According to state and national domestic violence and sexual violence coalitions, such as the National Advocate Credentialing Program, the average training for advocates who work with domestic and sexual violence survivors totals 40 hours. Mutual Ground, Inc. offers a 60-hour domestic and sexual violence training, which prepares participants to be victim advocates in hospitals and courtrooms, as crisis hotline responders, and in other roles.

Through volunteering at Mutual Ground, I have met other survivors of domestic violence and sexual violence, family and friends of those who have lost their lives to domestic violence, and like-minded people who want to give a helping hand to the survivors of these horrific acts. It takes sweat, detailed coordination, immeasurable hours of service, and heartfelt tears for a place like Mutual Ground to exist.

For five decades, we have walked alongside survivors, families, and communities — providing safety, support, and pathways toward healing. This incredible journey has been made possible thanks to the vision of our founding mothers, the dedication of our staff, and the unwavering support of our community.

It’s no secret that domestic violence has a profound cost. It is far more common than many realize and impacts the people around us—our friends, neighbors, coworkers, and sometimes even ourselves. In fact, an estimated 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience intimate partner violence at some point in their lives.

The journey to sustained recovery is filled with challenges, growth, setbacks, and triumphs. While medical treatment, therapy, and personal commitment are essential parts of the process, one often-overlooked but critical ingredient is Community. Community can be the cornerstone of long-term recovery and remission from substance use disorder (SUD).

Each September, we observe National Recovery Month. This year’s theme: Recovery is REAL (Restoring Every Aspect of Life) reminds us that recovery goes far beyond treatment. It’s about rebuilding every part of life, and at the center of it all, your home.

September marks National Recovery Month, a time to raise awareness about substance use and mental health recovery, and to celebrate the strength, resilience, and progress of individuals on their recovery journey. This year’s theme, Recovery is REAL - Restoring Every Aspect of Life, highlights the four pillars of recovery: health, home, community, and purpose.

For nine years, the Girls Just Want to Have Fun Golf Outing has brought women together for a day filled with golf, laughter, and camaraderie—all in support of Mutual Ground. The idea was born when Debbie, Jane, and Joeanne, who had recently taken up golfing, attended a golf outing themselves.

Miss Fannie has been a dedicated volunteer at Mutual Ground since 1999, and her impact over the years has been nothing short of extraordinary. When Miss Fannie first arrived to volunteer, the donation room—now named Miss Fannie’s Room in her honor—was overflowing with items, to the point where it was nearly impossible to walk through.

Every year, the Family Services team devotes the three months of summer to fostering connections with the community and the clients they serve through their annual Summer Camp! Throughout the year, the team invests countless hours in planning, collaborating, and organizing this incredible Summer Camp experience.

So, let’s have a hard conversation. I am going to be completely honest with you. Maybe, just maybe, our phone is the real issue. At least, when it comes to our mental health and over-consumption of media. 

Twelve-year-old Emily sat curled up on the worn-out couch, the fabric rough against her arms. The flicker of the television provided the only light in her living room. She clutched her stuffed rabbit, its fur matted from years of comfort.

March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the resilience and achievements of women throughout history. It is also National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week on March 17-23, a reminder of the importance of education and awareness around substance use. This month, we highlight the often-overlooked reality of women in recovery—their unique challenges, their triumphs, and the power of community in their journey toward healing.

I remember hearing that door open, someone entering, and being excited to find who I was going to be able to talk to. The jitters would start, drop to my stomach, and give me butterflies. Was it a friend, a crush, or someone I had never met before? I couldn’t wait so I ran to the door only to hear it shut again and there wasn’t anyone around. Dang, I missed them. I went back to what I was doing and waited to hear the creaking sound of the door open again.

Mutual Ground was founded by a group of women known as the Women's Development Council who met at Waubonsee Community College. The council aimed to assess whether women's needs were being met and sponsored programs like workshops and support groups. The response was overwhelming, and the council realized the need for a center that could provide 24-hour services to individuals in crisis, thus began the ideation and creation of Mutual Ground.

Every year on November 25th, the world comes together to observe the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle against gender-based violence, aiming to raise awareness and promote action to eradicate this pervasive issue.

Every year on November 25, the world comes together to observe the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle against gender-based violence, aiming to raise awareness and promote action to eradicate this pervasive issue.

There is something that many do not like to talk about, but pretty much everyone has heard of. Even with so much advocacy and education, there were 107,453 U.S. drug overdose deaths in 2023, according to the CDC. Overdose death trends have evolved significantly over recent years, influenced by various factors including changes in drug availability, prescribing practices, economic conditions, and public health responses…