North Lawndale Kinship Initiative

​The North Lawndale Kinship Initiative is a community development partnership between people in the North Lawndale neighborhood of Chicago’s West Side and Old St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Despite the racial, religious, and political division we often experience in society today, our diverse collaboration aims to set a different course.  We are a movement of engaged churches, schools, community organizations, government officials, businesses and individual leaders in North Lawndale and at Old St. Pat’s that choose to work together to address the pressing issues of our city and times.


​​Kinship Mission
Through the Kinship Initiative, people of North Lawndale and Old St. Patrick’s Church walk alongside one another in friendship, sharing our talents and resources to secure justice, opportunity and the transformation of our communities.

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The Dr. Dennis Deer Restorative Justice Center
​Grand Opening Was a Huge Success!

Hundreds gathered in picture perfect whether to celebrate the Lawndale Christian Legal Center's ongoing commitment to helping young people become whole adults, and the community thriving as a result. See some of the great press the center received HERE.

Many thanks to those of you who attended on Sunday, April 27, 2025. Thanks also to those who were supportive in days leading up to the event, (i.e., visiting the center, assisting with cleanup and setup, event planning, monetary donations, etc.). Stay tuned for the official announcement of Kinship-related Old St. Pat's volunteer opportunities at the Deer Center starting soon. The Old St. Pat's community looks forward to continuing our walk with the Deer Center residents and staff, and we hope you'll join us.

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Walk the Talk of Kinship with North Lawndale Neighbors

​Dr. Dennis Deer Restorative Justice Residence
1441 S Keeler Ave, North Lawndale, Chicago
Saturday, March 30, 2025 from 12:30 - 2:00 PM (After 11:00 AM Mass)

The Lawndale Christian Legal Center (LCLC) invites you on Sunday, March 30th from 12:30 - 2:00 PM (immediately after the 11AM Mass) to a special preview tour of the Dr. Dennis Deer Restorative Justice Residence due to open in April. This beautiful, state-of-the-art facility will house emerging men,18-25 years old, as an alternative to incarceration. Beginning this summer, Old St. Pat’s and local community organizations will support the men and the LCLC staff through mentoring, hospitality, exposure outings and more. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to view the facility, meet the staff and see firsthand one more way you can join Old St. Pat’s to put Catholic Social Teaching into action. It’s free, all ages are welcome with free curbside parking and lunch to be provided. Register by Saturday, March 29th at the link below.

Need a ride or can provide a ride? Please come on your own, but if you’d prefer to carpool to and from Old St. Pat’s, or if you’re willing to be a driver for other OSP members, contact Johnny Jones [email protected] or Vince Guider [email protected]. 

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My Brother’s Kitchen Meal Host

Young Men’s Education Network Gym
1241 S. Pulaski Road (Formerly Bread of Life Breakfast)
Every 3rd Saturday of the month from 8:00 AM - Noon 

A team of 8 - 12 hosts help to: Set up eating areas, prep, cook and serve a hot, nutritious meal, provide friendly hospitality to 100+ guests from the neighborhood and clean up afterward. Register or/and donate toward the food costs here.

Contact: Vincent Guider, North Lawndale Kinship Initiative Director at [email protected]. 

Register Here

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North Lawndale Partners

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North Lawndale Athletic and Recreation Association

Click here to visit the NLARA website.

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OSP Racial Equity and Justice Initiative (REJI)

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Click here to visit the REJI page.