Honoring the Legacy of Helen and Shelley

We are deeply saddened by the recent passing of Helen Chargo, who served as Sojourner’s Executive Director for over two decades, and Dr. Shelley Weier, Board Member since 2022 and Chair in 2024. We pause to remember with gratitude these two extraordinary women, who gave so much of themselves to Sojourner.

The reflections below from those who worked closely with Helen and Shelley show the courage, kindness, and dedication they brought to Sojourner. We continue their work, carrying forward the spirit they shared with us.

Honoring Helen

I hold the memory of Helen, our former Executive Director, with deep appreciation for her unwavering commitment to Sojourner. Her leadership and devoted advocacy transformed lives and significantly strengthened our mission. I am especially grateful for her dedication to establishing financial security, which has ensured the organization’s long-term sustainability and impact. Her vision laid a strong foundation that enables us to continue this essential work and to honor her legacy by continuing to advance the mission she cared for so deeply.

Laura, Sojourner Executive Director

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Helen had a visceral connection with victims of domestic violence.  She was driven to ensure a quality organization existed in the western suburbs which could provide advocacy and services to victims of domestic related incidents.  Her leadership and drive have been instilled in the Sojourner organization, and will undoubtedly remain present well into the future.

Mike, Sojourner Board Member

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One of the things that always admired about Helen was her graciousness and how she was able to use that to make people feel heard.  Even if they didn’t get what they were looking for, they felt like they received a fair shake.  She also had a unique way of writing grants that made what we do sound fresh and new to captivate the new “buzzword” service of the moment, without actually needing to change what we do.  She was able to equate what we did with the “new” terminology. 

Jo, Sojourner Board Member

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Honoring Shelley

Shelley was a cherished board member, passionate advocate, and dear friend. She was an incredible ambassador for our mission, always speaking up for survivors and championing our work with fierce dedication. I know what Shelley loved most was being a mom to her three wonderful boys and spending time with her family and friends. Having known Shelley for almost 10 years was a true gift. Her strength, heart, and humor left a lasting mark, and I’ll carry them with me in all that I do.

Laura, Sojourner Executive Director

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I first met Shelley when I interviewed to join the Sojourner Board as a director back in 2023. Her passion for the organization was evident from the moment I sat down for that interview. She was brimming with energy and ideas. I remember the incredibly thoughtful and intelligent questions she asked me as she worked to understand how my background and skill set could play a productive role within Sojourner. She asked about my family and, upon learning that I had three boys, we instantly connected as “boy moms.”  From then on, Shelley never failed to ask how my boys were doing, what they were up to, what their Halloween costumes were going to be that year, which Monster Jam truck they were into that month. That is what I remember of Shelley –genuinely interested in the lives of those around her and looking to connect on a human level. It was those traits that made her such an effective leader – one that people naturally listened to and gravitated towards.

When I joined Sojourner’s Executive Committee as Vice Chair, I remember feeling grateful to be working under Shelley’s leadership as Chair of the Board. I watched as she helped guide the Board with governance and grace. I made sure to learn as much as I could from her while I had the chance. I saw her show up to every board meeting right up until the end with the same vitality and passion as the day I met her. Her strength in the face of adversity was truly inspiring – much like the clientele Sojourner serves.

Shelley’s legacy as Chair of the Sojourner Board from 2024-2025 will be a lasting one. Her presence will be missed, but we will continue to do the necessary and meaningful work that she did while she was here to ensure Sojourner’s continued success.

Sarah, Sojourner Board Chair

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I first met Shelley when she would bring her three sons and husband to donate monthly, always thoughtfully asking ahead of time what our highest needs were and then involving the boys in the process of purchasing and delivering those items. She taught her sons to ask thoughtful questions, express appreciation for others, and be generous with what they had. Shelley was a vibrant, confident, and gracious person. I always left her presence feeling warm and inspired. Shelley was a true advocate and ambassador for Sojourner, introducing many friends to the organization and always ready to make connections for us. She was the teammate everyone would want, the cheerleader each of us needs, and the leader we would all hope to become.

Becca, Sojourner Development Director

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Shelley and I started on the board at Sojourner on the same day.  We connected right away over our shared name, right down to the second "e."  Shelley's passion for Sojourner and our mission was evident from the start.  When the board chair position opened up, Shelley didn't hesitate to step in.  She provided sure and consistent leadership while creating a welcoming and warm environment at board meetings. Shelley will be deeply missed and we will all strive to honor her work here at Sojourner by carrying on her passion and principles.

Shelley, Sojourner Board Member