In June, Restoration Ministries moved into a new 25,000 square foot building, which replaced our original facilities. This new beautiful building allows Restoration to serve more people and bring under one roof our residential recovery program, the Harvey House School of Ministry, our After-School Program, Food Pantry, assistance and outreach programs, and administrative offices. The vibrant new building and campus is a beacon of hope for Restoration Ministries’ neighborhood.

The new building has eleven four-man suites for the Harvey House Program. A large portion of the new building is designated for Restoration Ministries’ After-School Program. There are four classrooms for the Homework Help and Tutoring Program, as well as a computer lab, a library for the Bread for the Head Reading Program and an arts and crafts room.

There is a gym/multipurpose room, which is used for Restoration’s food pantry distribution, Christmas Toy Store and as a gym for the kids in our after-school programs. Meals for Harvey House residents and children in the Kids Café program will be prepared in a commercial kitchen and served in a large dining room. The new building also houses Restoration Ministries’ administrative offices.

At the grand opening in July, State Representative Will Davis shared his admiration for the organization. “I wish I could bottle up whatever Restoration Ministries has and I wish I could give it to other social service providers,” he said. “What has been done here is absolutely outstanding.”

Since 1988, Restoration Ministries has been providing life-changing opportunities to drug addicts, at-risk youth, and needy families in Harvey. The growing demand for Restoration Ministries’ unique programs and services and our desperate need for more space and updated facilities were the reasons for this major construction project. In January of 2008, the board of directors launched the Building Up, Building Lives Campaign to raise $5 million to fund the construction of the new building and the campus expansion. Thus far, nearly $3 million has been contributed by private support from individuals, churches, foundations, businesses and local organizations. Fundraising efforts led by Brian Kamstra of South Holland, chairman of the Capital Campaign Committee are continuing. For information on how you can help, call 708-333-3370. Currently, donors of $150 and up can get an engraved brick in the beautiful courtyard.

2008 Samaritan Award honoree