This team focuses on issues directly affecting the homeless and hunger-related issues. Members of this team minister directly to the homeless, serve in shelters and drop-in-centers, and food pantries across the city of Chicago.

Sarah's Circle

Background: Sarah's Circle was founded in 1979 to serve homelessness women. While volunteering for what is now known as Harper House, three friends--Jeanette Hupp, Janet Sullivan and Maxine Florell--decided they wanted to do something for the women of Uptown.Right from the start, they were determined to make the center different from other social service agencies. Rather than insist that the women served by the center conform to a system, the center's staff would accept each woman as she was. There were very few rules, but they were important ones, involving keeping the peace and being respectful of others.

Sarah's Circle has relocated several times finally relocating at it's present home at 4750 N. Sheridan in 1998. Since relocating, the agency has continued to expand its staff and programming. Now the center has ten full-time employees, and one part-time employee. New positions include a cook/food services manager and a development associate. All program staff members provide case management. It also has a computer lab where women learn everything from basic keyboard and mouse skills to resume creation.

For over 25 years now, Sarah's Circle has been a vital, responsive and progressive member of the Uptown social services community. Open seven days a week, Sarah's Circle is a safe refuge providing a welcoming, supportive and non-intrusive respite from the streets for women who are homeless or marginally housed in Uptown.

Focus: Sarah's Circle is a drop-in center that offers a welcoming, supportive, non-intrusive safe refuge for women who are homeless, transient and of low income. We respect each woman and her individuality, and offer her the opportunity to make positive changes in her life. We provide options, services and advocacy, meeting the needs of hundreds of women who come through our doors.

Directions:
· East on Foster to Sheridan
· Left/north on Sheridan
· 4750 North Sheridan Road - second floor

Site Coordinator: Nia Colon