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Chicago’s Apna Ghar marks 35 years combating gender violence
During the anniversary celebrations, the nonprofit announced an upcoming cookbook titled “Recipes from Our Home,” featuring 29 dishes contributed by survivors
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Staff Reporter - Thu, 21, May 2026
- 04:43 EDT
- 85
Several people and organizations were recognized during the event for contributions to Apna Ghar’s mission. / Courtesy photo
Apna Ghar, a Chicago-based nonprofit serving domestic violence survivors in immigrant communities, marked its 35th anniversary this year with a gala in Chicago on May 16, celebrating the organization’s work supporting survivors of gender violence and announcing a new cookbook created with contributions from survivors.
The nonprofit said it has served more than 100,000 community members from over 50 countries since its founding. What began as a single crisis line has expanded into services that include emergency and transitional housing, legal and medical advocacy, and economic empowerment programs. The organization said its staff collectively speaks more than 20 languages.
“Thirty-five years gives Apna Ghar an incredible foundation in our mission of ending gender violence,” said Neha Gill, Apna Ghar’s executive director and CEO.
“We remain determined to empower survivors, engage communities, and elevate gender justice and human rights through our evidence-based, solutions-focused approach,” Gill said.
The organization said it has received recognition in recent years from the Chicago Foundation for Women and the Chicago Mayor’s Medal of Honor for service to city residents. Apna Ghar also said it plans to continue expanding programs, including its recently launched mobile advocacy services.
During the anniversary celebrations, the nonprofit announced an upcoming cookbook titled “Recipes from Our Home,” featuring 29 dishes contributed by survivors who participated in and supported Apna Ghar’s programs.
“We’ve found cooking has provided its own form of common language to connect survivors with each other, creating a unique space for healing,” Gill said.
“This cookbook represents the bonds built through that shared comfort of eating a meal cooked with love and care,” she added.
The cookbook is dedicated to survivors of domestic violence and highlights the cultures and experiences within Apna Ghar’s community. The organization said the cookbook will be released later in 2026.
The cookbook announcement was made during Apna Ghar’s 35th annual gala, titled ‘Together We Thrive.’ The event drew more than 300 attendees, including civic leaders, activists, corporate representatives, community partners and supporters.
The gala was hosted by Emmy Award-winning anchor Ravi Baichwal and Rahul Sharma, founder of Strategic Inclusion Consulting and founder and band leader of Funkadesi.
Several people and organizations were recognized during the event for contributions to Apna Ghar’s mission.
Illinois Supreme Court Justice Sanjay T. Tailor, the first Asian American to serve on the court and a former Apna Ghar board president, received the organization’s Trailblazer Award.
The Parvin and Ramzan Dhanji Foundation received Apna Ghar’s Champion Award for longtime financial support of the organization.
Dr. Sonia Ooyola, founder and president of the Be Alright Foundation, received an Advocacy Award for supporting and helping shape Apna Ghar’s programs.
Chef Uzma Sharif, founder of Chocolat Uzma, also received an Advocacy Award for her collaborations and support of the organization.
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