By: Jean Sweet Ehlinger
The Program
Phoenix Hall is a transitional housing program for high school students from age 14 through graduation who experience housing instability in the North Lawndale neighborhood. The building was developed through Old St. Pat’s Journey Forward Capital Campaign at Old St. Patrick’s Church. Open since 2017, the residence program and supervisory staffing is managed by The Night Ministry. As part of the North Lawndale Kinship Initiative, volunteers from Old St. Pat’s have engaged in various activities with the students to provide added support to the Night Ministry staff leading day to day programming.
This past year Old St. Pat’s members have engaged with two regular volunteer activities, namely “Cooking at Phoenix Hall” and “Gardening at Phoenix Hall.” Volunteers also arranged special educational, cultural and fun experiences for the residents during the 2018-19 school year such as funding tickets, formal clothing and a party for senior prom.
Opportunities
To expand volunteer opportunities for Old St. Pat’s members and further enrich the lives of the students living at Phoenix Hall, the following new programs are in the works:
Career and Education Coaching - A program is being developed to provide support for students as they plan for future careers and education. The program will help students to discover and explore trades, college life, civilian and military career paths.
December Holiday Programming - Because the holidays can be emotional times for teens partially separated from their families the following two events are being planned:
1) Decorate Phoenix Hall For The Holidays - December 5, 7:00 p.m. 2) Holiday Dinner and Secret Santa Gift Exchange - December 19, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Financial support is needed to fund decorations, refreshments and gift cards for these events. Small numbers of volunteers will also be welcome to actively participate.
To Engage
Contact Jean Sweet Ehlinger, the Old St. Pat’s Liaison to Phoenix Hall at jean@curv.com. To donate go to https://osp.ccbchurch.com/goto/giving, and choose the designation of “Phoenix Hall” in the drop down menu.