Human Dignity and Solidarity

Join Our Mission


Individuals

Learn

Peace in our communities will grow as we open more spaces to build relationship and dialogue that leads to reconciliation. Ask us about community circles in your neighborhood or attend a circle training at Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation. Explore the work that the USCCB has done regarding restorative justice.

Build our network

We are always looking for new partners. This could include leads on jobs that offer training and employment to ex-offenders, community organizations that offer tutoring, vocational training, family support, or church ministries that reach out to individuals and families in need of support. Let us know what you do and let’s explore how we can work together.

Volunteer with Kolbe House

Kolbe House relies on the dedication and skills of individuals throughout the Archdiocese of Chicago. At this time, we are unable to place new volunteers due to limitations on in-person ministries. However, we encourage you to fill out our volunteer application and our volunteer coordinator will be in touch with you in the fall.

Parishes and Groups

To arrange a volunteer or educational experience for your parish or group, please contact Emily at [email protected]. Here are a few possibilities:

Hold a drive

Kolbe House maintains a clothing and food pantry with basic items for individuals coming out of jail and families in need. Contact us to see what our immediate needs are or see our wishlist below and hold a drive to collect items to donate.

Learn about restorative justice and visiting the imprisoned

Invite a speaker from Kolbe House to come to your parish. We can tailor a session to the needs of your group, including lessons for children and youth relating to Catholic Social Teaching and the Works of Mercy. 

Donate

Your financial contribution helps to keep our programs running and allows us to be generous in meeting the emergency financial needs of the people we serve. We thank you for your support. Donate here.

Wishlist

We invite individuals, churches, schools, and all other organizations to actively support Kolbe House through donation of any the items below. You can also donate items to us through Amazon by shopping our wish list. Click here for more information.

Bibles

Non-Perishable Foods
Especially: rice, beans, pasta, pasta sauce, peanut butter, jelly, cereal, cooking oil

Clothing
New socks, underwear, T-shirts, sweatpants, sweatshirts

Publication Sponsorship
Office Depot, OfficeMax, or Staples gift cards help provide copy paper purchases, and Kolbe House uses cases of paper to produce our publication Making Choices. Your business or organization can also directly donate cases of 11”x17” copy paper. Cash donations are also accepted.

CTA Transit Cards
Transit cards help individuals and families with transportation to and from work, court, and jail visits. Seven-day passes or cash to buy passes are welcomed.

Gift Cards for Payless Shoes, Walmart, Target and Subway
Payless Shoes gift cards allow for the purchase of work and dress shoes for inmates. Walmart and Target gift cards are primary sources for Kolbe House to purchase socks, underwear, and jeans and can be given to clients in need of financial assistance. 

Children’s Books
Help us build our library for families of detainees. See this list here from Prison Fellowship for ideas. Spanish translations are also welcome.

Please note that we do not accept out-of-date publications of any kind, prayer cards with lamination or decorations, non-spiritual books, or used clothing.
At this time, we are also unable to receive donations of Christmas cards due to an overwhelming response for donations in 2018. Thank you for your generosity.

Spread the Word

Please feel free to download, print, and share the documents below. To request Kolbe House brochures for your group or parish, send an e-mail to [email protected] and include your name, your parish, how many brochures you would like and where we can send them to.

  • Bulletin Announcement English/Spanish (PDF)
  • Family Support Circle Half Page Handout (PDF)