Apna Ghar, a Chicago-based nonprofit organization serving domestic violence survivors in immigrant communities, is celebrating its 35-year anniversary this year. The organization marked the milestone with a gala to commemorate its history.
According to the organization, Apna Ghar grew from the idea of a single crisis line into a group that offers an extensive list of services including emergency and transitional housing, legal and medical advocacy, economic empowerment and more.
The organization claims to have served over 100,000 community members from more than 50 countries with a team capable of speaking more than 20 languages.
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“Thirty-five years gives Apna Ghar an incredible foundation in our mission of ending gender violence,” said Neha Gill, Executive Director & CEO of Apna Ghar. “We remain determined to empower survivors, engage communities, and elevate gender justice and human rights through our evidence-based, solutions-focused approach.”
Apna Ghar has earned a number of accolades over the years. This includes recognition from the Chicago Foundation for Women and receiving the Chicago Mayor’s Medal of Honor for exemplary service to the city’s residents.
Apna Ghar also announced the upcoming release of a cookbook, “Recipes from Our Home.” The collection of recipes includes 29 dishes contributed by survivors who have participated in, and supported Apna Ghar’s programs.
“We’ve found cooking has provided its own form of common language to connect survivors with each other, creating a unique space for healing. This cookbook represents the bonds built through that shared comfort of eating a meal cooked with love and care,” said Gill.
The release mentioned that the cookbook is dedicated to all survivors of domestic violence and celebrates the perseverance and cultures of Apna Ghar’s community.
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On May 16, Apna Ghar hosted “Together We Thrive,” inviting more than 300 of Chicago’s civic, community, and corporate leaders, activists, and organizational partners and supporters. The event was hosted by Emmy Award-winning anchor Ravi Baichwal and Rahul Sharma founder of Strategic Inclusion Consulting and founder and band leader of Funkadesi. The evening also honored members of the Apna Ghar community for their extraordinary efforts in moving the organization’s mission and vision forward.
Illinois Supreme Court Justice Sanjay T. Tailor, the first Asian American ever on the court, won the Apna Ghar’s Trailblazer Award. The Parvin and Ramzan Dhanji Foundation, longtime financial supporters of Apna Ghar were honored with the Apna Ghar’s Champion Award.
Meanwhile, Apna Ghar’s Advocacy Award was presented to Dr. Sonia Ooyola, founder and president of the Be Alright Foundation, in recognition of her strong support for the organization and contributions to shaping its programs. Chef Uzma Sharif, founder of Chocolat Uzma, also received the Advocacy Award for fostering meaningful collaborations and helping expand Apna Ghar’s community impact.