Our History
Over 46 years of community-centered service
Since 1979, the Violence Prevention Center has grown from a single shelter to a trusted community resource serving Southwestern Illinois.
A brief timeline of the VPC:
1979
The BRIDGE is founded — a five-room shelter in Belleville run by a single part-time staff person.
1986
The shelter building is generously donated by the Weidmann family.
Illinois passes the Domestic Violence Act, enabling the Center to assist with Orders of Protection.
The Shelter Shop opens, offering clients immediate access to basic necessities and supporting the agency through donations.
1994
The Prevention Program is formalized, allowing the Center to provide training and awareness to clergy, police, healthcare professionals, schools, and the broader public.
1996
The Chester outreach office opens to serve Randolph County survivors.
1997
The Waterloo outreach office opens to serve survivors in Monroe County.
1998
St. Clair County establishes a Domestic Violence Court.
VPC’s court advocates become core to supporting survivors through the legal system.
1999
Police advocate programs expand, pairing with eight local police departments to support survivors directly in the field.
2000
Passages to Peace begins — a collaborative initiative with a local substance-abuse program to provide domestic violence education and counseling to victims facing substance use issues.
The Peace Place counseling program launches to serve children ages 5–17 exposed to domestic violence.
2004
Project Renee launches — a multidisciplinary partnership among the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office, Probation, Sheriff’s Department, and VPC — to provide comprehensive support for domestic violence survivors.
2018
A full-time Spanish-speaking advocate is added to expand services to the local Hispanic community.
2019
Rapid Rehousing is introduced — offering financial support and intensive case management to help survivors secure long-term stable housing.
Today
After more than four decades, the Violence Prevention Center continues serving St. Clair, Monroe, and Randolph counties with trusted, compassionate, and comprehensive services. From legal advocacy to prevention education and rapid rehousing, we remain committed to supporting survivors and building safer communities.