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.
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.
Will you host a Kinship Exposure Experience?
Exposure Experiences are transformational activities and outings Old St. Pat’s members provide free of charge for people of Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood to enjoy otherwise unfamiliar or unaffordable places and opportunities. The experiences, for groups of 4 -100 youth or adults who may have rarely or never experienced Chicago’s vibrancy outside of their own neighborhood, can include:
How it Works
Exposure Experience sponsors envision the opportunities, issue the invitation and help make the arrangements. Old St. Pat's Social Action Ministry staff members receive the invitations and connect sponsors with interested North Lawndale neighborhood organizations. North Lawndale organization staff members coordinate with the OSP Social Action Ministry staff and Exposure Experience sponsors to manage all necessary logistical, supervision and legal matters. Tax exempt charitable donation letters can be provided to the sponsors when requested.
To Sponsor:
Contact Vincent Guider, Kinship Initiative Director at [email protected] or Johnny Jones, Social Action Program Coordinator at [email protected].
- Restaurants, receptions, parties
- Workplace, museum or cultural tours
- Professional or major college sporting events
- Nature, fitness or high adventure experiences
- Arts, theater, concerts or live entertainment seating
- Spa, salon or barber reservations or free necessity shopping sprees.
How it Works
Exposure Experience sponsors envision the opportunities, issue the invitation and help make the arrangements. Old St. Pat's Social Action Ministry staff members receive the invitations and connect sponsors with interested North Lawndale neighborhood organizations. North Lawndale organization staff members coordinate with the OSP Social Action Ministry staff and Exposure Experience sponsors to manage all necessary logistical, supervision and legal matters. Tax exempt charitable donation letters can be provided to the sponsors when requested.
To Sponsor:
Contact Vincent Guider, Kinship Initiative Director at [email protected] or Johnny Jones, Social Action Program Coordinator at [email protected].
Want to partner with a North Lawndale Neighbor?
Kinship Initiative Partners is a new collaboration between Old St. Pat's members, the North Lawndale Employment Network (NLEN), and the Lawndale Christian Legal Center's (LCLC) Dennis Deer Restorative Justice Residence. Through this program, Old St. Pat's volunteers pair one-on-one with NLEN and LCLC clients who are pursuing employment and career advancement. Pairings will require a minimum of 4-6 hours per month interaction both in person and via Zoom, lasting for 3 months. Pairing can be extended by mutual agreement.
The partners form supportive relationships rooted in accompaniment, encouragement and mutual growth. Old St. Pat's members will serve as career path mentors, walking alongside North Lawndale partners who are navigating challenges of self confidence, literacy, job readiness and future goal planning.
Old St. Pat’s partner volunteers will receive cultural competency orientation, assigned a NLEN or LCLC staff member and other assistance. No specific professional background is required of Old St. Patrick’s partners.
Kinship Partnership is at the heart of Old St. Pat’s Vision calling us to “Live our faith, heal the world.”
To learn more about Kinship Initiative Partners, contact Johnny Jones, Social Action Program Coordinator at [email protected].
The partners form supportive relationships rooted in accompaniment, encouragement and mutual growth. Old St. Pat's members will serve as career path mentors, walking alongside North Lawndale partners who are navigating challenges of self confidence, literacy, job readiness and future goal planning.
Old St. Pat’s partner volunteers will receive cultural competency orientation, assigned a NLEN or LCLC staff member and other assistance. No specific professional background is required of Old St. Patrick’s partners.
Kinship Partnership is at the heart of Old St. Pat’s Vision calling us to “Live our faith, heal the world.”
To learn more about Kinship Initiative Partners, contact Johnny Jones, Social Action Program Coordinator at [email protected].
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The Dr. Dennis Deer Restorative Justice Center
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Walk the Talk of Kinship with North Lawndale NeighborsDr. 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 HostYoung 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]. |
North Lawndale Partners
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North Lawndale Athletic and Recreation Association |
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OSP Racial Equity and Justice Initiative (REJI)
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