Parish Partner Grants 2021-2022
The Trustees of Episcopal Charities recently selected 10 parishes in the Diocese of Chicago to partner with Episcopal Charities to create a more just and merciful world. Each “Parish Partner” will receive a program grant to create or enhance outward-facing projects designed to meet the needs of the most vulnerable. In addition, Episcopal Charities will gather project leaders from each parish for peer-to-peer learning, topical presentations, and one-on-one coaching specifically tailored to the needs of each parish’s project.
We are so excited to partner with parishes in our diocese to create a more just and merciful world. We hope you’ll join us in celebrating the work of our new Parish Partners for the year 2021-2022!
Catalyst Parish Partners
Emmanuel – Rockford
Partnering with Jeremiah Development, Emmanuel Church will establish a computer lab for the Coronado Haskell neighborhood bringing much-needed internet access to 1,500 residents. Emmanuel Episcopal Church
St. Edward and Christ – Joliet
The facilities and grounds of the parish retreat center will be used to expand a community gardening project that will provide fresh, organic produce used for distribution through local food pantries. St. Edward and Christ Episcopal Church Joliet
St. James Cathedral – Chicago
Started by youth participants, Meals Among Us aims to increase its distribution of a bagged meal from 100 persons to 300 by leveraging partnerships with churches on the southside and westside of Chicago. St. James Cathedral, Chicago
St. Mark’s – Glen Ellyn
CREO DuPage began in 2019 as a ministry to Spanish-speaking members of St. Mark’s to address inequities in access to higher education for Latinx youth. CREO provides free programs and services to promote pre-college preparation, high-school to college transition, and completion of higher degrees. St. Mark's Episcopal Church Glen Ellyn
St. Paul’s – Peoria
Springboard Kitchen will empower community members with the knowledge and resources to provide healthier meals to themselves and their families. The program will provide access, education, and equipment to grow, prepare, and eat. St. Paul's Episcopal Church Peoria, IL
Basic Needs Parish Partners
Grace – New Lenox
Lazarus Ministry is a financial assistance program providing monetary aid to supplement housing or rent, utilities, medical prescriptions, and the like for those at or below the poverty line or in financial crisis. Grace Episcopal Church
St. Benedict’s – Bolingbrook
Matthew’s Ministry started 2 years ago to serve homeless populations by delivering “blessing bags” filled with personal body care items, snacks, and gift cards assembled by parishioners. The Episcopal Church of St. Benedict
St. John the Evangelist – Flossmoor
The Family Food Share seeks to help meet local food insecurity needs in the South Suburbs through the delivery of a well-balanced box of food items donated, packed, and delivered by volunteers. St. John the Evangelist, Flossmoor
St. John the Evangelist – Lockport
St. John’s Snow Angel Ministry provides basic necessities at different places in the city to help lower-income people, those who struggle with housing insecurity, and anyone needing assistance with food, cleaning supplies, personal hygiene, and seasonal weather supplies (hats, coats, gloves, etc). St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church - Lockport, IL
Trinity – Aurora
The Sandwich Board has provided lunches to vulnerable populations for 35 years. They seek to expand and provide toiletries and other essential items to their clients. Trinity Episcopal Church
Over the coming months, we will be sharing more about these exciting projects!
EC