Lake County Haven Marks 30 Years of Serving Homeless Women and Children

Thirty years ago, Lake County Haven opened its doors in Libertyville to provide safe shelter, meals and assistance to homeless women and children. Milk was just over a dollar then, Whitney Houston had the best-selling single with "I Will Always Love You" and "Batman Returns" was the top-grossing film.

Much has changed in the world since 1992, but what hasn't changed is Lake County Haven's commitment to homeless women and children. The mission is to help homeless women achieve permanent, independent living. The agency's goal is that its residents will never be homeless again.

Peg Bradley, one of the founders and formerly of Lake Forest, marvels that the grassroots shelter she helped start is now celebrating 30 years.

"I just can't help but think of all the people whose lives have been touched by Lake County Haven," Bradley said. "I think of all of the staff who work day in and day out to support and guide the women and the hundreds and hundreds of volunteers and donors who have given so much of their time and resources."

Lake County Haven, with two shelters and transitional housing, has provided a safe, warm home, nutritious food, and life-changing services since its opening 30 years ago. Every day homeless women secure jobs, save money, and learn coping skills while at Lake County Haven.

"The community has embraced and supported Lake County Haven from the beginning, and we would not be celebrating this milestone anniversary without the generous support of individuals, businesses, clubs and houses of worship," said Executive Director Laura Sabino.

The organization draws a strong response from volunteers, and many opportunities exist to be a part of the mission. Donors can drop off a meal or adopt a night to help provide services to residents for one night. Community members can donate, attend events, or help supply basic items from the organization's wish list - which can be found at lakecountyhaven.org.

The founders of Lake County Haven, from Lake Forest, opened the shelter within 5 months of their initial meeting. The small group did all the work, from finding a shelter to even cleaning it, making beds, and stocking the cupboards themselves in the early days.

"Most of the people who started Lake County Haven had life circumstances within the first 5 or 6 years that took us away from the area," Bradley said. "In some ways, I think that was good because the community took it over. Libertyville and all of Lake County have just embraced Lake County Haven over the last 30 years."

The organization has grown steadily to meet the needs of the community. It now operates two shelters, Hope House and Renewal House, and multiple units of transitional housing. A team of case managers work alongside residents to help them overcome any challenge and get back on their feet.

"It's a shining light of healing in the world," Bradley said.

For more information about Lake County Haven, visit lakecountyhaven.org.