Domestic Violence Advocacy Strengthened by Efforts of Suburban Sarah’s Inn

Sarah's Inn stands as a vital force in the fight against domestic violence in Chicago and its western suburbs. Since its founding in 1980, the organization has grown into one of the region's most comprehensive domestic violence agencies, dedicated to supporting survivors, educating youth, and fostering community awareness to break the cycle of violence for future generations.

Comprehensive Support for Survivors

At its core, Sarah's Inn offers a wide array of services to adults and children impacted by domestic violence. This includes crisis intervention through a 24-hour confidential helpline, counseling, legal advocacy, and support to help survivors navigate complex legal systems. The organization also provides counseling specifically targeted toward children and teens affected by witnessing violence, helping them process trauma and build healthy emotional skills. In the past year alone, Sarah’s Inn has served over 1,200 survivors with advocacy and counseling and helped nearly 500 with legal assistance to obtain protection orders.

Education and Youth Violence Prevention

Recognizing the importance of early intervention, Sarah's Inn administers the Together Strong Project, a school-based violence prevention program reaching thousands of middle and high school students. This project educates youth on building healthy relationships, understanding the consequences of violence, and empowering them to make positive choices. Through collaborations with families, educators, and community partners, Sarah’s Inn works to foster environments that reject violence and promote respect and equality among young people.

Legal Advocacy and Partner Abuse Intervention

Sarah’s Inn provides vital legal advocacy, ensuring survivors' rights and protection under the law. Additionally, the organization runs the Partner Abuse Intervention Program (PAIP), which focuses on counseling individuals who have exhibited abusive behaviors in relationships. This dual approach—supporting survivors and addressing the behavior of abusers—demonstrates the agency’s commitment to comprehensive solutions for ending domestic violence.

Safe Bridge Housing Initiative

In a significant step toward stabilizing survivors' lives, Sarah’s Inn partners with Housing Forward on the Safe Bridge Housing program. Launched in early 2024, this initiative provides transitional and rapid re-housing options for families fleeing domestic violence in suburban Cook County. Participants receive supportive case management, counseling, and wraparound services such as employment support and mental health care. This housing program addresses a critical gap by offering safe, stable housing—a foundational need for survivors working to rebuild their lives.

Community Impact and Volunteer Engagement

Sarah’s Inn is heavily supported by trained volunteers who contribute thousands of hours annually across different program areas. The organization is recognized as an Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional training site, offering extensive educational programs and advocacy training to expand community expertise. This engaged network helps amplify Sarah’s Inn’s impact throughout Chicago’s West Side and its surrounding suburbs, empowering individuals and families affected by domestic violence to find safety, healing, and hope.

Sarah’s Inn exemplifies a holistic approach to domestic violence advocacy, combining direct support services, youth education, legal protection, and community engagement to create lasting change in the lives of survivors and the wider community.