Neopolitan Lighthouse is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the empowerment of abused women and children Neopolitan Lighthouse is a response to the dramatic need of services for women and children who are victims/survivors of domestic violence. Neopolitan Lighthouse was established in 1984 by a group of professional women who recognized the need for these services on the Westside of Chicago. Neopolitan Lighthouse is governed by the Board of Directors and is representative of the Garfield and Humboldt Park communities which it serves as well as the greater metropolitan Chicago area. Neopolitan Lighthouse is dedicated to promoting the emotional, educational, and practical needs of abused women and their children. The program philosophy is based on the belief that the misuse of power and control is at the root of all abusive relationships. Neopolitan Lighthouse provides a safe place to stay where women can gain insights about their situations, explore their options, and meet their needs for independent living.

Program History

Neopolitan Lighthouse originated as a volunteer effort and for the first two years of operation, 1984-1986, provided survivors of domestic violence with 24-hour crisis line, counseling, and advocacy services. The agency utilized "safe homes" in the community to shelter abused women and their children. Neopolitan Lighthouse addressed the needs of the larger community through the food distribution, after-school children's, and adult literacy programs.

On October 13th, 1986, Neopolitan Lighthouse opened a comprehensive 25-bed shelter facility for abused women and their children. The services provided at this site included, and still include, a 24 hour crisis line, crisis intervention, individual and group counseling, legal and non-legal advocacy, children's, and follow-up services. Room and board are provided at this confidential site 365 days a year. During the past 19 years, Neopolitan Lighthouse has provided counseling, case management, shelter, legal advocacy, and children's services to over 14,750 survivors of domestic violence.

The Walk-In Program was reestablished in July of 1995 when space became available at the agency's administrative office. The Walk-In Program provides domestic violence support services to abused women and children for whom shelter is either not available, appropriate, or the option of choice.

Neopolitan Lighthouse has successfully developed and implemented onsite and outreach programs for survivors of domestic violence. In 1996, Neopolitan Lighthouse began collaborating with the Chicago Department of Public Health to implement the Medical Advocacy Program which targets Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) clients who may also be in need of domestic violence services. In 1998, the agency achieved a long time goal of providing free health care to the residents at the shelter facility, and in 1999, extended those services to include STD and HIV/AIDS education, testing, and counseling. The Youth Violence Prevention Initiative was implemented in Fiscal Year 1999 to target adolescent survivors of dating/domestic violence who were interested in initiating counseling and support services on their own behalves. In 2000, the agency accomplished another significant goal and began offering free psychological services for the children residing at the shelter facility. In 2001, Neopolitan Lighthouse strengthened its relationship with Bethany Hospital and started to provide an advocate on-site to assess domestic violence cases. Neopolitan Lighthouse is always looking for ways to better serve women and children survivors/victims of domestic violence. In 2003 and 2004 we will continue to strengthen the existing programs and will expand our outreach services.

Neopolitan Lighthouse continues to work with the criminal justice system, medical community and social service sector to offer advocacy and options to survivors of domestic violence and their children. We are dedicated to expanding our services to offer as much help as possible to end domestic violence in Chicago. Join us in working towards empowering and emancipating women and children, Together, we can stop the violence.