A Message From the Executive Director 

No one could have predicted the disruption to our lives and normal day-to-day routines that we have endured the past 17 months. As I reflect on the tremendous toll of the pandemic, I am filled with gratitude for everything our generous supporters have made possible.

Last winter, we had to transition the women and children in our facility because of deteriorating conditions of our building. One of the many lessons I have learned is that our staff and the women we serve are strong and resilient. They can respond, work through, and adapt to change.

As an organization, Southside Center of Hope faced adversity head on, and as a result, we experienced many successes. This past year, we started a young professionals board and a virtual volunteer program. We partnered with Interfaith Housing Development Corporation to build a permanent supportive housing development in West Pullman on Chicago’s Southside. Most notably, we moved from the beloved St. Clara School building in Woodlawn, which was once home to our founders and the place where thousands of women and children gained a fresh start.

We experienced some challenges and delays moving into our new facility, we are happy that in September, we will welcome women in our new home for the next two years located at 2425 West Jackson Blvd in East Garfield Park. While our address has changed, we remain committed to continuing the legacy of our founders Sister Therese O’Sullivan and the late Sister Connie Driscoll.

In celebration of our re-opening and National Recovery Month we will host a virtual and in-person open house. Stay tuned for more details.

As Southside Center of Hope begins a new chapter, so will many of you. Kids are preparing to return to school and parents are preparing to return to the office, many for the first time. I leave you with a closing thought

‘Whenever you find yourself doubting how far you can go, just remember how far you have come. Remember everything you have faced, all the battles you have won, and all the fears you have overcome.’ Anonymous