Supporting survivors of sexual violence is what we’re best known for at Clove Alliance, and another core part of our mission is to help prevent harm before it happens. We do that through school programs, student clubs, and specialized training, such as on sexual harassment prevention in the workplace. By partnering with local businesses, we guide conversations about respect at work, set clear expectations, and help create safer environments for all employees.

So, how do these partnerships work? We asked Kankakee Nursery to give some insight. They are a long-standing local business that has partnered with Clove Alliance for the past four years to provide annual in-person Sexual Harassment Prevention Training for their staff.

Their commitment shows how businesses can go beyond simply meeting legal requirements to create safer and more inclusive workplaces while also helping increase awareness of community resources.

A Century of Community Connection

Kankakee Nursery is a family-owned business with deep roots in the community. Last year, the company celebrated its 100th anniversary.

Amy Curren Baker is part of the fourth generation to help lead the company, and she spoke with us about the experience of partnering with Clove Alliance for training. She wears many hats in the small business as the Office Manager, HR lead, and a Co-Owner, and says, “We really feel that everyone here is an extension of the family.”

The business specializes in wholesale tree and shrub sales and employs a diverse workforce. Amy says creating a workplace where employees feel respected and supported is a priority.

“We want to make sure people feel comfortable coming to us if there ever is an issue,” she said. “My door is always open.”

That attitude is one reason Kankakee Nursery welcomes Sexual Harassment Prevention Training from Clove Alliance each year. It’s a relationship grounded in shared values.

More Than a Compliance Requirement

Under Illinois law, employers are required to provide annual training on the prevention of sexual harassment for employees. While businesses may fulfill that requirement through online modules or pre-recorded videos, Kankakee Nursery intentionally chose a more personal path.

“We get a much more engaging training through Clove Alliance because there is a real person there leading it,” Amy said. “They bring conversations about sexual harassment into the business, so it’s not only coming from the owners.”

“We get a much more engaging training through Clove Alliance because there is a real person there leading it.”

— Amy Curren Baker, Kankakee Nursery

Clove Alliance provides free, specialized, in-person training for businesses and organizations throughout Kankakee, Iroquois, and Ford Counties. The sexual harassment prevention session is designed to foster workplaces rooted in respect, safety, and accountability, while helping employers stay compliant with state requirements.

“We’ve found it’s better to have a person on site giving the training…” Amy explained. “Our staff gets more out of it than watching a video or clicking through an online course.”

The training includes interactive discussion, real-world examples, and opportunities for employees to ask questions in a supportive environment.

For businesses with multilingual teams, accessibility is another important factor.

“Clove Alliance provides us with two sessions: one in English and one in Spanish,” Amy shared. “There is always someone there to translate and answer questions, so everyone gets the information they need.”

Why In-Person Training Matters

Conversations about sexual harassment can feel uncomfortable. But avoiding the topic doesn’t prevent harm—it can make it harder for employees to recognize problems or know what to do if harassment occurs.

“People may not think about sexual harassment until something happens, but they really should,” Amy said. “Training makes sure everyone is aware so harassment can be avoided, and prepares us in case anything were to happen.”

According to Missi Haas, Community Advocate at Clove Alliance, in-person training creates opportunities for more meaningful learning and discussion.

“When people can engage directly with a trainer, ask questions, and talk through real-life workplace situations, the information becomes more relatable and impactful,” Haas said. “It helps move training beyond a checkbox requirement and into a real conversation about workplace culture, communication, and prevention.”

Amy says the annual training serves as an important reminder that people experience situations differently and may have different comfort levels and boundaries. As she put it, “Not everyone thinks the same or welcomes the same kinds of comments, and it makes people think more about how they act toward others.”

Over time, those reflections and conversations help shape a more respectful workplace.

And after four years of collaboration, the training continues to engage their staff. Amy explained, “It’s a little different each year, so long-term employees still get something new each time. It keeps the information fresh.”

Prevention That Extends Beyond Work

During training sessions, Clove Alliance staff include information about how they support survivors of sexual violence with counseling, advocacy, legal services, and the 24/7 crisis hotline. Those are key outreach moments because participants may not realize support exists until they hear about it directly. 

Amy says that aspect of the session is a real benefit, explaining, “Even if something comes up with one of our staff’s children, spouse, friends, anyone—they know Clove Alliance can help.”

By partnering with local businesses, we’re able to reach people who may never otherwise connect with our organization. That awareness can have a ripple effect far beyond the workplace.

Creating Safer Communities Together

Preventing sexual violence requires ongoing education, honest conversations, and community-wide effort. Businesses, schools, nonprofits, healthcare providers, and local organizations all have a role to play in creating safety and supporting survivors.

We’re grateful for businesses like Kankakee Nursery that recognize the value of prevention training and are committed to creating safe, respectful workplaces for employees.

Because when workplaces invest in prevention, awareness and safety grow. Employees gain knowledge and resources. Community connections strengthen. Together, we move closer to a future free from sexual violence.

Businesses interested in creating safer, more respectful workplaces can contact Clove Alliance to schedule Sexual Harassment Prevention Training via email at outreach@clovealliance.orgor call 815.932.7273. We also offer live virtual sessions of the training, which you can discover and register for on our events page.