20 Years of PBMR—2022 Year in Review

2022 Year in Review

Dear Friends,

2022 was truly a remarkable year for us celebrating 20 years of ministry. It was a blessing to reflect on all the ways this community has grown and expanded over the years. Each participant, staff member, donor, and community partner has left their lasting mark here. Each of you has made us who we are today.

As I look at the pictures, the memories come alive again: youth throughout the years, trips, community gatherings, deaths, births, new beginnings...joy and sorrows of shared time with so many precious people. Young people from our early days often come back to PBMR and let us know what is happening in their lives. It’s amazing to see how they have grown and matured. Many are engaged in work with our younger generation, offering the support and care that they once found within these walls. Healed people heal people.

All of us here at PBMR are grateful for our many supporters. Staff and benefactors who were a part of those earliest days helped lay a strong foundation for our work today, and those who continue to give so generously now are laying a strong foundation of hope for tomorrow.

We are deeply grateful for all your support. It really does take a village. You have been such a blessing to all of us at PBMR.

With gratitude,

Fr. David Kelly CPPS

Hope for Generations

LIVING A SPIRITUALITY OF HOPE

By. Fr. Denny Kinderman, CPPS

“Every small positive change we make in ourselves repays us in confidence in the future.”

-Alice Walker-

We are still feeling the excitement from last year’s special celebration of our 20th Anniversary. Thinking back to our early days, twenty years has slipped by so quickly with an abundance of blessings: active engagements with our youth and adult participants and families in the community, programs managed by an expanding staff, new programs, buildings, and avenues for participants to find greater stability, and so many more. We even have chickens on our community farm! And we are deeply grateful for an abundance of new and faithful donors generously participating in

the support of our ministry. It’s been 20 years of remarkable hope and healing.

The staff at PBMR is a mix of cultures and a variety of personalities knit together in an unshakable commitment to radical hospitality, hope, and healing. Sure, we have dreams and a vision and a mission statement, but day-by-day we live and move constantly energized by a Spirit of Hope. Together with our participants, we discover that “Hope does not disappoint” (Romans 5:5). Hope for Generations is a journey which is unpredictable and requires trust in this Spirit of Hope who has directed, led, and guided PBMR these past 20 years.

Here at PBMR, we celebrate seemingly tiny positive steps,

“

Hope is a guiding light in the dark

small victories that offer a new narrative to a community so deprived of resources. Many participants come into the center burdened by trauma. Given the chance to talk with a case manager, to be in a circle, or to get involved in a program can be that tiny step we call success. We try to celebrate these daily moments of bravery, as they give us hope and keep the journey for positive change alive.

Here we know that progress is slow. Restorative Justice is about relationship, not efficiency. Some days the boys show up burdened and unprepared to work. And yet they manage to turn out beautiful pieces of pottery that later get sold – beauty can rise from pain. Hope is a guiding light in the dark confusion of not knowing.

Young women sit in weekly circles continuing their journey of self discovery and growth. Dreams come alive when they sit in the embrace of others and know that we are known, loved, and cared for.

Returning citizens find the PBMR community offers accompaniment through the seemingly impossible journey of rebuilding. In community, they find ways forward in hope-filled resilience and a gradual belief in possibility.

Hope for Generations brings whole families together. This year brought us a new healing space we’re calling ‘The Front Porch.”. It was a long time coming, but we now have a space fo healing and circles on the corner of May and 51st St. And even when the rehab seemed like we were running into one delay after another, hope would not let us throw in the towel. That rehabbed building is a fitting crowning of our 20 years,—a beautiful new space for healing in our community.

R ooted in the Spirituality of the Precious Blood, we hold that all blood is precious. It doesnt matter how many times you fall, you are precious and worthy of love and respect. The power of the blood is the power of love over violence, unity over division, mercy over punishment.

Hope for Generations is a never ending journey where these ripples of radical hospitality, hope, and healing can spread for generations to come.

Restorative Justice

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold stor inside you” -Maya Angelou

Peace Circles 200+

PBMR is working diligently to bring restorative justice to communities. In 2022, PBMR held more than 200 circles with youth, community members, families, and friends. Circles of healing, understanding, accountability, training, Reconciliation, and more help create space for people to heal from their trauma through sharing their stories. Through dialogue and accountability, we can find paths beyond harm and conflict toward hopeful new beginnings.

Youth Mentorship

On Christmas Eve 2021, three youth were shot outside their home. By God’s grace, they survived, but still carried the deep trauma from the shooting. The months that followed contained hospitalizations, surgeries, and family struggles. PBMR mentors were right by their side every step of the way. Mentors accompanied in weekly physical therapy, circles, and family support, and little by little they found restoration and healing.

PBMR mentors accompany youth ages 14-18 year old as they navigate the world of being a teenager in Chicago. Through the highs and lows, mentors are there to support and accompany these young people. Every day after school, PBMR is open and participants engage in individualized programming inclasses for arts , poetry, music, wood

working, screenprinting and more. In these programs, youth work alongside peers and mentors to grow in skills and find safe spaces for healing.

30 105 60

YOUTH IN S.C.A.N. PROGRAM

15 YOUTH IN YOUNG WOMEN’S PROGRAM YOUTH IN YOUNG MEN’S PROGRAM YOUTH IN MENTORSHIP PROGRAMS

Once a week, these young people sit together in circle to share the reality of what they carry. Respect and confidentiality bind the community together, and allow honest conversations to arise—from the dangers of the streets to their hopes and dreams. in these spaces, there is safety and hope for a future.

AFTERSCHOOL YOUTH ARTS & HEALING PROGRAMS IN 2022:

ARYCLIC PAINTING

POTTERY/CERAMICS

MUSIC STUDIO

WOODSHOP

SCREENPRINTING

PHOTOGRAPHY

POETRY WRITING

PEACE CIRCLES

FIELD TRIPS

Social Enterprises 2500

“A highlight this year, was seeing our participants take on more ownership over projects. They help me grow by seeing how ready they are to learn and lead,” Hector Avitia, Coordinator of Screen Printing shared. Social enterprises in screen printing and woodshop offer young adults a safe space to grow and learn alongside mentors as they develop their professional skills, social-emotional learning, and technical training. In 2022, young adults worked over 1,500 hours in woodshop and screen printing social enterprises.

garments printed talking pieces sold

In 2022, screen printing made over 2,500 t-shirts, hoodies, bandanas, and aprons, including shirts for the young men and women in Juvenile Temporary Detention Center. The woodshop sold 425 talking pieces and built 9 new garden beds for the Urban Farm. In addition to the apprenticeship program, the screen printing and woodworking programs expanded to include afterschool progarmming for youth.

NACRJ Conference

The 2022 National Associ ation of Community Resotrative Justice Conference took place in Chicago, and PBMR was honored to participate. The team helped lead circles, workshops, conversations, and exhibition booths throughout the week. It was a powerful time of building relationships with RJ practitioners from around the world and sharing work and practices.

5

Relationships with youth began in the Detention Center & in the steets

Community events included basketball, picnics, community clean ups, & more! Annual Thanksgiving & Christmas Dinners

2013 2015 2017

The Urban Farm begins with a neighborhood garden work day

Apprenticeships in woodshop & Screenprinting begin PBMR social enterprises

PBMR purchases first building & renovates Mother Brunner House

2014 2016

CRIIC begins annual trip to Menard Prison & Gallery at Art on 51st Opens.

Job Readiness Program begins, bridging young adults with supportive employers

4 Precious Blood Priests founded PBMR in Back of the Yards

PBMR moves to the Old St. John Building on 51st and Elizabeth St.

Kay Pranis comes to PBMR for the first Peace Circle Training

of PBMR

New healingbuilding opens for circles, rituals,

2009

2011

2008 2010 2012

2022

Mentors take youth on annual Retreat and camping trip

Youth are given exposure to new life experiences like skiing.

PBMR Staff grows to 8!

First mural project for unity with black and brown communities

PBMR b egins Mothers’ ministry and participates in Mothers for Peace walk

2019

2021

PBMR Pottery program begins & First residen tial house opens for returning citizens

Career Navigation Program begins offering career certification and training

2018

2020

Partnerships around Chicago grow with INVC, BYNC, and RJ Hubs

PBMR staff grows to 30+ and expands to care for whole families

and gatherings

A 27 year old man finds his way to the center on a Friday morning. He finds a safe place to sit, a warm meal to eat, and a case manager who can walk with him through whatever it is he is experiencing. From that moment on, the young man is no longer alone, and the two make a plan for hope and healing together. Whether it be going to a court hearing, seeking out mental health counselling, or driving people to visit their loved ones, PBMR practices the art of accompaniment. Accompaniment means to go with—alongside. Rather than giving someone an address to visit, a case manager goes with the person to the appointment, the hearing, the meeting. PBMR strives to be a community of care and support that embraces the whole person.

PBMR Case Managers connect participants with the various programs of support available through PBMR and in the broader Chicago network. Collaboration is key in building relationships with community partners and supportive employers to connect people with the resources they need most.

450+

The PBMR team accompanied more than 450 men, women, and youth in weekly 1-on-1 accompaniment in acheiving goals and moving forward together.

& LOSS

Pictured above, a young man visits the gravesite of his friend From youth to parents, there is a great need for spaces to grieve the losses of loved ones—especially when taken by violence and incarceration. PBMR has regular circles and rituals that aid in the greiving process for mothers who have lost children, youth who have lost friends and familiy members, and all others carrying the trauma of loss.

Nothing should prevent someone from getting an education.

The Ed. lab at PBMR works with adults to complete their high school degrees, regardless of age or life circumstance. The team works with individuals to complete courses one at a time, while navigating all of life’s circumstances and challenges.

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The Ed Lab currently has the highest capacity to-date with 25 adult students enrolled and working toward their degree—4 of whom are currently incarcerated, & 2 are over the age of 60!

Students

GRIEF

HOPE beyond Incarceration

“Restorative Justice is not about undoing something. It is about doing something...positive, healthy, and healing.” -Eric Anderson, Kewanee Prison

PBMR strives to bring restoration beyond harm and punishment. Case Managers accompany system impacted men and women, both during and after incarceration. Even the smallest task is difficult for someonejust coming home from prison— PBMR ensures that no one goes through that transition alone. The community of returned citizens is growing every day, and they are forming a deep community of care and support for one another. In September, this community hosted their 2nd annual Family Softball game. Dozens came with their families to celebrate freedom and community, and to spread the love.

22

Men, women, and Children were housed at PBMR in 2022

HOUSING

One Wednesday morning, Sr. Donna picked up a phone call from one of our partners at Northwestern Legal Clinic. They shared that there was a woman who may be released that day—but only if she has a place to stay. Did PBMR have a place for her to stay? Sr. Donna gave a quick yes, and in the next few hours, a space prepared for her at the Hospitality House. That evening at 1am, PBMR welcomed her home after 27 years of incarceration.

Housing is one of the biggest needs in our community today— especially for those who have a history of incarceration. PBMR strives to respond to the rising need for safe, secure, and affordable housing, to ensure that everyone can come home to a safe place.

2022 was the biggest year yet for the Urban Farm! The season started off with building the largest vegetable bed at 15x35 feet, thanks to a grant from Faith in Place. This bed allows the farm to grow new types of crops that were previously inaccessible, from Spaghetti Squash to fresh greens all season long. Neighbors kept coming for food, and the farm kept producing.

Thanks to these new additions, the farm produced over 3 tons of produce—6,000 pounds! This food was given out to the community, cooked for participants and staff in the center, and sold to benefactors of the ministry. Partnerships with Grace Seeds Ministry Share the Harvest and others deepened as we worked together to keep our communities fed, healthy, and safe.

AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE

The PBMR Urban Farm was recognized by The 2022 Chicago Excellence in Gardening Honoree Awards. The farm received this award back in 2019, and was honored to receive it again after working through the pandemic and growing our output of food to help care for the community.

6000lbs

90+ of Produce harvested

Types of Fruit and vegetables

Urban Farm Light in the Night

We keep us safe. PBMR in collaboration with community partners held 92 Light in the Night community events in 2022 to ensure the safety of our youth and families. Summer barbecues, softball games, Healthcare events, back-to-school give-aways, and more brought

a Spirit of unity, joy, and peace to the neighborhood. Together we can create safe spaces for youth to laugh, play, and learn.

92 LIN Events in 2022

Career-Focused

Hope is having stable, fair, reliable income to provide for you and your family’s needs. The Workforce Development team works to connect community members with dignified work opportunities in the city. Through a new partnership with the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation: Catholic Sisters Initiative , this work took a big step further in 2022 moving people from jobs to careers. Participants in the new Career Navigation Program pursue training and certification in the professional training programs, all-the-while being supported by a team of care every step of the way. Together, we are moving toward more hope-filled futures.

Participants in new Career Navigation Pariticpants Completed their training

CAREERS BEING PURSUED

Phlebotomy

Real Estate Education

CDL

Childcare Advocacy

Career Fair Attendees

Construction Barber

Culinary Cosmetology

Tailoring Mechanics

+ many more

First Annual Career Fair

24+ 6 100+

Over 25 organizations came together for PBMR’s first Annual Career Fair. 100+ participants came, and many left with interviews, start dates, and elevated spirits.

Ashley is a long-time PBMR participant, and a loving mother of 4 children. After years of working minimum wage jobs to care for her family, She would always share her desire to be a teacher, so in 2022, she was the first participant to be admitted into the Career Navigation Program.

Throughout this year, Ashley has taken countless steps toward achieving her goals, and today works as a English tutor in a local elementary school. She is set to be hired for the 2023-2024 school year as a teacher’s Assistant—with benefits and a full-time contract. “I love my job!” She said. “It doesnt bother me to go to work anymore. This is my dream job!”

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“I always wanted to be a teacher!”

-Ashley, 31

ThankYou!

20TH ANNIVERSARY CAMPAIGN: Hope for Generations

Thanks to your friendship and generosity the Hope for Generations campaign far exceeded its initial goal ($200,000), raising more than $400,000. Over 465 donors came together to dream dangerously about what might be possible for our community.

$402,000 bringing HOPE for GENERATIONS

This abundance of resources allows us to go deeper than ever before as we strive to heal the trauma within our community and expand relationships with youth and families in need.

Your generosity is ultimately what allows us to meet the emerging and most pressing needs as they arise—ensuring that we never have to turn anyone away. With the success of this campaign, we strive to ensure that youth and families have a safe place to come, a mentor to walk alongside, food to eat, safe and secure housing, and access to resources for healing and hope to move forward. Thank you for ensuring that PBMR’s work can continue and that our Mission can expand to embrace more of the youth and families in our neighborhood.

Thanks for your support!

465 Entities participated in the HOPE for GENERATIONS campaign and together, we raised over...

$402,000 to bring hope to youth and families impacted by violence and incarceration in the Back of the Yards community Campaign Contributors:

3% 14%

27%

institutions (Religious Communities, Churches, etc.) Individual Donors

57%

Impacting Change one person at a time

PBMR is relationship first, and programming second. No lasting change can be made if there is not trust and mutual care for one another. Each person is unique, and each relationship looks different attending to the individual needs, but when we take a step back, we can see a bigger picture forming: one of justice and transformation for generations. This is the impact of PBMR and our mission. This is the impact of your friendship and support.

Welcoming a young person into our center, sitting with a mother who has just lost her child, accompanying those in prison as they come home: these are the moments of hope that your support has brought to hundreds of individuals and their families. This year, PBMR logged over 16,348 case management hours, not counting the countless moments of daily interaction with anyone who walked in our doors—the level of impact is impossible to measure.

Teresa Brinati (Chair)

Anthony Butler (Vice-Chair)

Elena Quintana, PhD

Patrick O’Connor

Francisco Alvarez

Kathleen Bankhead

Louise Calloway

Sr. Janet McCann, ASC

Johnny Page

Maureen Renno

Gabino Zavala

Fr. David Kelly, C.PP.S.

Fr. Jeff Kirch, C.PP.S.