is to create a safe environment where individuals impacted by domestic violence, sexual violence, and substance use are able to reclaim their power. We support the healing of our community through education, awareness, and life changing services as a commitment to equity for all.

Our Mission

We unconditionally reject racism, discrimination, inequity and bigotry in all forms and embrace the organizational change necessary to dismantle systems that perpetuate injustice and inequity. In order to carry out our intentions, we have created the following organizational values to guide our journey from decision making to our daily practice.

Our Values

  • At Mutual Ground, we seek to understand and respect the diverse perspectives of all persons, join them where they are on their journey, accept them without judgment, treat them with wise compassion, and value them as unique individuals.

  • At Mutual Ground, we are committed to holding ourselves accountable to clients, staff, and our community; intentionally centering the voices of those who are inadequately represented. Our organizational values are rooted in purposeful practices upheld through word, thought, and action.

  • At Mutual Ground, we strive to intentionally create a non-judgmental, safe space open to vulnerability, where people are valued for all of their experiences and differences.

    "We can disagree and still love each other unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression and denial of my humanity and right to exist." ~ Robert Jones, Jr.

  • At Mutual Ground, we commit to eliminating injustice and racial inequity in the following ways:

    ~ decentering whiteness: shifting power and centering the voices of people with lived experiences of
    inequity (Learn More)

    ~ advancing policies that promote social justice by dismantling racist and inequitable systems

    ~ identifying and addressing biases and microaggressions of racism

    ~ holding ourselves and others accountable to values and actions that promote racial equity

    We condemn racism, discrimination, inequity, and bigotry in all forms.

Our History

  • 1974

    The Women’s Development Council meets at Waubonsee Community College and begins the ideation and creation of Mutual Ground.

  • 1975

    Mutual Ground is incorporated as a 501(c)3. Counseling and advocacy services for victims of domestic violence begin.

  • 1978

    Mutual Ground’s first shelter opens it’s doors in Aurora.

  • 1983

    Counseling and advocacy services for victims of sexual violence begin.

  • 1984

    First property is purchased on Lake Street in Aurora with the ability to shelter to fourteen clients.

  • 1985

    Prevention Education programming is offered in local schools.

  • 1997

    The Edna Smith Home on Oak Avenue is purchased to centralize services at one location and more than double shelter capacity.

  • 2011

    Executive Director, Linda Healy, retires after 23 years and is succeeded by the current Chief Executive Officer, Michelle Meyer.

  • 2015

    Satellite counseling office opens in Batavia.

  • 2016

    Satellite legal advocacy office opens at the Kendall County Courthouse.

  • 2017

    Satellite counseling office opens in Yorkville.

  • 2018

    Partnership with Hesed House provides victim services at the Hesed Comprehensive Homeless Resource Center. Property renovations accomodate growth in services and allow for addition of new staff.

  • 2019

    Board of Directors and Staff undergo a rigorous strategic planning process and create a five-year Strategic Plan.

  • 2020

    Mutual Ground participates in the establishment of the Kendall County Domestic Violence Response Team (DVRT).

  • 2021

    Mutual Ground acquires Breaking Free, adding outpatient substance use services to the Mutual Ground umbrella of services.

  • 2022

    Michelle Meyer’s title is changed from Executive Director to Chief Executive Officer.

  • 2023

    Chief Executive Officer, Michelle Meyer, retires after 12 years and is succeeded by the current Chief Executive Officer, Linda Maranda.