Surviving the Mic: Virtually Together
2025-07-09 15:54, 2025-07-17 15:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Jane Addams Hull House, 800 S Halsted St., Chicago, IL, United States
Third Thursday of each month, 3-5PM CST
Surviving the Mic: Virtually Together is an online gathering space for survivors of sexual harm and those who support them, either personally or professionally or both.
Join the Gathering on Zoom
The virtual gathering happens on the third Thursday of each month, from 3-5pmCST, and is facilitated by Mojdeh Stoakley, with occasional guest facilitators. The gathering begins with a check in and dialogue on current events, followed by a trauma-informed writing workshop designed for survivors of sexual harm. Attendees are invited to share their writing, if comfortable.
Virtually Together is supported by the Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation and is produced and facilitated by Surviving the Mic.
More information about the Surviving the Mic method for holding brave space for those navigating the effects of trauma due to sexual violence is available at www.survivingthemic.org
Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89465588394?pwd=[REDACTED]

Surviving the Mic: Virtually Together
2025-08-21 15:00 - 17:00, 2025-09-18 15:00 - 17:00, 2025-10-16 15:00 - 17:00, 2025-11-20 15:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-18 15:00 - 17:00, 2026-01-15 15:00 - 17:00, 2026-02-19 15:00 - 17:00, 2026-03-19 15:00 - 17:00 and 3 more dates | Jane Addams Hull House, 800 S Halsted St., Chicago, IL, United States
Third Thursday of each month, 3-5PM CST
Surviving the Mic: Virtually Together is an online gathering space for survivors of sexual harm and those who support them, either personally or professionally or both.
The virtual gathering happens on the third Thursday of each month, from 3-5pmCST, and is facilitated by Mojdeh Stoakley, with occasional guest facilitators. The gathering begins with a check-in and dialogue on current events, followed by a trauma-informed writing workshop designed for survivors of sexual harm. Attendees are invited to share their writing, if comfortable. This is a drop-in event, no RSVP is required. We hope to see you there!
Join the Gathering on Zoom
Virtually Together is supported by the Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation and is produced and facilitated by Surviving the Mic.
More information about the Surviving the Mic method for holding brave space for those navigating the effects of trauma due to sexual violence is available at survivingthemic.org.
Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89465588394?pwd=[REDACTED]

Let’s Chat Over Lunch: Community Forum
2025-08-27 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-09-24 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-10-22 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-01-28 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-02-25 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-03-25 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-04-22 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-05-27 12:00 - 13:00 | Jane Addams Hull House, 800 S Halsted St., Chicago, IL, United States
Fourth Wednesday of each month, 12PM-1PM CT
Join CAASE for our monthly virtual community forum, Let’s Chat Over Lunch. At each gathering, we’ll discuss current cultural events, media, and news headlines related to sexual harm and/or social injustice. Let’s Chat Over Lunch will be held every 4th Wednesday of the month from noon-1pm.
Join the Conversation on Zoom
Topics for each gathering will be updated as current events unfold. This is a drop-in event, no RSVP is required. We hope to see you there!
Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81030893716?pwd=[REDACTED]

Let’s Chat Over Lunch: Community Forum
2025-09-24 12:00 - 13:00 | Jane Addams Hull House, 800 S Halsted St., Chicago, IL, United States
Fourth Wednesday of each month, 1-2PM CT
Join CAASE for our monthly virtual community forum, Let’s Chat Over Lunch. At each gathering, we’ll discuss current cultural events, media, and news headlines related to sexual harm and/or social injustice. Let’s Chat Over Lunch will be held every 4th Wednesday of the month.
Please note the change made for this month’s event! This event will be held from noon until 1 pm.
Join the Conversation on Zoom
Topics for each gathering will be updated as current events unfold. This is a drop-in event, no RSVP is required. We hope to see you there!
Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81030893716?pwd=[REDACTED]

Celebrating Allies 2025
2025-10-15 18:00 - 20:00 | 320 S. Canal St. Chicago, IL 60606, 320 S. Canal St., Chicago, 60606, United States
Thank you for making Celebrating Allies 2025 a success! Read more about the evening on our blog, Celebrating Allies Honors Critical Partners.
Join us at the Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation’s 2025 annual fundraiser as we bring together our supporters, advocates, allies, and survivors to celebrate the work of ending sexual harm and uplift those who are making a difference. The program will feature an award ceremony to honor transformational leadership in culture change, as well as critical legal work accomplished for survivors of sexual harm.
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
6:00 – 8:00 p.m. CDT
320 S. Canal St., Chicago, IL 60606
Drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be served.
Tickets
Registration for the event is now closed. If you are unable to attend Celebrating Allies 2025 but would still like to support the event, we would be grateful if you made a donation in honor of the event!
DONATE TO CELEBRATING ALLIES

Honorees and Speakers
Sarah Conway and Trina Reynolds-Tyler – Visionary Award Honorees
One of CAASE’s primary concerns has always been how Black women and girls in Chicago are disproportionately exploited and harmed. You can find some of our thoughts in media coverage on these issues here and here. Journalists investigating on the front lines have always played a critical role in exposing these realities, and this year we are truly excited to be honoring and celebrating journalists Sarah Conway and Trina Reynolds-Tyler at our annual Fall Fundraiser! Their series (published by the Invisible Institute) investigated how Chicago police responded to missing Black women and girls, shining critical light on a topic that is too often overlooked. The journalists won a Pulitzer Prize for their series in the Local Reporting category.
We are thrilled that Sarah Conway and Trina Reynolds-Tyler have agreed to let us honor them this year. Secure your spot to celebrate them today!
Nathan Henderson – Pro Bono Luminary Award

Nathan Henderson is an Associate in the Litigation Department at Saul Ewing LLP. In January 2024, Illinois enacted a new law allowing survivors of “deep fakes,” or digitally altered sexual images, to sue their abusers. This year, Nathan served as co-counsel with CAASE on one of the first lawsuits filed under this new law. Nathan exhibited incredible compassion and tireless advocacy on behalf of our client. He was innovative and bold in negotiating a settlement that exceeded the client’s expectations and included third-party verification that all images were wiped from the defendant’s devices. We are delighted to present Nathan Henderson with the Pro Bono Luminary Award at Celebrating Allies 2025.
Chapman and Cutler LLP – Pro Bono Excellence Award

We are honored to award Chapman and Cutler LLP with the Celebrating Allies 2025 Pro Bono Excellence Award. Chapman has a long history of dedicated pro bono service. The firm’s pro bono work is led by Partner Rebecca Wallenfelsz and Pro Bono Counsel Sara Ghadiri and supports a wide range of legal aid needs including gender-based violence-related matters. This year, Sara and Chapman Partner Eric Silvestri worked with CAASE to represent a sex trafficking survivor in a groundbreaking lawsuit brought under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, a federal law allowing survivors to sue those who profit from their trafficking. It is our hope that the outcome of this suit will provide a clear path forward for trafficking survivors’ healing and empowerment. We are proud to recognize Chapman’s dedication to this important and impactful work.

Sauntè Harden-Tate – Performer

Writer and Spoken Word Artist
Sauntè Harden-Tate (pronounced Sahn-tay) is a Black American Chicago Westside Native, creative writer, Advocate, Community Educator, Trauma Advocate, proud mother of two, and wife. With a deep-rooted passion for healing, advocating, and educating the community on trauma, Saunte has over 10 years of advocacy and prevention work. With her deep understanding of trauma, Sauntè has a special affinity for uplifting and educating the community on the long-stemming traumas and struggles that disproportionately affect the Black community. Knowing firsthand and witnessing the depth of trauma among black people, Sauntè has a profound desire to start the healing process. She created a web show called “Oh! We Gon’ Talk!” which facilitates conversations centered around generational trauma within the black community. Sauntè not only uses public speaking to advocate and educate, but she also uses poetry and writing to share with others about different traumas and emotions.

Survivor Speaker
Survivor and former CAASE client

Guests will have the privilege of hearing directly from a survivor about the impact of sexual harm and the power of seeking justice with the support of compassionate allies. She is a former client of CAASE’s legal services and we’re honored to welcome her as a speaker.

Donate
Support survivors and back our mission to end sexual harm by giving today. Here are some ways your donation helps us in the fight against sexual harm:

$100 provides a stipend for survivors who share expertise and input on CAASE policies and programs
$350 enables the Prevention team to conduct a one-hour training on sexting or pornography to a classroom of high school students
$500 funds the hosting of one focus or support group for survivors
$1,000 funds the purchase of one computer for a CAASE staffer
$1,800 covers the cost of implementing one 5-session Prevention program to a high school classroom
$5,000 covers the cost of resolving one legal matter for a survivor of sexual harm
$7,500 pays for comprehensive legal services for one survivor for one year
$10,000 resolves two legal matters for survivors

MAKE A DONATION
Generous Sponsors
Sponsoring Celebrating Allies is a wonderful way to support survivors and demonstrate a commitment to ending sexual harm. We welcome you to look over the sponsorship opportunities and contact LaQuita Hearn-Quinn and take full advantage of sponsorship benefits. Call 773-244-2230 ext. 217 or email lhearnquinn@caase.org.
BECOME A SPONSOR
We are gladly accepting new sponsors up until the event. To be included in printed sponsor materials, we kindly ask you to submit your sponsorship by Wednesday, October 8.
Presenting Sponsor

Platinum Sponsor

Gold Sponsors
The Friedman Family Fund

Silver Sponsors

Denise Fogus Gibson

Bronze Sponsors

Stay connected to CAASE and hear about all the amazing work we’re doing with your support by subscribing to CAASE’s newsletter and following us on social media: Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Bluesky.

Criminalized for My Survival hosted by Women's Justice Institute
2026-03-27 17:30 - 21:00 | Women’s Justice Institute, 2150 S Canalport Ave, Chicago, IL, 60608, United States
Join The Women’s Justice Institute on Friday, March 27 at 5:30 p.m. for Punished for My Survival. There will be a screening of the powerful film, “And So I Stayed,” followed by a panel discussion of women leaders and survivors, including CAASE Legal Director Elizabeth Payne.
The film shares stories of incarcerated, abused survivors and how the legal system gets domestic violence wrong. Dive into real stories and raw talks on how survival gets criminalized in tough times.
Free to attend!

Register here.

Honoring Marty Goddard, Pioneer in Combatting Sexual Violence hosted by Working Women’s History Project
2026-03-28 10:30 - 12:00 | Jane Addams Hull House, 800 S Halsted St., Chicago, IL, United States
CAASE is proud to sponsor this event from Working Women’s History Project on March 28! Our Community Engagement Manager, Saunté Harden-Tate, will be participating as a panelist.
Join us for a panel discussion in which we explore the life and motivation of the woman who created the “rape kit” in the 1970’s. Designed to preserve forensic evidence of sexual assault that would hold up in court, this kit became an essential tool for women to confront their assailants. Pagan Kennedy, the author of “The Secret History of the Rape Kit: A True Crime Story,” will be interviewed by local media consultant Delmarie Cobb, who will also moderate a panel composed of an ob-gyn who specializes in trauma-informed care; a community engagement coordinator of a local group working against sexual exploitation; and a forensic nursing specialist. In a media climate that has prominently featured stories of sexual exploitation, this should be an important program that will provide a historical perspective on this issue, as well as an exploration of the help available to today’s survivors.
General admission tickets are $25 and student tickets are $10.
This event will take place at Jane Addams Hull-House, 800 S. Halsted, Chicago, IL
Learn more and register!

Reclaiming My Power: A Conversation and Book Signing with Reshona Landfair
2026-04-09 18:30 - 20:30 | Please RSVP for event address.
Please join us for a special event with Reshona Landfair, the author of Who’s Watching Shorty? Reclaiming Myself from the Shame of R. Kelly’s Abuse for a conversation about her new book and her story of survival. Anika Sterling-Florez and Saunté Harden-Tate of CAASE will lead a discussion and Q&A with the author. We strongly encourage guests to purchase the book before the event to bring to the book signing. A very limited number will be available for purchase at the event.
When: Thursday, April 9, 2026, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
This event will be held in Garfield Park. Please RSVP for the event address.
Free to attend! Please fill out this form to register.
Limited spots are available.
This event is hosted by the Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation (CAASE), Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center, and Chicago Advocacy Network for Hope (CAN Hope).

Teal & Tunes: Karaoke at Strugglebeard Bakery
2026-04-10 17:30 - 19:30 | Strugglebeard Bakery, 5221 S Harper Court, Chicago, IL
CAASE’s Community Engagement team and Strugglebeard Bakery are thrilled to collaborate for two special events during Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2026! First up, we have Teal & Tunes: Karaoke at Strugglebeard Bakery on Friday, April 10. Treats will be provided by Strugglebeard Bakery! Free to attend.
To register, please email Saunté Harden-Tate at shardentate@caase.org.
Join us for our other SAAM event with Strugglebeard Bakery, Teal & Tales Open Mic on Friday, April 24.

Provenance: A BYO Soirée for CAASE
2026-04-18 18:00 - 22:00 | Verve Wine Chicago, 2349 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL, 60614
A celebratory evening to raise much-needed funds for The Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation (CAASE). Guests are invited to open and share a special bottle from their personal collection, enjoy Champagne from the evening’s wine list, or enjoy a few special drinks from the bar. Chef Ethan Lim of Hermosa Restaurant will offer a vibrant spread of Cambodian-inspired bites, and the evening kicks off with cocktails from Billy Sunday. DJ Catie O will be spinning tunes to get you moving.
CAASE’s Executive Director, Kaethe Morris Hoffer, will give a short introduction to the vastly important work CAASE does for Chicago. We encourage each guest to check out the night’s auction.
Dress: Nowhere to Wear It (Because the Fun Clothes Should be Worn!)
Cost: $250 per ticket
Register here!

Teal & Tales: Open Mic at Strugglebeard Bakery
2026-04-24 17:30 - 19:30 | Strugglebeard Bakery, 5221 S Harper Court, Chicago, IL
CAASE’s Community Engagement team and Strugglebeard Bakery are thrilled to collaborate for two special events during Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2026! On Friday, April 24, we’ll gather for an open mic night! Attendees can share stories, poetry, singing, and more. Wear denim to show your support for survivors ahead of Denim Day on April 29. Treats will be provided by Strugglebeard Bakery! Free to attend.
To register, please email Saunté Harden-Tate at shardentate@caase.org.
Join us for our other SAAM event with Strugglebeard Bakery, Teal & Tunes: Karaoke at Strugglebeard Bakery on Friday, April 10.

A CAASE of Empowerment: Prevention’s Impact
2026-04-29 18:00 - 20:00 | 151 N Franklin St, 151 N Franklin St, Chicago, IL, United States
You’re invited to join CAASE for an immersive experience highlighting our prevention education program! Take a trip back to high school for an evening of connection, education, and changemaking. We invite our guests to experience firsthand how our prevention educators empower students to become active allies in ending sexual harm. Reserve your spot, take a seat, and join the lesson to see exactly how our Prevention Educators are setting the next generation up for success.
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
6:00 – 8:00 p.m. CDT
151 N Franklin St., Chicago, IL
We hope you will join us to socialize and fundraise! Drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be served.
All proceeds from A CAASE of Empowerment: Prevention’s Impact will support CAASE’s prevention education program.
Tickets
Discounted tickets for young professionals, nonprofit, and government employees are available for $100. Regular tickets are available for $130. An additional early bird discount is available for tickets from now until Friday, March 13, 11:59 pm!
Click here to buy tickets.
A CAASE of Empowerment: Prevention’s Impact is an immersive experience where you’ll see the cutting-edge work our Prevention Education team does every day in high school classrooms. You’ll experience the activities we use to teach students the skills for communication, boundaries, and respect that many of us had to learn on our own.
See our work in action on April 29, and make sure today’s teens get the education many of us missed.
Because the next generation shouldn’t have to guess.
Because they shouldn’t have to learn these lessons the hard way.
Because prevention is possible.
Dress code: Business casual.
Accessibility: To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact us.
Donate
Support survivors and back our mission to end sexual harm by giving today. Here are some ways your donation helps us in the fight against sexual harm:

$350 enables the Prevention team to conduct a one-hour training on sexting or pornography to a classroom of high school students
$1,000 funds the purchase of one computer for a CAASE staffer
$1,800 covers the cost of implementing one 5-session Prevention program to a high school classroom

Can’t make this event? Support CAASE and our Prevention Education program by making a donation.
Thanks to the generosity of the Greer Foundation, contributions to this event will be doubled up to the agreed grant amount!
Generous Sponsors
Sponsoring A CAASE of Empowerment: Prevention’s Impact is a wonderful way to support survivors and demonstrate a commitment to ending sexual harm. We welcome you to look over the sponsorship opportunities.
Sponsorship will be available for purchase up until the event on April 29. In order to be included in our printed materials for the event, please purchase your sponsorship by Tuesday, April 21.
Gold Sponsors
Dan and Mary Cox
Laura Feldman
Silver Sponsors

Denise Fogus Gibson

Bronze Sponsors

The Schuler Family
In-kind Sponsor

Please contact LaQuita Hearn-Quinn to learn more about sponsoring this event by calling (773) 244-2230 ext. 217 or emailing LHearnQuinn@caase.org. We gladly accept new sponsors up until the event.
BECOME A SPONSOR
Stay connected to CAASE and hear about the work we’re doing with your support by subscribing to CAASE’s newsletter and following us on social media: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Bluesky.
