For nearly three years, Doris Villaverde has served as a Victim Advocate with the Southwest Organizing Project’s (SWOP) Communities Partnering 4 Peace (CP4P) initiative, helping individuals navigate the difficult aftermath of violence and connecting them with the support they need. Recently, her dedication to this work was recognized when the City of Chicago Mayor’s Office of Community Safety, in partnership with the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) and the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), honored her with the Trusted Messenger Award, presented by Mayor Brandon Johnson.
The award recognizes individuals who have earned deep trust within their communities and consistently uplift messages of hope, safety and access to resources. For Doris, receiving the award came as a complete surprise. Although she was honored and amazed by the recognition, her initial reaction reflected the humility with which she approaches her work. She had simply been doing what she believed her role required: building relationships, earning trust and staying connected to the people she serves.
When Doris first stepped into the role of Victim Advocate, she had no previous professional experience in the field. She understood, however, the importance of making genuine connections with participants and developing relationships that extended beyond a single conversation. By remaining present and maintaining those connections, she has been able to use the trust she has built to help participants access resources and navigate challenging circumstances.
One of the most meaningful moments of the award ceremony came when a speaker posed the question, “Who heals the healer?” The question resonated deeply with Doris. While she had viewed her work as simply fulfilling her responsibilities, hearing those words reminded her that the effort she puts into supporting others does not go unnoticed. The recognition affirmed the importance of her work and the impact that showing up for others can have, even when the work itself may feel like an everyday responsibility.
Doris also credits Armando Mancilla, Assistant Director of SWOP-CP4P, with helping her find her place in this work. Having experienced violence both at home and in her community, Doris understands the challenges faced by many of the individuals she serves. Armando’s belief in her abilities gave her the confidence to step into a role where she could help others experiencing similar circumstances. Throughout her journey, he has continued to check in with her and provide support, making himself available when she needs
guidance or assistance with the mental and emotional challenges that can come with advocating for victims of violence.
That support has helped Doris recognize how her own experiences can become a source of strength in serving others. Rather than allowing the difficult parts of her past to remain a source of shame, she has found purpose in using what she has learned to help others feel less alone and more empowered to move forward.
Doris is also proud of the role her bilingual background plays in her work. "Language barriers can prevent community members from accessing resources, communicating their needs or receiving the support they deserve. Being able to communicate in both English and Spanish allows me to connect with individuals who might otherwise be overlooked and helps ensure that more people in the community can access the assistance available to them." She shared.
Reflecting on her journey, Doris shared a message that captures the heart of her work:
“We don't always have to remain the victim, we can become victorious and help those who need that extra push. I grew up feeling ashamed of my past because you don't talk about what goes on at home, but I feel like it’s important to speak up. Because of my bilingual background, I feel blessed to be able to help those parts of our community who get overlooked because they can't communicate in English.”
Through her work with CP4P, Doris demonstrates how trust, empathy and lived experience can become powerful tools for supporting individuals and strengthening communities. Her recognition with the Trusted Messenger Award is not only a celebration of her dedication, but also a reminder of the importance of the people who stand alongside survivors, help them access resources and encourage them to see possibilities beyond the violence they have experienced.
As Doris approaches her third year as a Victim Advocate, her story reflects the heart of community-based violence intervention: building meaningful relationships, meeting people where they are and helping them move toward healing and a sense of possibility. Her journey also serves as a reminder that those who dedicate themselves to helping others deserve care and recognition, too.
