Women's Stories 
Our participants’ stories are almost as varied as the number of women we serve. Here are a few chronicles of the women who come to Sarah’s Circle, and some of the ways our program helps them to take next steps toward independence and self-reliance.
Sarah's Circle Chicago Foundation for Women Ripple Effect Winner!
Carol Markopulos
Carol Markopulos was managing and living in an apartment building on Chicago's north side while working with several social service agencies in the neighborhood to help provide affordable housing and placement for the homeless. After the building she was managing was structurally damaged by construction taking place next doo, the owners were forced to evacuate. Ironically, Carol found herself among her homeless clients. Although she was not initially prepared for a personal experience with honelessness in Chicago, it was not long before she turned her fate around, becoming an author, educational speaker and certified cook.
Sarah's Circle, a grantee partner of the Chicago Foundation for Women, helps women who are homeless become their own advocates, supports them in taking steps toward health and independent living and encourages them to participate in community activities. Carol began to visit Sarah's Circle during the day because of its warm and receptive group of staff and volunteers. She participated in their workshops that included cooking classes, computer training, like skills, money management and conflict resolution. In addition to being able to make phone calls, do laundry and have dinner at Sarah's Circle, Carol learned more about the many causes of homelessness amoung women and quickly became an advocate.
While living at a shelter, Carol met a professor from DePaul University who was producing a documentary on homelessness. Impressed by Carol's knowledge and expertise, she invited her to speak to her class. Carol is now a guest speaker on DePaul's campus and will be starring in a soon to be released documentary. She is also co-authoring a book called "30 Seconds to Homelessness" which documents her experiences as well a her encounters with other homeless people. She lives independently and is currently employed at a retirement home.
When asked wjat she wants people to know about homelessness, Carol replied, "I want people to think about it before they judge a homeless person. Many people stereotype homeless and think the women are mostly prostitutes or drug addicts. And many people think that if a male is homeless she should be helped first because he has to take cate of his family. These misconceptions make it very difficult for women who are homeless. The next time you see a homeless woman, think about the challenges she faces being a female on the streets. Then think about her potential and tell her about a place like Sarah's Circle. Someone did that for me. Every woman should feel that kind of support."
In honor of these acheivements Carol Markopulous won this year's Chicago Foundation for Women's Ripple Effect Award as a Sarah's Circle nominee. Congratulations Carol!
These scenarios exemplify the personal, continuous care we provide women who come to Sarah's Circle. They also point out the importance of the partnerships we have with other agencies in providing a continuum of care for the women. Furthermore, they show that our work focuses on readiness: the readiness of the participant to take next steps, when she is ready, toward stability and independence. For some women, that may happen very quickly; for other, it may take years.