who we are

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Sarah’s Inn was founded in 1981 by a group of concerned women in River Forest and Oak Park, to address a lack of services for battered women 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 Oak Park, and seven off-site locations through partner agencies and area courthouses throughout Chicago and West Cook County.

our mission

is to improve the lives of those affected by domestic violence and to break the cycle of violence for future generations.

our vision

is to be a nationally recognized leader for community-based solutions that will end relationship violence.

We believe in hopeful futures for survivors of domestic violence through the strength that comes from a networked and supportive community.

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 never justified.

belief #2: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 #3: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 #4: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 #5:People’s lives are significantly impacted by violence and anyone who has experienced violence has the right to assistance and protection.

belief #6:We all have a responsibility in ending violence.

our leadership

Questions or inquiries about the Board of Directors?
Contact Carol Gall, Executive Director, at carolg@sarahsinn.org

Questions or inquiries about the Associate Board?
Contact Susan Fritz, Development Director, at susanf@sarahsinn.org

our board

board of directors

Sheryl Martin, CPA
President
Director of Finance, Oak Park River Forest Community Foundation

Dale Hayes Clarke, MSW
Vice President of Fund Development
Retired Social Worker, Community Member

Geri Tapling
Vice President
Retired HR Executive, Community Member

Patrick McKune
Treasurer
CFO, M Holland Co.

Kim Wojack
Secretary
Real Estate Broker, Baird & Warner

Linda Conway, MSW
VP, Fund Development
Social Worker, Consultant

Irene Chowaniec
Director
Director Utility Business System Field Operations, AGL Resources

Mary DeGrazia
Director
Owner, Oak Electric, Inc.

Sabra Ebersole, JD
Director
Attorney, Law Office of Sabra Ebersole

Jennifer Flodin
Director
Managing Director, Pavilion Advisory Group

Teniece Harris, JD, MSW
Director
Attorney and Social Worker

Shirley Moore, CNM
Director
Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, Elmhurst Clinic

Ann Schimmel
Director
Vice President, Community Bank of Oak Park River Forest

Bruce Ulrich, MBA
Director
President, Productive Displays

Alison Welch
Director
Community Member

Tricia Wiese
Director
Senior Recruiter, Zuora

associate board

Laura Gutierrez
President
The Chicago Community Trust

Amy McFarlane
Vice President
River Forest School District

Lizzy Ullman, JD/span>
Secretary
Civitas Childlaw Center at Loyola University Chicago

Nestor Avendano
Member
The Chicago Community Trust

Kathryn Conway,JD
Member
Power Rogers & Smith, P.C.

Eva DeLaurentiis, MPP
Member
Regional Transportation Authority of Northeastern Illinois

Alex Dowd
Member
The Onion

Susan Fruth
Member
University of Chicago

Annie Funke, MSW
Member
Lurie’s Children’s Hospital

Christin Handa, JD
Member
Horwood Marcus & Berk

Caitlin Hofert
Member
Private Tutor

Camille Hoover
Member
Terlato Wines International

William McInerney
Member
The Griffing Group

Hoang Nguyen
Member
WaterSaver

Mollie Sitkowski, JD
Member
Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP

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