healing journeys.

As we have learned more about the extent of childhood sexual abuse in our society, we have widened the scope of some Assistance Ministry services to include support and healing for all victim-survivors of childhood sexual abuse, regardless of who the perpetrators may have been.

Our Mission:
The Archdiocesan Office of Assistance Ministry’s mission is to provide pastoral care, support, and resources to victims-survivors of sexual abuse and their loved ones in their efforts to achieve psychological, emotional and spiritual healing. 

Our Services: (please click on each item for more detailed information)

The Office of Assistance Ministry:

• Supports and assists those who report incidents of child sexual abuse by Church personnel.
• Provides referrals to independent therapists and/or spiritual directors.
• Provides financial support for clinical services prior to, and during, the Archdiocesan process.
• Sponsors free Support Groups for victim-survivors and their family members, led by professional counselors. (Please click for more information).
• Hosts a Day of Reflection for interested victim-survivors and their families. (please click for more information)

• Hosts a Weekend Retreat for interested victim-survivors and their families. (please click for more information)
• Coordinates meeting with the Cardinal and/or other archdiocesan leadership at the appropriate time in the person’s healing journey.
• Sponsors the Healing Garden: a gathering place for healing – this project is spearheaded by victim-survivors
• Produces “Healing, Learning & Growing” Newsletter edited by victim-survivors  

Contact Information 

Matthew Hunnicutt, M.A., L.C.S.W.
Director
Office Of Assistance Ministry
Post Office Box 1979
Chicago, Illinois 60690-1979 312-534-8267
Toll-free: 866-517-4528
312-751-8307, fax
mhunnicutt@archchicago.org
Assistmin@archchicago.org