St. Leonard's Ministries

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.

Viceroy Hotel Transformation

diroper — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:42:44 +0000

St. Leonard’s Ministries continues to collaborate with the Heartland Housing Corporation in the transformation of the Viceroy Hotel (Ashland & Warren) into a supportive housing resource for the Near West Side Community. Funding for SLM’s participation in project development has been provided through Searle Funds at the Chicago Community Trust. Through this funding, Marina Carrott, Project Developer, has been able to create a business plan for Gracie’s Coffee Shop which will occupy space on the first floor of the renewed hotel. The Coffee Shop will serve as a secondary classroom for students completing the Michael Barlow Center Culinary Arts Class. Additionally, SLM will rent one entire floor of the building to incorporate a permanent housing component into its Grace House women’s program. St. Leonard’s Ministries is very grateful for the opportunities provided through Searle Funds at the Chicago Community Trust.

SLM Board of Directors

diroper — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:00:45 +0000

On June 13^th, the SLM Board of Directors held its Annual Meeting at which the following new members were welcomed to the Board:

Herman Brewer
Susie Dunphy
Toni Irving
Rev. David P. Jones
Varnado Payne El

The following Officers were elected:

President: Peter Daane
VP/Personnel: Chris Julsrud
VP/Programs: Jim Russell
VP/Resources: Kevin Dolan
Treasurer: Christopher Nakutis
Secretary: Valerie Hoffman-Hatcher

Progress Reports were given by SLM’s Site Directors. The Agency’s FY/2010 Budget was approved. Additionally, the Board approved the Mission Statement and Beliefs recently revisited and reformulated by the entire SLM staff.

MBC Culinary Arts Expansion

diroper — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 21:58:17 +0000

Through a Customized Employment grant from the Workforce Services Division of Chicago’s Dept. of Family and Support Services, culinary arts efforts at the Barlow Center will expand to include customer service, barista training and applied culinary skills. This later component will provide transitional employment opportunities for some of the students who have completed the Barlow Center’s Basic Culinary Arts Class. Lots cookin’ in the Barlow Center Kitchen with much more to come.

Absolutely Stimulating!

diroper — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 21:56:33 +0000

Chicago’s Dept. of Family and Support Services is one of the local channels for access to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Funds – Economic Stimulus efforts. SLM will receive $270,000 in Stimulus funding through DFSS. The Barlow Center will initiate its own transitional jobs program which will assist 40 individuals as they move to permanent employment. SLM will develop a relapse prevention program to assist individuals as they continue their struggle to remain drug and alcohol free. The ultimate goal of both new programs – solidly employed individuals.

Mayor Richard Daley Gives Keynote Speach

diroper — Mon, 04 May 2009 17:39:12 +0000

On Sat., May 2^nd, St. Leonard’s Ministries was honored to have Mayor Richard Daley as the keynote speaker for the Graduation of its high school completion program. In addition to words of congratulation and encouragement for graduates, the Mayor spoke of the need for Chicagoans to help individuals as they move forward with their attempts to successfully re-enter our communities after time spent in prison. “Everyone,” the Mayor said, “deserves a second chance.”

St. Leonard’s Ministries Receives a New Bus

diroper — Mon, 04 May 2009 16:17:00 +0000

A New Bus! Thanks to the generosity of a Chicago-based company, The Parking Spot, St. Leonard’s Ministries has its own bus parked on campus and ready for use. The 18 passenger vehicle will carry groups of program participants from all four SLM sites to activities, work related outings and trips that might be a part of their successful reentry into the community. This item has long been on the SLM “Wish List” and SLM is grateful to Martin Nesbitt, President of The Parking Spot, and Dr. Toni Irving, SLM Board Member elect, for moving this wish to reality.