Apna Ghar, a Chicago-based nonprofit that works to end gender-based violence through services, outreach and advocacy, has released “Recipes from Our Home,” a cookbook featuring 29 multicultural recipes contributed by survivors of gender-based violence.
According to a news release, the cookbook was compiled over several years, drawing on contributions from survivors who used Apna Ghar’s emergency housing services and participated in its cooking groups.
“This book leaves me in awe of the incredible courage and resilience of the survivors Apna Ghar serves,” said Neha Gill, executive director and CEO of Apna Ghar. “‘Recipes from Our Home’ demonstrates how survivors find more than safety at Apna Ghar. They also find community, healing, and empowerment.”
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The cookbook includes personal reflections from survivors alongside their recipes, allowing readers to hear directly from contributors about their culinary traditions and lived experiences. The collection reflects the diverse cultural backgrounds of the people served by Apna Ghar.
Earlier this year, Apna Ghar celebrated its 35th anniversary with a gala. On May 16, the organization hosted “Together We Thrive,” bringing together more than 300 civic, community and corporate leaders, activists, organizational partners and supporters in Chicago.
The event was hosted by Emmy Award-winning anchor Ravi Baichwal and Rahul Sharma, founder of Strategic Inclusion Consulting and founder and bandleader of Funkadesi. The evening also honored members of the Apna Ghar community for their contributions to advancing the organization’s mission and vision.
Apna Ghar serves survivors from 50 countries, with immigrants and refugees accounting for 75% of its program participants. According to the organization, food can become a source of nourishment, healing and strength, allowing survivors to connect even when they do not speak the same language.
“Our cooking groups are powerful moments for survivors to share traditions with one another and create new, empowering memories,” said Tegest Enyew, program coordinator at Apna Ghar, who collected and extensively tested each recipe.
“It is so wonderful that everyone who reads ‘Recipes from Our Home’ will have a chance to share that connection and continue to pass it along among their own communities,” Enyew added.
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In addition to recipes, the cookbook features original artwork, writing and design contributed by artists based in South Africa, India and Singapore. The collection has also received endorsements from chefs and community leaders.
Apna Ghar held a preview event Oct. 19 at the Metropolitan Club in Chicago’s Willis Tower, giving cookbook contributors, endorsers, survivors and community partners an opportunity to receive advance copies and celebrate the collaborative effort behind the publication.
“Recipes from Our Home” is available to purchase on their website in both e-book and print formats.