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"Restoring human dignity through hospitality, hope, and healing."

From the Director


Dear friends,

Last night we had a visit from Rep. Marcus Evans.  He sat in circle with some of our young men and staff and shared his story.  He spoke, too, of ways in which they could make a difference not only in their lives, but the lives of their brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, and their own children.  Rep. Evans said was that they could say that life is unfair, but eventually they have to get over it and be the change that they are looking for. 
 
Too often our youth think of all that is against them and fail to recognize the strength they have and how that strength, if harnessed and directed, can help them find success.  The young people, when asked what concerned them as young black me, spoke of the harsher gun laws and how these harsher penalties did nothing to stop the use of guns; they spoke of the police relations and how they were often stopped for no cause.  Of course jobs, vocational training and better schools were part of our conversation.


 


 

 

Fr. David Kelly, C.PP.S. 
PBMR Executive director and Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center Chaplain
As the temperature falls, we are ever mindful of those who are homeless or do not have adequate housing.  We, too, are aware of the many adults and children who are in our jails, detention centers and prisons, separated from their families.  Please keep PBMR in mind as you make out your holiday giving. 
 
There is a great deal happening here at PBMR and we are grateful for our friends and benefactors who support us. 
 
I hope this season of thanks and generosity brings you peace.

 Peace,

#GivingTuesday!


Today is Giving Tuesday. At the Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation, in the Back of the Yards neighborhood, we invite you to join our effort to create A Connected Chicago - a more restorative and empathetic Chicago where resources are shared and communities are unified.

Our new and more frequent RJ cafe series brings community members and stakeholders together weekly to discuss real issues in the community and brainstorm solutions while sharing coffee and a hot meal.

Last week we welcomed neighborhood school principals, teachers and restorative justice practitioners. This week our neighbors who lack secure housing will enjoy donuts and coffee as they are invited to engage in in discussion about issues that directly affect them in our neighborhood.

Your tax deductible holiday donation for Giving Tuesday will ensure our commitment to deepen and expand A Connected Chicago through community-building programs like the weekly Restorative Justice Cafe! Thank you for your support, and stop in for a cup of coffee!
 

Donate Here!

How Are the Children? Art Show



 
On November 6 PBMR opened its new art show called "How Are The Children?." This exhibit features drawings from juveniles at the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center collected by Fr. Kelly and PBMR since 1992. Most of the art has been published in our monthly Making Choices magazine.
 
The show seeks to create awareness about the situation of children and juveniles incarcerated. It has been very well received by our neighbors. Different presentations have been scheduled with educators from local schools, ministers, and community partners.

The exhibit will be open until the end of the year. If you are in the area, please come to visit us!



 

 








 

 

Meet our Staff:

Karianna Kearns



Kari is the Director of Youth and Family Health, mentoring coordinator and mentor at PBMR. Kari is a Wisconsin native who has lived in Chicago for five years. Kari has a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Criminal Justice from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a Master’s degree in Couple and Family Therapy from Adler University. Kari has experience in crisis intervention; trauma education; sexuality education; group, individual, and family therapy, youth development, mentoring, probation and parole, and community organizing. Kari feels passionately about social justice, criminal justice reform, dimensions of culture, and empathy and compassion in relationships. Kari likes spending time outside, reading, watching television shows, travelling and experiencing new things.

Kari loves being at PBMR and it has become her second home. The values of hope, healing, and radical hospitality carry Kari in her work at PBMR and she feels honored everyday to get to know the people and the community and to experience their many insights and wisdoms.  The relationships that Kari has formed with many youth and their families allow her the privilege to wake up everyday excited and eager to come to work.

PBMR Partners with Sherman Park Library




In September, PBMR began a partnership with the local public library, by offering a monthly peace circle at the library for children attending its Peace and Games after school program.  
 
One Tuesday a month Sr. Janet Ryan and a PBMR volunteer
facilitate a peace circle with children ages 7-12yrs old.  The kids enjoy using different talking pieces, playing ice breaker games, creating art work which expresses who they are and sharing their feelings in a safe space.  
 
This partnership with Sherman Park Library provides PBMR the opportunity to extend its mission beyond the confines of the PB Center and to reach out to some of our younger neighbors!



 

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