Our story begins with the visionary drive of Janet Evans, a resident of Palos Heights, Illinois, who in the spring of 2018, expressed her desire to aid women escaping domestic violence and homelessness. Encouraged by several friends who wished to join her in this cause, Zelda's Kitchen Witches was formed and a board of directors established. Their collective decision was to supply kitchen items to women moving into transitional housing seeking an independent life. They named the group Zelda's Kitchen Witches (ZKW), a name that combines Janet's childhood nickname, Zelda, with the Scandinavian folklore of the kitchen witch that symbolizes good fortune. Initially partnering with the domestic violence support services organization Crisis Center for South Suburbia, ZKW expanded its reach to include partnerships with Home2Home Project, Suburban Service League, and South Suburban Joy Emporium. Since September 2023, this 100% volunteer non-profit organization has assisted over 250 women and families in the Chicagoland area, providing kitchen supplies to an average of 5 clients per month.