Who We Are

Empowering survivors, educating communities, and working toward a future free from domestic violence.

Violence is

not normal.
not your fault.
never justified.
unacceptable.
not normal.
not your fault.
never justified.
unacceptable.
not normal.
not your fault.
never justified.
unacceptable.
not normal.
not your fault.
never justified.
unacceptable.
not normal.
not your fault.
never justified.
unacceptable.
not normal.
not your fault.
never justified.
unacceptable.
Violence is
not your fault.
never justified.
not your fault.
about

Who We Are

Founded in 1980, Sarah’s Inn has grown to be one of the most comprehensive domestic violence agencies serving the City of Chicago and the Western Suburbs. Our mission is to improve the lives of those affected by domestic violence and to break the cycle of violence for future generations. Sarah’s Inn has three core program areas:

The Intervention Program provides supportive services for families affected by domestic violence in order to safely
navigate crises, effectively process trauma and establish self-sufficiency.

The Together Strong Project provides school-based violence prevention education programming for youth.

The Training and Education Program maximizes reach by creating a network of skilled bystanders to appropriately intervene as first responders and community advocates. Sarah’s Inn engages over 23,000 individuals annually across our three program areas.

Our Approach

Together, with our network of supporters, volunteers, and partners, we accomplish our mission through:

  • Comprehensive services for families so that they get the support they need to find safety, rebuild their lives, and heal.
  • Legal and intervention services to help ensure protection for victims under the law, as well as offender accountability and education.
  • Violence prevention programs that educate children and adolescents about how to cultivate healthy relationships.
  • Education and training to create a safety net of skilled bystanders to appropriately intervene and help end violence in our communities.

LGBTQ+

We are committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for the entire Sarah’s Inn community – staff, interns, clients, volunteers, and supporters – and in particular for folks who identify within the LGBTQIA+ community. We will move away from assumptions, acknowledge diversity in ways that individual people identify and express themselves, and recognize that folks will choose to be out to varying degrees or not at all. By committing to LGBTQ+ -inclusive practices as a community, we hope that folks of all identities will feel safe, affirmed, and comfortable at Sarah’s Inn.

DEI

Sarah’s Inn strives to implement our mission and programming through the lens of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and cultural humility. DEI is key to creating a healthy organization that will lead to more meaningful engagement across staff, board and those we serve with our programming, not only enhancing our internal culture, but also engaging our community, volunteers and supporters.

vision
Together we will create communities free of relationship violence.
mission
The Mission of Sarah’s Inn is to improve the lives of those affected by domestic violence and to break the cycle of violence for future generations.
Together we will create communities free of relationship violence.

Vicarious Trauma Statement

Sarah’s Inn prioritizes the health and well-being of our staff and understands that all aspects of this work, from direct service to upper management/administrative roles, can be difficult. We seek to both prevent and address burnout and vicarious trauma that can result from our work.

Sarah’s Inn’s

Values

1
We value innovation,
holistic approaches, and partnerships that result in meaningful outcomes.
2
Teamwork, trust, and respect are essential parts of a supportive and healthy work environment.
3
We foster a fair and just work environment that promotes professional growth, leadership, and ingenuity.
4
We value transparency in leadership and decision-making.
Sarah’s Inn’s

Beliefs

1
Everyone deserves safe, respectful, and supportive relationships that are free from abuse.
2
Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence.
3
The purpose of violence is to establish and maintain power and control.
4
Violence is a learned behavior and choice for which one must be held accountable.
5
Anyone who has experienced violence has the right to assistance and protection.
6
We all have a responsibility to end violence.

Sarah’s Inn’s Leadership

Sarah’s Inn is guided by a dedicated team of professionals and community leaders committed to empowering survivors and creating lasting change. From our Leadership Team ensuring strategic direction, to our Board of Directors providing governance and support, and our Associate Board engaging young professionals in advocacy and fundraising—each plays a vital role in furthering our mission. Learn more about the people leading the way.

leadership teamboard of directorsAssociate Board

Donate

Your Support Changes Lives – Every contribution helps provide critical resources and support for survivors and families.

Volunteer

Get Involved. Make an Impact. – Join us in creating safer communities by giving your time and skills to support our mission.

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to Help