IMPACT

Since 2002, Precious Blood Ministry has provided education, advocacy, employment and safe spaces for youth and families.

At the core of our impact is strong trusted relationships that create the basis for hope and healing. Together we are creating a new future of possibilities.

STORIES

PRESS

Our Impact Stories

Meet Angel

After serving time, Angel joined our reentry program and transitional housing, determined to accomplish the goals he set for himself. Working alongside PBMR's staff, he successfully completed our program, gaining valuable skills and support for his new career working for Justice Equity Opportunity in the Lieutenant Governor's office.

Angel is thriving in his career and using his talents to create beautiful and functional spaces for others who are interested in creating the life they desire for themselves. During his time in our reentry program, he was praised for his attention to detail, strong work ethic, and positive attitude.

Angel success is a testament to the power of second chances and the impact of our Reentry programming. Angel is pursuing is bachelor's degree and has become a role model for others, showing that with the right support and resources, anyone can overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.

Meet Cynthia

Cynthia and her family have been impacted by the violence and trauma endemic to the neighborhood. Our mentoring team reached out to her grandson as he was navigating some challenges to support him and formed a connection. Our mentors began providing rides to and from school for him and surrounding him with support and encouragement, often talking about his dreams and goals.

Through this relationship, the PBMR mentorship team saw how Cynthia needed support shortly after her son, who was incarcerated, unexpectedly passed away. They connected her with the Family Forward Team, and Sr. Donna invited Cynthia to the monthly Mother's Healing Circle. Through the Circle, Cynthia was connected with other members of the community who were experiencing a similar loss. In addition to providing this safe space for healing monthly, The Family Forward Team provides for the day-to-day needs of all mothers and their families.

Today, Cynthia is a trained circle keeper and a beacon of hope for the community. She is a steadfast attendee at Mother's Circles, quick to provide encouraging, compassionate words for all.

PBMR continues to offer services to the whole family and typically the mothers are at the center of the family.

Meet Lamonte

At an early age, Lamonte searched for places where he could find peace. He regularly faced the pressure of gangs to become part of the violence. His dream at 14 years old was to finish high school. PBMR became Lamonte’s safe haven, where people appreciated him for who he was. After months of hard work, he received his diploma from Richards High School.

Today Lamonte works at PBMR as a mentor and youth advocate. He inspires other young men that they too can overcome their circumstances. He still experiences the struggles when caring for others and dealing with violence, but finds balance and purpose in working towards a new future.

Lamonte’s greatest joy in life is in raising his two young daughters. He strives to be the best father he can be. Lamonte says, “Precious Blood has always been there for me and my family, and now I can be that support for others.”

Meet Diamond

Diamond experienced significant traumatic and loss growing up in the Back of the Yards neighborhood. She lost several close friends and family members to gun violence. Diamond is a mother to 3-year-old daughter, Shamiyah and 4-month-old son, Shemeer. Diamond found solace in PBMR’s mother’s group, healing alongside other mothers who had also lost loved ones.

At PBMR Diamond learned to utilize her community as a resource and seize opportunities that come her way. She cares deeply about being a good mother. Her daughter Shamiyah is a shining star at PBMR and everyone’s favorite social butterfly. Diamond’s dream is to give her daughter and son the best possible future. When asked about her greatest honor, Diamond said with certainty “my greatest honor is being a mother”.

Diamond is still on her journey and her next goal is to reside in a safer neighborhood with secure housing. She has always been resilient and continues to overcome obstacles big and small with the support of PBMR.

Meet Merrell

Merrell originally came to PBMR looking for a job. His mother was out of work and Merrell felt a strong responsibility to support his family. As Merrell spent time at PBMR, we learned more about his situation. With younger brothers and sisters also depending on him, Merrell was shouldering the responsibility of his whole family at just 15 years old.

Merrell has experienced significant trauma and still suffers from flashbacks. Through patience and guidance at PBMR, Merrell has learned to channel his anger differently and stay the course, even when situations get tough. He has found a sense of belonging within the PBMR family.

Through PBMR, Merrell connected with a mentor, tutor, and joined our afterschool program. He graduated from high school and found a job. Today he supports himself and his family. He is confident that whatever new challenges may come, PBMR will be there walking alongside him.

Meet Monique

Monique found the compassion and generosity she had been seeking at PBMR. At PBMR she could confide in others about her struggles and receive genuine support. Monique has inspiring determination - when Monique puts her mind to a goal, she endures until she accomplishes it.

After learning more about the security field, Monique became intent on finding a job in this sector. She faced small but often insurmountable barriers to her success, such as paying exam fees and purchasing the required uniform. PBMR was there to provide solutions to these obstacles and supported Monique as she learned to process her emotions in a healthy way.

Recently, Monique was hired by a security company and is thrilled to begin work. As the mother to 6-year- old daughter, Nyla, Monique seeks ways to show her child the endless possibilities for a bright future. She knows there will be challenges ahead and is focused on the future, as they move forward together.

Meet Dewayne

After coming home from prison, Dewayne got involved with our workforce development program. Dewayne completed the job readiness program and found full-time employment.

He was chosen by Walsh Construction to join their apprentice program, which teaches carpentry skills and other skilled labor experiences.

Having his own apartment and employment has enabled Dewayne to care for his five children and family.

Dewayne says that “being able to care for his children and be the father that he didn’t have makes him feel blessed.”

PBMR IN THE PRESS

February 12, 2023

Watch Orlando Mayorga, former staff at PBMR, share his story of

healing from trauma after incarceration, and the need for healing

spaces during and after incarceration.

November 20, 2022

Precious Blood was featured on Greater Than Zero Percent's mini documentary series as a cause to get behind in 2022. Watch the full feature to hear from Sr. Donna, Joesph Mapp, and Fr. Dave Kelly.

April, 2022

Listen to PBMR's Fred Weatherspoon and dozens of thought leaders around the city share about the impact of gun violence on youth and families.

April 9, 2021

Sr. Donna is featured on "A Nun's Life" Podcast sharing about her work with mothers who have lost children to violence and incarceration.

October, 2020

PBMR's Urban Farm was featured on the Illinois Extension website as an exemplary urban farm providing organic produce to families in food desert neighborhoods.

September 2, 2020

Renaldo Hudson, 56, released from Danville Correctional Center, hugs his attorney, Jenny Soble. Renaldo now lives at Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation in Chicago. He spent 37 years in prison.