As the weather becomes colder in Chicago, the leaves start to change, and the days become shorter- we see changes in Sarah's Circle.

We continue to serve an ever increasing number of women- especially as the weather changes. In 2008, we served over 650 individual women, on average 49 women a day. Already in 2009, these numbers have risen to an average of 58 women per day and a total of more than 610 women overall. The fall & winter months always bring us a dramatic increase in women as they seek, initially, an escape from the harsh Chicago weather. Our committed staff, interns and volunteers work endlessly to meet the many varied needs of our women; from providing continued individualized case management to facilitating art workshops to cooking nutritious meals.

As we look to the future, we know that permanent & stable housing- along with the supportive services to maintain that housing- is essential for the women we serve. Sarah's Circle, in an effort to expand our housing options as well as provide for additional programs, is in the process of purchasing a building in our neighborhood. Our new building will have 10 units of permanent supportive housing for women who have been chronically homeless. Additionally, the building will house the daytime program and all supportive services. Please stay tuned for more developments in this exciting time in the history of Sarah's Circle.

I thank you for your continued support of our efforts to provide services to women who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. As we progress, we hope you will continue to be a part of our community.

Links:

• Full Circle Resale Boutique

Pictures:

• Women at Sarah's Circle (JPG)