St. Leonard's Ministries » news

Open Position: Director, Michael Barlow Employment Center

diroper — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 14:03:06 +0000

Under the umbrella of St. Leonard’s Ministries, the Michael Barlow Employment Center provides an array of program services and educational opportunities to assist formerly incarcerated men and women as they search for, obtain and retain employment. The MBC Director is responsible for the continuing short and long term development, administration and wellbeing of the Center. This oversight includes staffing, fiscal and program components of the Center as well as its presence in the local and wider communities. Understood in this context, are the Center’s primary linkages to SLM’s residential programs: St. Leonard’s House, Grace House and St. Andrew’s Court. This is a full-time position with a modest salary and good benefits package. No phone calls regarding this opening will be accepted. Interested parties should send a resume by US Mail to: R. Dougherty, 2100 W. Warren Blvd., Chicago, IL 60612

United Way Honors St. Leonard’s Ministries

diroper — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 19:28:23 +0000

On May 14^th, the United Way of Metropolitan Chicago recognized this past year’s special partners who made a difference in the lives of Chicago’s most vulnerable citizens. Most awards went to large companies and businesses that support the United Way Drive through internal campaigns. St. Leonard’s Ministries was honored to be one of the agency partners recognized at the luncheon. The Agency of the Year Award was given to SLM based, in part, on its valuable and collaborative efforts in advancing the United Way Mission. Staff at all of SLM’s sites donate generously to the United Way, but more than this, they frequently give of their time and energy to speak on behalf of the United Way and to conduct tours of SLM sites as part of company campaigns – truly a viable and energized example of United Way’s Live United slogan!

Board of Directors

diroper — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 19:27:27 +0000

St. Leonard’s Ministries Board of Directors held its Annual Meeting on June 12^th. The highlight of the agenda was a presentation in which each of SLM’s Site Administrators presented year-end updates. In addition to several other agenda items, election of board members and officers took place. The following Officers were chosen for the coming year:

President Peter Daane

VP/Personnel Chris Julsrud

VP/Programs Jim Russell

VP/Res/Dev’ment Kevin Dolan

Treasurer Keith Porapaiboon

Secretary Anna Downs-Temple

Joel Filmore, Sam Jones and Angie Schiavitti were welcomed as new board members; each brings a special presence to the board make-up. Out-going board members, Thomas Gary, Toni Irving and Mary Taylor, were thanked for their generous gifts of time and talent while they were on the Board.

Forging Ahead

diroper — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 19:24:58 +0000

At last count, 17 students from last semester’s high school graduating class have transferred their educational engagements to Malcom X College, SLM’s local community college. It’s just a start, but it does indicate the interest in higher education that is generated through the Barlow Center High School Completion Program – thanks to the efforts of some truly amazing and creative teachers.

Funding on a New Front

diroper — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 19:24:07 +0000

The Michael Barlow Center has been awarded an FY/2011 grant of $40,000 from the IL Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity through its Job Training and Economic Development Program.

The grant will help support the Barlow Center’s employment skills classes: Greenworks: Building Maintenance for the Future and Basic Culinary Skills. Some of this funding is directly related to job placement after the classes have been completed. So if you are in need of some talented, if a bit inexperienced, workers in the fields of food service or green technology construction, weatherization or maintenance, contact the Barlow Center.

Grace House Celebrities

diroper — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 19:23:13 +0000

Two Grace House residents where featured in a recent issue of Just Released magazine. Shawn Jones and Glenda Lyons were chosen by the editor, British Digby, for a story that had an economical twist. They were featured in the cover story, “Dress for Success After You’re Released - For Under $45.00.” Something in this for all of us…

Greening of SLM’s Campus

diroper — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 23:09:32 +0000

Early in December, the Chicago Department of Environment finalized its grant to St. Leonard’s Ministries for Special Projects through the Stimulus/American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. As a result of this grant, Pete Baker, SLM Facilities Director, will help transform all SLM sites into greener, more eco-friendly settings. During the course of the next two years, Pete will create six new jobs by hiring graduates of the MBC Green Building Maintenance Class, three per year, to assist in this conversion process as Green Technology Specialists. Upon completion of their yearlong participation, the six program participants will be equipped to move on to other green technology jobs. They will also have developed teaching skills as they serve as teacher aides in the MBC Green Building Maintenance classes. At the conclusion of the two year grant period, SLM buildings will be more energy efficient, less costly and friendlier to the environment.

Giving Back to the Community

diroper — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 23:08:37 +0000

SLM program participants are keenly aware of the responsibility to give something back to the communities in which they will soon be living. One very concrete way to do this is by helping young people examine their lives closely and make positive choices that will lead to better futures for them. SLH Program Director, Victor Gaskins, has organized a number of outings to Chicago Public Schools to allow SLM residents the chance to talk with students and to help them navigate some of the rough roads that are part of their lives. Feedback from school administrators, teachers, students and the SLM participants has been thoroughly favorable. Some mistakes can’t be corrected but helping others to side-step such mistakes can be very therapeutic in the recovery process.

Grace House Luncheon

diroper — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 23:07:35 +0000

Early in November, Grace House held its Annual Luncheon with Mrs. Richard M. Daley acting as the Honorary Chair. The theme for the event was “Lend a Heart, Lend a Hand.” And those present did just that. GH residents lifted their voices in song and shared some of their stories leaving all the guests moved by the challenges that they have faced. The Barlow Center Basic Culinary Arts Class prepared the meal; the Advanced Culinary Arts Class created the desserts – both works of art. In addition to lending a hand as mentors and tutors, luncheon guests were very generous. More than $8,000 was raised from the event thanks to efforts of the Grace House Advisory Board chaired by Nicole Neeley and hard-working GH staff members led by Mary Dolan, OP, GH Administrator.

Barlow Center Graduations

diroper — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 23:06:20 +0000

The Michael Barlow Center proudly graduated four classes during this last quarter. Two Culinary Arts Classes, Basic and Advanced, completed course work. Both classes had several opportunities to show off skills during the course of the class. A large Green Building Maintenance Class graduated a few days before Christmas; among other things, they have become experts in “deconstruction” and building insulation. The High School Completion Program conferred diplomas on 26 graduates during the same week. Sister Jean Hughes, OP, SLM Staff and one of the High School Program creators, was the Commencement speaker. Staff at the Barlow Center work with those graduating to ensure that the diplomas or certificates received are not just hung on the wall but that they become the ticket to finding and keeping employment. Even in these very difficult economic times, having credentials can make the difference in getting a job.