By: Ashmar Mandou

On Wednesday morning, Cook County officials including President Toni Preckwinkle and Commissioner Alma Anaya, alongside the Cook County Justice Advisory Council and non-profit leaders held a press conference to announce nearly $5 million in grants awarded under the Cook County Domestic Violence Intervention and Support Services Initiative.

“Forms of gender-based violence including domestic violence have silently impacted our communities for generations,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “This Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we are making an important investment in programs and services for survivors and their families. We are committed to supporting and empowering our residents impacted by gender-based violence and increasing access to the services that address the ongoing need in our communities.”

The Domestic Violence Intervention and Support Services Initiative is an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) supported program designed in response to the increased levels of gender-based violence experienced. Grant awards range from $132,000 to $1.5 million and are supporting provision of services through September 2025. Additional grant awards under the Domestic Violence Intervention and Support Services are anticipated, pending availability of funding.

“Domestic violence is an issue that affects all of us – whether you are a direct survivor or not,” said Cook County Commissioner, Alma Anaya. “As a County, it is critical that we invest in programs and organizations that will provide lasting impact in the lives of those affected by abuse. Survivors need access to critical resources, including social, emotional, physical, and mental health resources. I’m grateful to the Justice Advisory Council for investing in programs that will help survivors, their families, and our communities.”

In 2024, eight community-based organizations from across Cook County received a grant award under the initiative. The organizations that received grant funding are American Indian Health Services of Chicago, ANEW: Building Beyond Violence and Abuse, The Crisis Center for South Suburbia, KAN-WIN, Mujeres Latinas En Acción, The Network Advocating Against Domestic Violence, Sarah’s Inn and WINGS Program, Inc. To learn more about the Cook County Domestic Violence Intervention and Support Services Initiative, visit CookCountyil.gov/JACGrants. More information on Domestic Violence is available from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Network Advocating Against Domestic Violence. The Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline is 877-863-6338.