NEED HELP NOW? | Chicago DV Hotline 1-877-863-6338 | Cook County DV Hotline 1-800-603-4357 | Are you a victim of domestic violence and looking for a place to heal and recover? 773-935-3434
Thank you for being the face of hope for those in our community who need us now.
Founded in Chicago in 1859, the House of the Good Shepherd has opened its doors and hearts to women and children who face unimaginable trauma and fear. Our holistic transitional housing and family violence recovery programs empower women and children to leave behind the cycle of violent homes, step out of poverty, and embrace a future full of hope and independence.
Paralyzed by fear!
“When my husband started throwing punches in the couch next to our 1 year-old, and I saw the terror in his little face, I knew I had to find a way to leave him.” - HGS Resident
“The father of my children pinned me against the wall and started to punch the wall behind me, making big holes. He did this as he laughed and told me, ‘If I can do that to the wall, imagine what I can do to your face.’ " - HGS Resident
Our target population is economically and educationally deprived persons from the poorest neighborhoods in Chicago’s inner city and throughout the greater Chicagoland area. Many of those we serve are profoundly troubled and face staggering psychological and mental challenges. Most have little or no source of income and no place to live other than to return to an abusive relationship. House of the Good Shepherd welcomes survivors of violence and abuse regardless of race, ethnic origin, economic status, marital status, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, or physical, cognitive, or developmental ability. All are offered love, compassion, and respect.
House of the Good Shepherd has also served families from 35 different countries around the world, including clients from Central and South America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
““You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”
- Maya Angelou”
violence ROBS CHILDREN OF THEIR CHILDHOOD
Often a single act of violence defines the path of that child’s development.
The child of a HGS resident recently said, “I grew up seeing my father physically hurt my mother almost every day. I learned that this was “normal” now I am working really hard with my counselor to find healthy ways of expressing my frustrations. “
Another child said, “I still remember waking up in the middle of the night to loud noises in my parents room, going to sleep every night was a nightmare for me, the first time I enjoyed going to sleep was when I came to House of the Good Shepherd”
Young children, especially from the ages of 6 to 24 months, are extremely vulnerable during these early stages of life. Exposure to acute and chronic stress associated with poverty and violence leaves a devastating imprint on their lives.
Safe, predictable, and stable environments are fundamental building blocks in helping children form healthy social relationships and emotional behaviors for life. We have been helping children recover from family violence since 1980. Our children’s program assist children up to the age of 14, and these programs remain as a vital part of what we do each day.