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Our Story

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, and Suburban Service League. Since September 2023, this 100% volunteer non-profit organization has assisted hundreds of women and families in the Chicagoland area, providing kitchen supplies to an average of 5 clients per month.

First Meeting
Christ Lutheran Church,
Orland Park, IL.

First Board of Directors
Susan Boughan, Jane Carvey, Maria Desmond,
Janet Evans and Kathy Golding.

Founding Event

June 23, 2018

A "shower" was held at the home of Maria Desmond, Palos Park, IL. Attendees brought new kitchen items for donation to the Crisis Center.

Learn More About Us
Palos Heights TV4
Spotlight Interviews

Our Mission

Zelda's Kitchen Witches provides new kitchen items to women fleeing domestic violence and women who are homeless.
The women are moving into transitional housing seeking an independent life.

Meet the ZKW Board

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Zelda's Kitchen Witches Board at the 2025 Heart to Heart Donor Recognition Luncheon. 

PRESIDENT

Janet Evans

VICE- PRESIDENT

Maria Desmond

SECRETARY

Lorri Nagle

TREASURER

Donna Lanigan

DIRECTORS

Erin Brown, Suzy Evans, Janet Koliopoulos,

Mirella Mahoney, Linda Parduhn,

Maria Visvardis, Angie Weiss​

SEED FUNDING

Suzy and Jonathan Evans

501(c)(3) STATUS

Loyola University Law Clinic

FORMER BOARD MEMBERS

Susan Boughan, Jane Carvey, Paola Evans,
Kathy Golding, Jacquelyn Jenke,
Sue McErlean,
Mary Ann Murnin, Kathryn Sofianos

GOVERNMENT STATUS REPORTS

Meika Slotsema, Esq.

STRATEGIC PLANNING

Chris Pitsis Privoznik 
Robin Bronstein

WEBMASTER

Kathryn Sofianos

Partnering Agencies

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 Zelda's Kitchen Witches

PO Box 13
Palos Park, IL 60464

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