Remembering Sylvia

Earlier this year, Sylvia Naif helped CCH launch Survivor Advocacy Group Empowered — the SAGE group mobilizes women survivors of sex trafficking.

Sylvia died in her sleep on July 23. One of her friends from SAGE wrote this piece remembering Sylvia. 

Sylvia made me smile with her compassionate spirit.  She gave what she could from her heart.  She was very generous.

She was a proud member of SAGE with the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless.  I remember her talking about when she went to Springfield, and talked to legislators to help pass the bill fighting against sex traffickers.  She said she never in her life thought she would do something so great.

She came a long way.  She successfully escaped the hardships of the street life.  And when she left us, she was a virtuous, happy, clean and sober woman.

This is what Leeanna Majors, SAGE Leader who went to Springfield with Sylvia, said: “I am so grateful to have experienced Sylvia’s laughter and passion for helping survivors.”

This is what SAGE organizier Rachel Ramirez has to say: “Sylvia was the life of the party, a very compassionate person, and a tireless leader with SAGE. We miss her. Our work will go on in her memory and inspired by her spirit.”

Associate Policy Director Daria Mueller said, “I met Sylvia through her participation in the WINGS Court that our PART project helped to create.

“It didn’t take long to see what a shining personality Sylvia had, and she became a star in the program.  She was well-loved by everyone involved with WINGS, and will truly be missed.”
– By Tammy, a SAGE member