In March, Commissioner Scott Britton spearheaded a resolution honoring Father Charles Dahm, a fierce advocate and organizer for victims of domestic violence.
Father Dahm grew up in suburban Elmhurst as a devout Catholic who was often the one to encourage his family to go to mass during the week and was known as an organizer among his friends.
After graduating from Fenwick High School in 1955, Father Dahm became ordained as a Dominican Priest in 1964 where he spent his early years working with university students in Cochabamba and La Paz.
Father Charles Dahm arrived in Chicago as a young priest in the summer of 1973 and was elected to be the promoter of justice and peace for his Dominican province, which led to the founding of the 8th Day Center for Justice.
Father Charles Dahm has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of the pervasiveness of domestic violence. He was the first-ever Archdiocesan Director of Domestic Violence Outreach of Chicago, creating the most developed domestic violence outreach program in the United States which quickly became known as a model for other local churches.
Ceaseless in his commitment to connecting domestic violence survivors with support, Father Dahm developed a counseling program for victims, children, and abusers, and ministries for victims of domestic violence in 141 parishes throughout the Archdiocese.
Father Dahm's continued advocacy and leadership are an inspiration to all he meets, and he is truly an example for those looking to make a difference in their communities.
The full text of the resolution for Father Dahm passed by the full board can be found here.