Visit from Rory Hoskins, Mayor of Forest Park - Rory Hoskins, the mayor of Forest Park, recently visited us at Centro San Bernardino. He had heard about our work with the migrants and wanted to learn more. Accompanying him was his Executive Assistant Megan Roach whose children attended Saint Bernardine until the school closed. It was a lovely visit with many Migrant Ministry volunteers who live in Forest Park introducing themselves to him. He asked what he could do to support our work, and we asked him to continue to keep Forest Park safe for migrants. The Illinois Trust Act prohibits local and state police from collaborating with federal immigration agents. We bring migrants into Forest Park, and are grateful for the mayor’s support.

Security is a major concern for the Migrant Ministry, especially now with the Customs and Border Patrol achieving record numbers of abductions and arrests. Migrants visiting the center cannot enter through the school’s main entrance with the big, beautiful red doors that in the past welcomed generations of children. The main entrance is simply too close to Harlem and 290 if a caravan of ICE agents suddenly arrived. Instead, migrants enter through a side door at the back of the parking lot. Two teams of volunteers staff the parking lot: one team checking all the people and cars entering and a second team at the side door checking IDs. Each team is equipped with a walkie-talkie and a whistle.

We are grateful for the many layers of support that make our Ministry possible.

NOTE: The Center will close for donations on Monday, September 21 as the sorting team works to clear out summer clothing to make room for fall and winter items. Donations will resume the following Monday.

Email us at [email protected] with any questions or comments.