For more than 31 years, St. Jude House has been a driving force in the region, working toward its mission to disrupt the cycle of abuse and reduce the prevalence of domestic violence in Northwest Indiana. Until that goal is achieved, the organization will continue supporting survivors who seek its services each year—and it is not doing it alone.
In 1995, Crown Point businessman Donald J. Burrell and the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago, whose long ministry in Northwest Indiana included caring for the sick, elderly, young and physically challenged, helped establish a home for victims of domestic violence. The result was St. Jude House, a place that now provides compassionate, free services to more than 30,000 survivors in its existence. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men will experience intimate partner violence in their lifetime. While domestic violence can affect anyone, about 95% of those seeking services are economically disadvantaged women and children.
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Bringing Healing and Hope
Zanetta Miller began her role as Director of Development at St. Jude House in January. She brings positive energy and new ideas to the organization.
“It has been busy. I have been connecting with our Community Partners, volunteers, donors, and the staff that do the work at St. Jude House. They all have been so welcoming. It is exciting,” Miller says about her work at the house. “No day is the same.”
Part of Miller’s role is increasing community awareness and cultivating meaningful relationships within the community that deepen understanding of the organization’s work.
“I’m excited about our stewardship opportunity. It’s important to me that we continue to be strong stewards of our current volunteers, donors, and community partners, while also sharing our message more broadly about St. Jude House.”
Despite its presence in Crown Point for more than three decades, Miller says there is still opportunity to educate the community on the services offered at St. Jude House.
The 24/7 family violence prevention center and shelter provide services both in the shelter and in the community, including a 24 hour crisis hotline, legal advocacy, domestic violence education, mental health services, and support for survivors. It also offers temporary housing to adults and their children, along with empowerment programs designed to help these individuals reclaim their sense of safety and move forward in the ways they choose.
Miller points out, “We were the first shelter in Indiana to make our address public. While some shelters still choose to remain undisclosed, St. Jude House recognized that people affected by domestic violence are more likely to seek help when services are visible and accessible. Keeping our location hidden only reinforced the idea that domestic violence should stay hidden, too. Our goal is to be a visible resource—offering shelter, support, advocacy, dignity, and hope.”
“In 2025, we served 1,116 individuals and provided 9,356 shelter nights,” Miller says. “Our broader vision is to reduce the prevalence of violence in our community.”
Until that vision becomes reality, St. Jude House plans to continue its work supporting survivors.
Anna Schoon, executive director of St. Jude House, adds, “St. Jude House believes every person deserves safety, dignity, and the opportunity to rebuild their life with hope. We walk alongside survivors with compassion and steady support, meeting them where they are, honoring their courage, and helping them move toward a future free from violence. This work is not simply what we do, it reflects our vision and who we are as a community committed to healing and empowerment.”
Outreach and Education
Raising awareness about domestic violence is a key part of St. Jude House’s mission, and the organization frequently engages the community through outreach and education programs.
February marked Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, and the organization hosted educational presentations focused on healthy relationships and warning signs of abuse. The goal was to empower young people to build safer, healthier relationships from the start.
Miller also highlighted the organization’s Healthy Love Campaign.
“We work to raise awareness by promoting what healthy love really looks like. We share practical tips, engage the community, and challenge common myths about domestic violence. Our team provides workshops and simulation exercises, and we partner with local organizations to help educate their employees as well.”.
The impact of domestic violence in the workplace goes beyond financial or economic abuse. According to a report released in December 2025 by the National Domestic Violence Hotline and Futures Without Violence (FUTURES), many workplaces are not prepared to respond to or support victims of abuse.
“This came up in one of our simulation exercises,” Miller explains. “It’s the reality of what often goes unspoken: you’re expected to show up for work and perform, even after leaving a court hearing that has left you feeling defeated and demoralized.”
When victims struggle at work due to the trauma they are experiencing, it can lead to underperformance, harassment from supervisors, or even termination. Activities such as the In Her Shoes learning program, which St. Jude House facilitates, allow organizations and groups to discuss the realities of domestic violence and how they can better support survivors.
Community Impact
St. Jude House does not charge those it serves for the services it provides. Instead, the organization relies on community support through donations, volunteers, and fundraising events as well as grants and government funding.
There are several ways for community members to support the cause while enjoying local events. In October, Survivor Celebration is held at the Lake County Fairgrounds as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In December, supporters gather for the Not-So-Ugly Sweater Party at The Grand in downtown Crown Point.
The largest annual event, however, is the Stand Up for St. Jude Comedy Night held each spring.
“We are very excited about it,” Miller says.
This year, the event will take place at the Hard Rock Casino on Friday, May 8. Along with professional comedy acts, a new segment will be introduced.
“It’s called Laugh a Minute,” explains Miller. “Five community members are giving back in their respective roles in this peer-to-peer campaign. They first must raise $1,000 to secure their place on the stage. That night they have 90 seconds to deliver a comedy routine.”
Miller says the new venue will allow the organization to expand the event and increase fundraising efforts.
“We get to increase the capacity and raise more money for St. Jude House.”
“Each donation provides survivors the ability to live with dignity,” Miller says. “When you volunteer, donate, attend an event, you stand up to help them.”
Through its services and outreach efforts across the region, St. Jude House continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of women, men, and children affected by domestic violence.
“Our goal is to bring moments of joy to as many survivors as we can. We’re not here to judge or make anyone feel worse—we’re here to create spaces where they can feel supported and experience the best possible sense of comfort and hope,” Miller says.
St. Jude House is not just saving lives—it is helping transform them through hope, compassion, and community support.
