This newsletter was sent to our Saint Leonard’s community email subscribers on July 16, 2026. If you would like to receive future news from Saint Leonard’s, join us and subscribe to receive email updates.
| Saint Leonard’s approach to helping and healing people who are impacted by incarceration was created with a deep level of care and intention over the past 71 years. On our West Side campus, we had to build. We had to build residences where people could live. We had to build an education and workforce development center where people could finish school and gain the skills needed to find a career. We had to build spaces for physical and mental health care, learning, community, and connection. We had to build a culture rooted in respect, dignity, and love to support those who seek a second chance. Our staff, who some are Saint Leonard’s alumni or have lived experience, have walked in the shoes of those we serve. We had to build a holistic approach – inventing and innovating for more than 70 years. This was the foundation that was necessary for Saint Leonard’s success, growth, and sustainability. We could not have done this without people like you. Thank you for supporting this work. Now we are building again and raising support through the “Writing Our Next Chapter Together” Campaign. In September, we will break ground on a once-in-a-generation renovation project rooted in our values. We know one’s home environment has an enormous impact on physical wellbeing. Saint Leonard’s is home for our residents. Many of our residential and community spaces are long overdue for upgrades. Our residents deserve living quarters and campus spaces that reflect dignity, respect, privacy, and accessibility. |
| This $15 million – $18 million investment will provide single bedrooms and private bathrooms for all residents at Grace House and Saint Leonard’s House; ADA accessibility and mobility support; improve energy-efficiency of heating and air conditioning; and upgraded safety and security. Saint Leonard’s has secured $10.2 mil in public funding. With the help of some wonderful supporters and a dedicated campaign leadership committee, we’ve achieved raising $2.9 million of our $3.5 million goal from individuals and foundations. We ask you to join us as we embark on a mission to fulfill this need for the hundreds of individuals who will call Saint Leonard’s home for generations to come. Click here to learn more and make a donation. |
I want to introduce you to David Harris, our Intake Housing Manager. He is an SLM alum, leader, donor, and member of the campaign leadership committee. David understands the unique challenges the men and women we serve face and the impact of being able to heal in an environment that reflects dignity, privacy, accessibility, safety, and community.  David Harris: 1996 Alum, Intake Housing Manager, and Campaign Donor |
“I came to Saint Leonard’s as a resident in 1996. I lived in the 2110 W. Warren building on the second floor. Things were different back then. We were only allowed to stay 4 months to get back on our feet. Now residents are able to stay 6 – 12 months. While I was incarcerated, I had a single cell for 2 years. It would have been nice to come home to my own space, but I had to share a room with 3 other people. If you could imagine, that was a challenge. Back then, we had to go off-site for the support services we needed. Change is good. I am excited for the residents to have their own space to come home to. Once the renovations are complete, I envision the next generation experiencing amazement and magic when they arrive. It will make a difference for them to come home after incarceration to a welcoming, loving environment and have a nice new, comfortable private space to retreat to. The accessibility additions, such as an elevator, will be a huge benefit for those who otherwise may not have been able to come to Saint Leonard’s if they are older or have mobility challenges. As an alum, leader, member of the campaign leadership committee, and donor, this is not just an investment in buildings. This is an investment in people. Saint Leonard’s exists for people to have a second chance and write their own success story, just like we did. And we’re ready to help write Saint Leonard’s next chapter.” |
| The campus renovation projects are an urgent need. This work helps strengthen programs and services and gives our community the dignity, privacy, accessibility, and safety that they deserve. We need you. The people Saint Leonard’s serves each year need you. Together, we can reach our goal and make renovations a reality. I am asking you to support this campaign. A gift of any amount would make an impact. Thank you for your past support, your consideration, and for being part of the Saint Leonard’s Community. |
