The Mother of SSFS: Greatest Person

Called “the mother of ” by one of her peers, Diane Bedrosian is one of the region's most important contributors to domestic violence support. In her 26 years with the organization, the Southland native has helped grow the staff from eight to the current 65 and has been instrumental in expanding programs, services and awareness.

But you probably wouldn’t know this by talking to her.

The self-effacing makes it seem like her involvement with the organization was mere happenstance. According to Bedrosian, a simple fascination with court is what inevitably led her to volunteer as a court advocate for SSFS.

“The next thing you know, I applied to be executive director,” Bedrosian said. “I was never intending to work … I kind of fell into it, but I love it. I really do.”

And it shows.

While Bedrosian may be modest about her significance in the changing climate of domestic violence support and awareness, her cohorts are quick to compensate.

“Diane has moved SSFS forward and has been the primary force behind much of the agency’s growth and expansion,” longtime friend and SSFS co-worker Vicki Meilach said. “Everything Diane does is above and beyond what is expected.”

Glenna Elvery has known Bedrosian ever since she came to SSFS as a victim. She has since gained a seat on the SSFS board. According to Elvery, Bedrosian’s “fabulous grant writing capabilities” stand out in a big way because that's where the bulk of the financing comes from.

“Without her, we might not be here,” Elvery said.

True to her nature, Bedrosian seemed to shrug off her impressive work ethic and excellent organizational skills with a simple explanation.

“You write everything down,” Bedrosian said. “If everything’s written down … it’s easy to do.”

In a similar fashion, Bedrosian would most likely downplay her crucial role in positively affecting the lives of thousands of domestically abused women through her involvement in SSFS. But it’s hard to argue with results.

“SSFS is a model domestic violence agency in Illinois and is known to be a top-notch organization,” Meilach said. “I believe much of these accolades are in great part due to Diane’s leadership.”

Even after 26 years, Bedrosian says the continuing changing dynamics of SSFS maintains her interest and passion. Even as such, however, there seems to be another driving force behind the cheerful face that seems perpetually scrunched up in a smile—a sort of basic ideology.

“There are a lot of bad things going on in the world these days,” Bedrosian said. “If you can do anything to make someone’s life a little bit better, it’s wonderful.”