Apna Ghar, a Chicago nonprofit dedicated to supporting immigrant domestic violence survivors, celebrates 35 years of service with a gala and the upcoming release of a community cookbook.
Apna Ghar, a nonprofit organization based in Chicago, is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, marking over three decades of support for domestic violence survivors within immigrant communities. The organization commemorated this significant milestone with a gala event that highlighted its rich history and ongoing commitment to advocacy and empowerment.
Founded from the simple idea of a crisis hotline, Apna Ghar has evolved into a comprehensive service provider. The organization now offers a wide range of services, including emergency and transitional housing, legal and medical advocacy, and economic empowerment programs. According to Apna Ghar, it has served over 100,000 individuals from more than 50 countries, with a team proficient in over 20 languages.
“Thirty-five years gives Apna Ghar an incredible foundation in our mission of ending gender violence,” said Neha Gill, Executive Director and 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.”
Over the years, Apna Ghar has received numerous accolades for its impactful work. The organization has been recognized by the Chicago Foundation for Women and was awarded the Chicago Mayor’s Medal of Honor for exemplary service to the city’s residents.
In conjunction with its anniversary celebrations, Apna Ghar announced the forthcoming release of a cookbook titled “Recipes from Our Home.” This collection features 29 recipes contributed by survivors who have participated in and supported the organization’s programs. Gill emphasized the significance of cooking as a means of connection among survivors, stating, “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.”
The cookbook is dedicated to all survivors of domestic violence and serves to celebrate the resilience and diverse cultures of the Apna Ghar community.
On May 16, Apna Ghar hosted an event titled “Together We Thrive,” which brought together more than 300 civic, community, and corporate leaders, activists, and organizational partners. The evening was hosted by Emmy Award-winning anchor Ravi Baichwal and Rahul Sharma, founder of Strategic Inclusion Consulting and band leader of Funkadesi. The event also recognized members of the Apna Ghar community for their extraordinary contributions to advancing the organization’s mission.
Among the honorees was Illinois Supreme Court Justice Sanjay T. Tailor, who received Apna Ghar’s Trailblazer Award, becoming the first Asian American to serve on the court. The Parvin and Ramzan Dhanji Foundation, long-time supporters of Apna Ghar, were awarded the Champion Award for their financial contributions. Additionally, Apna Ghar’s Advocacy Award was presented to Dr. Sonia Ooyola, founder and president of the Be Alright Foundation, for her strong support and contributions to the organization’s programs. Chef Uzma Sharif, founder of Chocolat Uzma, also received the Advocacy Award for her efforts in fostering collaborations that have expanded Apna Ghar’s community impact.
As Apna Ghar celebrates this significant anniversary, it continues to reaffirm its commitment to supporting survivors of domestic violence and advocating for gender justice within immigrant communities, ensuring that its mission remains as vital as ever.
According to The American Bazaar, the organization’s dedication to empowering survivors and engaging communities has made a lasting impact over the past 35 years.