When asked what Madonna House did for her and her family, Lee* breaks down in tears. Maria Cardona, Program Manager for the Catholic Charities pilot program, rises to hold and comfort Lee, who embraces the woman she calls mom.
“Many things have changed in my life since I came to Madonna House,” Lee says in her native Spanish. “I learned to love myself, value myself as a woman, defend myself, and not let anyone mistreat or abuse me, or my rights as a woman and person.”
Catholic Charities operates two permanent transitional homes for survivors of domestic violence, serving approximately 100 people annually. But demand for services in the Chicago area is growing. Illinois domestic violence hotline calls are up 90% from pre-pandemic levels, and the number of deaths by domestic violence in Illinois rose 110% last year.
Partnering to respond
In response to this increasing need, Catholic Charities partnered with Saint Clement Parish to open Madonna House in February 2024 as a transitional home and counseling program for survivors of domestic violence who had recently arrived as migrants to the Chicago area. The program was funded through the generous support of donors—Saint Clement parishioners, individuals, religious orders, and foundations—as a nine-month pilot to address the acute need for temporary support for this unique population. Volunteers from Saint Clement and neighboring partner parishes cooked meals, and helped with clothing, activities for the kids, and more. At the close of October, Madonna House celebrated the program’s successful completion, having supported 12 moms and 24 children on their path toward independence and self-sufficiency.
“Through its generous support, dedication, and consistent accompaniment, this ministry provided invaluable resources and emotional support to the families we served week after week, facilitating their journey toward healing and stability,” says Maria Cardona. “We are so grateful to all who supported the success of this initiative, embodying kindness and compassion.”
A journey toward self-sufficiency and healing
In addition to operating transitional homes for survivors of domestic violence, Catholic Charities provides counseling to hundreds more survivors each year. The goal for every woman served is self-sufficiency. The healing that transpires for families who receive services often runs even deeper than that.
“I can only imagine that it must take a level of complete desperation and devastation to be able to walk out of an abusive situation carrying only your kids and the clothes on your back,” says Laura Kuever, Associate Vice President, Empowering Families. “What we do at Catholic Charities across programming and especially with our domestic violence programs literally saves people’s lives. It’s life-changing for women.”
At Madonna House, clients received counseling services and education on healthy relationships and how to identify and prevent domestic violence. Women were offered referrals to social service agencies, legal immigration assistance, healthcare access, affordable childcare, and support with school enrollment.
“I feel protected here.”
Luna*, the first survivor to arrive at Madonna House, today is living in an apartment of her own, supporting herself and her son as a certified residential and commercial house cleaner. To escape a violent partner in her native country, Luna walked with her young son for four months through Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, and Guatemala. At Madonna House, Luna says she found safety and positive support—which became especially critical when Catholic Charities helped her access mental health treatment she credits with saving her life.
“I feel protected here,” she says, through a translator.
After losing a pregnancy to miscarriage while living at Madonna House, Estrella* says she felt not only safe but also supported.
“She is so grateful, and very humbled, to receive support from Madonna House, especially when she miscarried,” Maria translates for Estrella. “She felt safe here and she could rest.”
Like other residents, Estrella* participated in job training and took basic finance classes, and now she knows how to budget, save money, and open a checking account in the United States. She started a new job in July preparing desserts on a dinner cruise boat on Lake Michigan and is living in a two-bedroom apartment with her children.
Another graduate, Sofia*, arrived at Madonna House with a newborn and toddler. Recently, she moved into her first apartment with her daughters. “I must be strong and motivated to continue my life,” she says, adding that she is grateful to have learned how to protect herself, how to support her daughters, and teach them that they, too, have rights and inherent dignity.
*Name changed for protection
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