St. Leonard's Ministries

Gracie’s Coffee Shop

admin — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 01:56:23 +0000

Gracie’s Coffee Shop, as a new component of St. Leonard’s Ministries (SLM), is currently in the development phase. Gracie’s has received some initial funding from the office of Local Initiatives to Support Communities and a generous grant from the Searle Funds at the Chicago Community Trust.

Once up and running, the coffee shop will serve two purposes: provide a setting for SLM participants to gain experience in serving the public and provide a venue for community residents to get to know the men and women of SLM.

This project has grown in recent months. Plans now call for Gracie’s Coffee Shop to have its own newly constructed site with three floors above to accommodate 20 permanent housing units for women leaving Grace House - both those with children and those on their own. The residence will be named Mabel Manor, honoring a well respected, deceased community member who attended to women in need. The concern for permanent housing for Grace House residents has been part of SLM’s long-range planning for several years and, it seems, its time has come.

Lisa and the CTA

ceceliadowns — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 18:47:50 +0000

During May, MBC Job Developer, Lisa Cockerham, had one of those “sit back and kick up your feet” moments when the Chicago Transit Authority began the hiring process for 10 to 12 former and current SLM participants. The CTA has singled out formerly incarcerated men and women for this hiring initiative. Those hired will be cleaning out buses and “L” trains. The starting salary is $9.50 an hour with solid potential for advancement. Ron Huberman, CTA President, welcomed the new employees at an initial meeting and wished them success. Keep it up, Lisa!

Walkathon Report

ceceliadowns — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 18:56:35 +0000

The SLM Board’s May 17^th Walkathon brought in close to $13,000. The Board’s Event Committee did an excellent job at carrying off the Walkathon. Funds from the Walk will be used to create a parking lot for the St. Leonard’s Ministries Campus. More on this new space will be forthcoming…

Thanks to Lens Crafters

admin — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 21:53:33 +0000

The folks at Lens Crafters believe that clear vision is a human right, not just a luxury for the chosen few. This commitment to the community has been acted out very concretely here at St. Leonard’s Ministries where in the last few months 60 men and women have received exams and glasses through the Lens Crafters generous program of giving. Stephanie Robbins of the Berwyn location has been SLM’s guardian angel. Many SLM program participants have lost glasses in prison or haven’t had an eye exam in years, so this program has been especially beneficial to SLM residents. It’s hard to look for a job when you just can’t read the print. If you want to be a part of this program, just drop off your old glasses at your nearest Lens Crafters store.