St Leonards Ministries

Programs: St. Leonard's house - st. Leonard's house has provided interim housing and supportive services for formerly incarcerated men returning to the community from illinois prisons since it opened in 1954. Residents are as broadly diverse as the neighborhoods from which they come. Program participants come to st. Leonard's house to find a safe environment in which they can develop skills to rebuild their lives and reshape their futures. Residential area houses 40 residents at a time and annually provides services to around 100 men.

michael barlow center - st. Leonard's ministries developed the michael barlow center to provide education, training, and job placement services for formerly incarcerated men and women. This three-story facility opened its doors in march 2005. The ada compliant building includes six classrooms and three meeting rooms. Classrooms include a completely equipped commercial kitchen and an 18-station computer lab with internet access. The center staff includes a job developer. Education and training opportunities are provided through collaboration with a variety of community partners. Annually about 200 people benefit from the program.

grace house - since its opening in 1994, the grace house residential program has provided interim housing, emotional and spiritual support, and professional counseling to women who are exiting the illinois prison system. Services are provided in a warm setting located on the near west side of chicago. Residents are encouraged to set realistic goals for the future and are taught how to make informed choices that will empower them to lead lives with dignity in their communities and their families. Program participants come to grace house voluntarily, seeking to take steps that will lead them to a new beginning. Residential area houses 18 residents at a time and annually provides services to 30 women.