who we are

sara

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

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

Questions or inquiries about the Associate Board?
Contact Katie Hickman, Development Director, katieh@sarahsinn.org

our board

board of directors

Patrick McKune, MBA
President
M Holland

Marian Sassetti, MD, FAAFP
Vice President
Lake Street Family Physicians

Kim Wojack
Vice President, Fund Development
Baird and Warner

Ann Schimmel
Treasurer
Byline Bank

Alison Welch, MS
Secretary
Community Member

Sheryl Martin, CPA
Immediate Past President
OPRF Community Foundation

Siva Balu, MBA
Member
YMCA

Linda Conway, MSW
Member
Social Worker & Consultant

Sabra Ebersole, JD
Member
Law Office of Sabra Ebersole

Dale Hayes Clarke, MA
Member
Retired Social Worker

William “Boomer” McInerney, ASA
Member
The Griffin Group

LaToya Miller, M.M.S., PA-C
Member
Lake Street Family Physicians

Shirley Moore, CNM
Member
Elmhurst Clinic

Jennifer Ricks, SHRM
Member
KeHE Distributors

Bruce Ulrich, MBA
Member
Productive Displays

Gregory Wolski, CPA
Member
Retired Partner Ernst & Young

associate board

Nestor Avendano
Co-President
Polk Bros

Susan Fruth
Co-President
University of Chicago

Caitlin Hofert
Secretary
Private Tutor

Kathryn Conway, JD
Member
Power Rogers

Wynn Coughlin, LCSW, CADC
Member
Empowered Wellness

Christin Handa, JD
Member
Horwood Marcus & Berk

Camille Hoover
Member
Berkshire Hathaway

Dan Shaker
Member
DASH Strategy

Madeline Strand
Member
Kin + Carta

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