Chicago

Welcome to Refuge for Women Chicago!

TAKE A TOUR OF OUR CHICAGOLAND AREA PROGRAM HOME, ESTABLISHED IN 2016!

As many as 25,000 women and girls are sexually exploited and trafficked in the Chicago area every year. Refuge for Women has responded to this need and opened our Refuge for Women Chicago area home in October 2016. We received our first residents in November 2016 and look forward to what God has in store for their future.

Donate to our ministry

Your generous contribution will go directly towards providing long-term care for women who have been trafficked and exploited.

Volunteer your time

We are always in need of volunteers to help with administrative tasks, events, fundraising opportunities, and more. Give your time and talents to help further our mission.

Join Our Team

We are looking for individuals with a heart to bring healing and wholeness to a population of broken women.

Events

The Truth About Trafficking

January 24, 2024 7:00PM  |  Cosman Theater (Huntley Park District) | Join community leaders for a critical discussion on trafficking and exploitation. Learn myths vs. ...
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Previous Events

2023 Gala At The Farmstead

What an evening of impact we had on October 19th at the Lincoln Farmstead with our 180 guests! Thank you to every attendee, donor, sponsor, staff, volunteer, ...
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Benefit Concert for Sex Trafficking Survivors

On May 25, 2023, Refuge for Women Chicago hosted our 2nd Annual Benefit Concert for Sex Trafficking Survivors in Woodstock! We came together at Niko’s ...
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Trivia Night

Thank you to our Trivia Night attendees for raising nearly $4,000 to support Refuge for Women! We had a blast with Elephino Trivia leading trivia ...
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Invite Refuge For Women To Present

Awareness and prevention is key! Bring Refuge to your group, office, or school to shed light on the issues surrounding sex trafficking and exploitation. Contact meredith.hodge@refugeforwomen.org.

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House Needs

Often our residents will arrive with only the clothes on their back. Items on this registry will help us provide for her daily needs!

We do our best to update our needs list frequently. You can order directly from our Amazon Wish List to be shipped to our office.

Donate Gift Cards

Gift cards give us flexibility for our on-demand and unexpected needs at the house. We appreciate gift cards to: Amazon, Walmart, Target, Walgreens, gas stations, craft stores, and chain restaurants. Contact crystal.boterorand@refugeforwomen.org for more info.

Be a Supply Partner

Supply Partners help provide household items for our program home like food, toiletries, cleaning supplies, and other necessities. This is a great way for church groups, businesses, and families to get involved! Contact crystal.boterorand@refugeforwomen.org for more info on becoming a Supply Partner.

Give. Shop. Serve.

Give monthly. Give once. Just give. All donations help restore hope.

Shop for artisan candles,  and leather goods crafted by our survivors.

Offer your time and talents for the benefit of our mission.

Give. Serve.

Give monthly. Give once. Just give. All donations help restore hope.

Offer your time and talents for the benefit of our mission.

Leadership

Meredith
Hodge

Executive Director

Sybil
Baxa

Development Director

Joan
Flores

Program Director and
Transitional Living Director

Crystal
Botero-Rand

Community Engagement Coordinator

Sherry Bennett

Residential Shift Leader

Victoria Bounds

Residential Shift Leader

Jen Fanning

Residential Shift Leader

Christine Hrinowich

Senior Residential Shift Leader

Lani Lang

Residential Shift Leader

Michelle Marzelli

Executive Director Assistant

Leah Regester

Residential Shift Leader

Local Board of Directors

Board Chair

Troy Owens: Managing Member, Owens Law LLC; Assistant State’s Attorney, McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office

Board Treasurer

Walter Wolf: Finance/Accounting Professional (retired)

Board Secretary

Kim Stevenson: MA, NBCC, Licensed Professional Counselor

Board Members

  • Terri Greeno: Owner, Express Employment Professionals
  • Michelle Lieb: Founder and CEO, MKL Intentional Growth
  • Jim Wiecek, Owner, Inspired Designs Painting and Remodeling and Director of Men’s Ministry, Light of Christ Church
  • Shannon Swift: Senior Pastor, One Hope Community Church

Contact Refuge for Women Chicago

Connect with our team to learn more or get involved
620 Dakota Street, Crystal Lake, IL 60012

Survivor Made creates jobs and  builds the confidence of our survivors. Our artisan, hand-crafted products are stylish, high-quality and change lives one sale at a time.