who we are

Violence is never justified.
Sarah’s Inn was founded in 1980 by a group of concerned women in River Forest and Oak Park, to address a lack of services for victims of domestic violence and their families. The agency has since grown to become one of the largest and most comprehensive domestic violence agencies serving Chicago and 22 surrounding West Cook County suburban communities. The agency currently operates with its hub in Forest Park, and seven off-site locations through partner agencies and area courthouses throughout Chicago and West Cook County.
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.
Vision
- Together, we will create communities free of relationship violence.
values & beliefs
values:
value #1:All the work of the agency reflects our mission.
value #2:Teamwork based on trust and respect is an essential part of a supportive and healthy work environment.
value #3:We value innovation, holistic approaches, and partnerships that result in meaningful outcomes.
value #4:We foster a fair and just work environment that promotes professional growth, leadership, and ingenuity.
value #5:We value transparency in leadership and decision-making; and promote whenever possible, cross-program collaboration.
value #6:We value a team who is resourceful, takes leadership and ownership, is open-minded and willing to learn, demonstrates integrity, and respects the history and wisdom that came before.
Beliefs
belief #1:Violence is any attempt to force one’s will onto another person. The use of violence is to establish and maintain power and control.
belief #2:Violence is a learned behavior which is based in beliefs and attitudes. The use of violence is a choice for which one must be held accountable.
belief #3:Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence. To be a victim of violence does not make the individual weak, nor should the individual be faulted by others for being a victim. We believe in and celebrate the strength of the individuals and families we serve.
belief #4:People’s lives are significantly impacted by violence and anyone who has experienced violence has the right to assistance and protection.
belief #5:We all have a responsibility in ending violence.
belief #6:Violence is never justified.
Leadership
-
Executive director
Carol Gall, MA, ICDVP
carolg@sarahsinn.org -
associate director
Meg Hefty, ICDVP, CPAIP
megh@sarahsinn.org -
finance and
operations directorKate Keating
KateK@sarahsinn.org -
Training and Education
SupervisorAniela Tyksinski
anielat@sarahsinn.org -
PAIP Supervisor
Rebekah Miller, MSW
rebekahm@sarahsinn.org -
prevention program
supervisorChidori Lively, MPH
chidoril@sarahsinn.org
Questions or inquiries about the Board of Directors?
Contact Carol Gall, Executive Director, carolg@sarahsinn.org
Questions or inquiries about the Associate Board?
Contact Kelly Mitchell, Development and Communications Associate, development@sarahsinn.org
our board
board of directors
Patrick McKune, MBA
President
M Holland
Jennifer Ricks, SHRM
Vice President
KeHE Distributors
Kim Wojack, MBA
Vice President, Fund Development
Baird and Warner
Gregory Wolski, CPA
Treasurer
Retired Partner Ernst & Young
Andrea Button, JD
Secretary
US Small Business Administration
Jennifer Biehler
Member
JDRF
Frank Flosman
Member
AmeriHealth Caritas
Camille Hoover
Member
Berkshire Hathaway
Shirley Moore, CNM
Member
Elmhurst Clinic
Antonia Ruppert
Member
Antonia Ruppert Fine Art LLC
Marian Sassetti, MD, FAAFP
Member
Lake Street Family Physicians
Alison Welch, MS
Member
Community Member
Rockeya Wilson
Member
Bloom Township High School District 206
associate board
Susan Fruth
Co-President
University of Chicago
Madeline Strand
Co-President
Kin + Carta
Alison Foy
Secretary
Attorney
Kathryn Conway, JD
Member
Power Rogers
Lorin Jenkins
Member
Elizabeth Newhart
Member
Shaker Recruitment Marketing
Guadalupe Rodriguez
Member
Nicky Rompza
Member
ReNew Studio
Dan Shaker
Member
DASH Strategy
Liz Teague
Member
Kids Above All
