There is more to the south side than high crime and poverty. Every day thousands of determined people rise above despair to make life better. Margaret’s Village is there to help.

The agency was founded in 1974 by Sister Margaret Traxler, SSND, a revered social activist who worked for peace and civil liberty, marched with Dr. King in Selma, and received the prestigious Golda Meir Award. Together with women from all walks of life – lawyers, doctors, college professors and work-at-home moms – who shared her compassion, she established the Institute of Women Today (IWT) – now named Margaret’s Village, in her honor.

1974
The Institute of Women Today (IWT) founded by Sister Margaret Ellen Traxler, SSND, and an interfaith group of women to provide an authoritative voice on issues affecting women and to provide training for women who were incarcerated. From that initial focus evolved a concern for the well-being of all women, families and the broader community.

1989

In 1989, IWT opened Maria Shelter, a 50-bed transitional residence, and the Vincennes Senior Center after the beloved Cardinal Bernadin facilitated the sale of the property to IWT from the archdiocese. Both facilities are located in the Englewood community on Chicago’s South Side.

2012
At the request of the City of Chicago in 2012, Margaret’s Village assumed operation of a second 50-bed shelter located in the South Chicago community and named Believe.

2016
In 2016, The Institute of Women Today was renamed Margaret’s Village in honor of the enduring legacy of Sister Margaret Ellen Traxler.