Centro San Bernardino Opens This Week! - On January 6, our final event at the beloved Saint Edmund School was the distribution of approximately 80 coats, similar numbers of gloves, hats, and scarves, and about 30 blankets. The day before, we had passed 45 coats to a migrant-serving church on the South Side. A fitting finish to almost two years of being the loving center of our Migrant Ministry.

After an incredible team effort to cart boxes, bags, shelves, and tables to the former Saint Bernardine School on Tuesday, January 20, volunteers are putting the last touches on the “free stores” offering clothing, coats, boots, and bedding as well as a breakfast space and the magical children’s playroom. Donations are accepted on Monday mornings from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Saint Bernardine School, 815 Elgin, Forest Park. Please, only seasonal (winter) clothing, boots, coats, and bedding.

We are so glad to be open again, not only to serve the migrants but to see each other as the ministry volunteers have formed a tight community. But it will not be the same. Life for the migrants we serve has become so stressful that one of the rooms will be dedicated to accompaniment and advocacy. In addition to social services, ESL, and immigration support, we will be providing resources for the migrants on what to do if a family member is detained, forms for temporary custody of children, how to track a detained family member, Know Your Rights education, and other supportive efforts.

We could not do what we do without your support. MIL GRACIAS, Catholic Community of Oak Park!

Any questions? Please email us at [email protected]. MIL GRACIAS!