ascension catholic church oak park

 

Ascension Church
808 S. East Avenue
Oak Park, IL 60304

Phone: (708) 848-2703
Fax: (708) 848-2773

 

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 Ascension Catholic Church

New Hope Ministry

This ministry, formed in conjunction with Catholic Charities, is an opportunity for every family to become involved in ministry to the homeless. The goal is to provide stability, security, and permanent housing for families in crisis. Our goal is to assist them in this endeavor by providing the financial means to secure and maintain an apartment that in two years, they will be able to manage themselves. You can help by making a financial contribution to help offset the monthly rent. Whether they can sponsor a day ($28), a week ($210), or a month($850) donation, it will add up to make a difference in someone's life. New Hope envelopes are at the church entrances.

From the Catholic Charities site:

Catholic Charities-New Hope Apartments provides housing with intensive case management services for homeless families with children under the age of 18 in both the City of Chicago and Suburban Cook County. Families are housed in scattered site transitional apartments and for up to 24 months receive services which include rental assistance, household furnishings, employment assistance with training and educational referrals, child care, budgeting assistance, transportation and assistance in accessing appropriate government programs.  Through Individual Action Plans, clients focus on barriers to job placement. Families achieve job skills and income, decrease debt and increase self-determination during their time in the program. Additionally, in North/Northwest Suburban Cook County, families can receive up to nine months of emergency housing and intensive case management services in scattered site apartments. 

The following article appeared in the Ascension Parish Newsletter: In Service in February 2008.

Ascension's Common Ground meetings in 2005 led to a collaboration with Catholic Charities. The resulting New Hope Ministry is one of our many outreach success stories. The mission of New Hope is to provide stability, security, and permanent housing for families in crisis. The ministry assists families in their struggle by providing the financial means to secure and manage an apartment that they will ultimately maintain themselves. The goal of New Hope is to share our blessings so that those in need learn how to improve their own circumstances.

Michelle Boardman, who directs Ascension's New Hope projects with Mary Planek, says, "We are proudest of what the New Hope families can do for themselves! Their spirit and perseverance is a lesson to us all. If you've ever received a helping hand from someone, you understand its impact and the hope it inspires." Father McNally concurs. "People want to be able to take care of themselves. Sometimes, they just need a little help."

Dalia Rocotello, Regional Services Representative for Catholic Charities, is very pleased with the collaboration. "We are extremely grateful for Ascension's willingness to partner with Catholic Charities in addressing the reality of family homelessness here in West Cook County - and more. Your parish truly puts Catholic Social Teaching into action!"

In 2007, New Hope was involved in these projects: a fresh start for a Burundian family who fled persecution in their country; a "success day" celebration for one hundred families honoring their perseverance in the fight against homelessness and poverty; the collection of backpacks and school supplies for 150 children as they started the new school year. And in 2007, Ascension’s first New Hope family, a single mother and her two-year-old daughter, graduated from the program and are enjoying a life of self-sufficiency.

Mary Planek reports on the status of New Hope 2008: "The family we’re currently sponsoring is learning to be self-sufficient. The mother of three grew up in homeless shelters herself, and is working towards her high school equivalency, better employment, and stability for her children. We're also working with other local parishes to establish their own New Hope programs. Our goal is to add two more apartments this year through our efforts with these parishes."

Father McNally believes strongly in New Hope. "It is because of parishioner support of this ministry that we can be there when people need us. Your gifts mean that people who saw very little hope of getting out of a desperate situation might be able to take the first step to a better life."

 

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