In 1995, CHANA was started by a small group of advocates, including founder Brenda Brown Rever, under the umbrella of The Associated: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore, as the Jewish response to domestic abuse.
In 2009, CHANA expanded its mission to provide comprehensive services to victims and survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
In 2013, CHANA expanded its mission once again to respond to physical, emotional, and financial abuse, and neglect against older adults.
In 2020, CHANA expanded its prevention education efforts to increase our community’s awareness of abuse across the lifespan.
CHANA is the only organization in the Baltimore area to address domestic violence issues from the perspective of the Jewish culture. Originally, CHANA’s mission was primarily focused on serving Jewish women and their children in the Baltimore area who were victims of domestic abuse by providing culturally sensitive services.
In 2025, CHANA transitioned from being a program of The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore to becoming an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. CHANA remains an agency of The Associated, and our mission, values, and services to the community remain unchanged. Survivors and families can expect the same compassionate, confidential support they have always received, now with the added strength and sustainability of independent nonprofit status.
