Harbor House of Kankakee is organizing its eighth annual Candlelight Vigil for Domestic Violence Awareness, scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, at The Grove, 700 Main St. NW, Bourbonnais.
Kankakee Mayor Chris Curtis is scheduled to speak, along with Melany Villagomez of Kankakee Community College, Harbor House said.
Jenny Schoenwetter, Harbor House executive director and CEO, and Jayden Anderson-Baker, the organization’s development director, are also on the program.
Speakers will discuss the broader effects of domestic abuse and why supporting people affected by it matters.
Musicians will perform songs to guide the ceremony, the organization said.
Harbor House will provide candles for a candlelit moment of silence as guests hold candles, remembering lives lost due to domestic violence.
The vigil is meant to raise awareness, honor people affected by domestic violence, and remind them that no one should face it alone.
In 2026, Harbor House housed 183 adults and children fleeing abusive relationships and provided more than 7,587 nights of shelter for survivors and their children, according to the organization. It also helped 365 survivors understand their legal rights.
The event is outdoors. Attendees who want to sit during the vigil should bring a lawn chair.
