FOCUS Ministries launches October campaign to raise $60k for free domestic violence counseling
Domestic violence does not always leave visible bruises. Emotional abuse, coercive control, financial manipulation and intimidation can leave victims feeling isolated, confused and powerless. For 30 years, FOCUS Ministries Inc. in Villa Park has worked to help individuals and families affected by domestic violence recognize abuse, find support, and take steps toward healing and greater independence.
This October, in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, FOCUS Ministries is asking the community to help raise $60,000 to sustain its ongoing work and continue offering free counseling to victims and survivors of domestic violence.
Founded in 1995 by a group of women in Chicago’s western suburbs, FOCUS Ministries has grown into a nonprofit ministry serving people experiencing abusive relationships, separation, divorce and other difficult family circumstances.
Based in the Western suburbs, the organization provides free counseling by phone, email and in person, along with support groups, educational resources, and training to help churches, organizations and community members better understand domestic abuse.
“Many victims of domestic violence struggle to recognize the full extent of the abuse or know where to turn for help,” said Paula Silva, co-founder and president of FOCUS Ministries. “For 30 years, we have sought to walk alongside people who are hurting, remind them that they are not alone, and help them find hope and support. We need our community’s help to ensure that financial circumstances do not prevent someone from receiving the counseling and encouragement they need.”
Free counseling a critical first step
Leaving or recovering from an abusive relationship can be complicated by fear, financial dependence, emotional trauma, isolation, and concerns about children or family stability. Abuse may involve far more than physical violence, and victims may struggle to identify what is happening or feel safe enough to tell someone.
FOCUS Ministries offers a compassionate place for people to talk about their experiences without being pressured to make decisions before they are ready. Its services include free counseling, online and in-person support groups, educational resources and financial counseling intended to help people work toward greater independence.
The organization also provides domestic violence education and training for churches, support group leaders and others who want to help victims effectively.
The work is supported by staff and ministry leaders with experience in domestic violence counseling, chaplaincy, advocacy and education. Silva has counseled women affected by abusive situations since the organization’s founding. Other team members bring domestic violence training, support group leadership and years of community service to the organization’s mission.
A growing need
The need for accessible support is reflected in FOCUS Ministries’ 2025 impact figures. During the year, the organization welcomed 204 new clients, provided 812 counseling sessions, and responded to 976 calls, emails, and office visits from people seeking help and support.
Each number represents someone reaching out during a difficult time — often while navigating fear, isolation, financial uncertainty or the emotional effects of abuse.
As FOCUS Ministries marks 30 years of service in the Chicago area, the organization is raising $60,000 during Domestic Violence Awareness Month to help sustain its services and continue offering free counseling to victims and survivors of domestic violence.
Community donations help FOCUS remain a resource for people who might otherwise struggle to find compassionate support they can afford. By contributing to the campaign, individuals, churches, and local businesses can help ensure that survivors have somewhere to turn when they are ready to seek help.
Help FOCUS Ministries reach its $60,000 goal at focusministries1.org/join-us/donate.
How the community can help
Everyone has a role to play in supporting victims and survivors of domestic violence. Community members can help by:
• Making a donation: Give to FOCUS Ministries’ $60,000 campaign to help sustain free counseling and survivor support services.
• Becoming a monthly donor: Provide ongoing support that helps the organization plan for the needs of clients throughout the year.
• Sharing the campaign: Encourage friends, family, churches and local businesses to support the work of FOCUS Ministries.
• Learning the warning signs: Understand that domestic violence can include emotional, verbal, financial, psychological and spiritual abuse — not only physical violence.
• Connecting someone with help: Listen without judgment and help people experiencing abuse find appropriate support and resources.
“Behind every request for help is a person, and often a family, trying to find a way forward,” Silva said. “We want people to know that support is available, that they deserve to be heard, and that they do not have to navigate this journey alone. We hope the community will stand with survivors by helping us keep these services accessible.”
About FOCUS Ministries Inc.
FOCUS Ministries Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1995 in Chicago’s western suburbs. Its mission is to provide hope, encouragement, education, and assistance to women and families experiencing domestic violence, abusive relationships, separation, divorce and other difficult circumstances. Through free counseling, support groups, educational resources and training, FOCUS Ministries works to help individuals recognize abuse, find support, and move toward healing and greater independence.
To learn more about FOCUS Ministries, its counseling services, support groups and domestic violence education resources, visit focusministries1.org.