Our Mission
Our Mission
Between Friends is dedicated to preventing domestic violence and ending the cycle of abuse by equipping our communities with the tools necessary for everyone to feel safe and equal in their relationships.
Our Vision
We envision a society free from domestic violence and abuse.
Our Philosophy
Between Friends provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals and families in crisis. Our counselors empower clients to make their own decisions and choices, rather than making choices for them. Between Friends helps adult, teen, and child survivors of domestic violence to recognize that their experience is shared. We realize, and encourage others to realize, that the problem of domestic violence is social and political.
Between Friends recognizes that sexism is a root cause of domestic violence, and as such, women are disproportionately the targets of this form of oppression. We also acknowledge that domestic violence is intrinsically linked to all systemic forms of violence, including heterosexism, cissexism, classism, racism, ageism, ableism, and sizeism. Domestic violence affects everyone and our programs support all persons, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, marital status, national origin, language capacity, or ability.
Our Values
Leadership
We join voices with those impacted by domestic violence and lead efforts that raise awareness and advocate for systemic and societal changes.
Innovation
We are committed to delivering best-in-class services to the individuals we assist. We foster an environment of innovation and continuous improvement to extend the positive impact our prevention and education resources have on the community.
Collaboration
We welcome the opportunity to achieve our goals in partnership with others who share our vision. We actively seek productive relationships with others to expand our reach and advance our mission and vision.
Integrity
We are dedicated to honest and ethical business practices. We believe in the balance of energy and passion for the work, coupled with structured fidelity and accountability in execution.
Respect
We hold the individuals we serve in the highest regard and treat all matters with the utmost care and confidentiality. We respect their right to make their own decisions and strive to provide counsel and support throughout the healing and rebuilding process.
Responsiveness
We design and implement our prevention, advocacy, and intervention efforts with the needs of our community as our guide.
Our History
In 1986, Between Friends was founded by volunteers and friends from the National Council of Jewish Women and the Junior League of Evanston/North Shore as a small grantmaking body dedicated to raising funds for local domestic violence programs. The clear disparity between the growing numbers of domestic violence survivors needing help and the limited programs available to assist them prompted Between Friends to expand its efforts in 1991, adding direct crisis intervention services for individuals and families.
Join Our Mailing List
Get updates on events, volunteer opportunities, and other ways to get involved.