On October 29, 2025, a transformative three-hour session was held to support women impacted by domestic violence (DV), intimate partner violence (IPV), housing instability, and employment challenges. The session welcomed 12 courageous women and was supported by trained facilitators and staff offering individual counseling and resource navigation.
The event was held at Fellowship Chicago Church and organized by AIDS Foundation Chicago’s (AFC) Community Partnerships Team as part of the Employment and Women Connection Collaboration, in partnership with Fellowship Chicago. Facilitators included Nicole Baldwin, Employment Manager at AFC, Tamika Foust, Director of Workforce Development and Capacity Building at AFC, Gina Lamar Evans of Nefuse, and Rev. Jamie Fluker of Fellowship Chicago.
The session began with a warm welcome with refreshments, and during opening remarks staff outlined the aim of the program and an overview of the day’s agenda, setting a tone of safety, respect, and healing. The second part of the day, Understanding DV & IPV, was led by a trained DV facilitator and clarified the distinctions between domestic violence and intimate partner violence. Participants explored the various forms of abuse — mental, physical, sexual, financial, and religious — and engaged in a listening session to share and reflect. The third part of the day focused on employment and DV, during which participants received a resource booklet and explored information on resume tips for gaps due to DV, safety strategies in the workplace, skill-building and job readiness resources, and interview preparation.
Next, a listening session created space for women to share personal stories of DV, homelessness, and employment loss. The dialogue was raw, brave, and deeply moving. Key themes included the importance of flexible and editable safety plans, the mental and emotional process of escape, and the critical role of housing and safety in recovery. “This listening session created a brave space where survivors spoke truth to their experiences, helping us see the realities behind the statistics. Their honesty and courage are guiding us toward more compassionate, informed, and effective ways to serve and support those impacted by domestic violence in multiple areas, including employment and career navigation.” Nicole Baldwin
The day concluded with words of encouragement from a faith facilitator, a raffle, and a closing prayer — reinforcing hope, community, and resilience. Some participant reflections included, “Do not acknowledge irrational behavior,” “Listen to your mind and the Holy Spirit,” “Marriage does not mean consent,” and “DV plays a critical role in employment.”
Participants expressed a strong need for continued support in housing, safety planning, and employment pathways, and received resource recommendations for employment services, housing support, mental health counseling, and DV hotlines. This session demonstrated the power of community engagement, the necessity of trauma-informed support, and the resilience of women navigating complex challenges. One participant shared, “Healing from domestic violence is not a destination — it’s a continuous journey. You must remain vigilant, always aware of your triggers, and constantly evaluate your environment for safety. True healing requires ongoing reflection, support, and the understanding that safety is not just physical — it is emotional, mental, and spiritual.”
