Network Summer Service Project
"For we know that no one is perfect in this life..."
- St. Philippine Duchesne
Juvenile Justice
"This program provides students with the chance to meet with a variety of individuals working within the juvenile justice system (i.e., judges, prosecutors, public defenders, social workers, and adolescents) in Illinois. Participants will learn how the state of Illinois operates its criminal justice system with a diverse population of our nation's adolescents. The hope for students who participate in this project is that they leave the program with a sense of motivation to be engaged citizens, comprehend the value in social justice through Catholic Social Teaching, and embody an openness to new information and growth in critical thinking."
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- Network of the Sacred Heart Schools "Student Application Packet"
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Participating in the Network of Sacred Heart Schools Summer Service Project on Juvenile Justice exposed me to the complexities of approaches to addressing juvenile offenders and public safety. Firsthand insights from service organizations like Kolbe House Jail Ministries and Precious Blood Ministries reinforced my commitment to addressing systemic issues, leading to drafting a legislative bill reallocating funds to community-based programs for juvenile crime prevention in my Social Justice class.
"It is a denial of justice not to stretch out a helping hand to the fallen; that is a common right of humanity."
- Seneca the Elder
Service Organizations
Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation
This organization builds relationships among youth and families impacted by violence and/or conflict, creates safe spaces where people can experience radical hospitality, hope, and healing, and promotes a restorative justice approach to conflict and build a sense of community.
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Kolbe House Jail Ministry
Kolbe House is the agency of the Department of Parish Vitality and Mission of the Archdiocese of Chicago that serves individuals and families affected by the criminal justice system. They seek to promote restoration and reconciliation through outreach, support, and accompaniment. They "follow the example of St. Maximilian Kolbe to love and hope in the midst of evil and despair."
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https://pvm.archchicago.org/human-dignity-solidarity/kolbe-house-jail-ministry
"Actions speak louder than words;
let your words teach and your actions speak."
- St. Anthony of Padua