Today we’d like to introduce you to Janet Giangrasse.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Brought up in Villa Park, IL. Went to college in MN. Studied theatre in London, worked there for 4 years. Studied and worked in theatre in NYC for 9 yrs. Moved to Italy and taught English for 7 years. Met my spouse. Moved back to Chicago, started to work as a bookkeeper, married, had a boy Jacopo!
Lost my Ma, and felt a tremendous need to celebrate what she, and all women bring to this world.
Pop, 97, moved in 3 years ago, and he sneaks into the Haven during the off hours to find some peace as well. 🙂
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s been a bit difficult for some to understand that Anne’s Haven is what you make of it, or need. There is no hard driving direction, as this would be serving a small percentage of women that have needs.
It’s been a challenge to draw women from all communities, which is a definite goal.
It’s been hard to explain to some women that they can use their ‘hot spot’ at the Haven, but that it’s not Starbucks, and we encourage women to engage with each other or their thoughts while here. But if they need to use their computer, ‘hot spots’ are welcome, as we are here for all. 🙂
Please tell us about Anne’s Haven.
Anne’s Haven, the inspiration ~~My Ma, Anne… and growing up in a household of six women and Pop.
I saw from a young age the way women were expected to balance multiple tasks and put pretty much everyone before themselves. Ma made it very clear to us that we could do “anything” we set our minds to, but I witnessed my mom’s struggle to find “her time” through the years. She was creative, clever, giving, fun, and stressed… trying to keep up with the demands & concerns of the family.
Anne’s Haven is a place for women to come and find what they need in their life, at this particular moment.
There is no “it’s not the kind of thing we do here.” As long as ‘what you bring,’ respects yourself & others, it’s all good. Women are so good at giving to others, this place is for them. They deserve it, they need it.
From the time the doors opened, women have come to Anne’s Haven for many reasons.
To relax, have a snooze, read, bead, chat with friends, take a class, teach a class, gather with other moms and their children, business meetings/workshops, order a meal for friends & family, sell goods at our vendors sales….and more. It’s fascinating to see the wheels of women’s minds turning when given opportunity.
The Haven is modeled after my Ma’s favorite place, a cabin they had in Hayward, Wisconsin. There are refreshments on site, an outdoor garden and is byob. It is also available for rentals. 🙂
It’s free space, a place for women to grow and find support.
Men are welcome if invited by a woman during festivals, parties, of course, private events, or business meetings.
During drop-in hours, or classes we are here for women, trans & girls
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Christmas Morning! Ma always made sure we had a ton of stuff under the tree, all wrapped. Most, if not all, from thrift stores, but it didn’t matter. The amount of work for five kids! But what a memory. 🙂
Pricing:
- $5 drop in refreshments included
- $20/hr for community service groups (private space,) refreshments included
- $45/hr party rental – (private space) refreshments, chairs, tables included
- $25.00/hr up to 10 people for gatherings by appointment (possibly not private) refreshments included
Contact Info:
- Address: 5629 West Irving, Park Rd.,
- Website: anneshaven.net
- Phone: 773-340-1678
- Email: anneshaefene@gmail.com
- Facebook: anneshaefen
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
