Oak Park Migrant Ministry

05/19/2026

Happy Summer!! Now accepting shorts and bathing suits.

04/18/2026

From Jason Brashares

I'd like to invite you to a local event at the Maze Branch of the Oak Park Public Library on Sat. April 25th.

But first... imagine you're a refugee kid, new to the US after a sometimes years-long process of uncertainty. You land in a Chicago apartment, your basic needs supported by existing agencies. Now what? Barely able to speak passable English, no connections to the community or your new home country, maybe you don't even feel safe in the neighborhood your family can afford. What is life like?

Now imagine what it must feel like when a local group invites you outside your local bubble, in a safe and supportive way, to find a true sense of community among peers who've gone through a similar journey, even if from different places, finding yourself through challenging play in nature and sport?

I don't have to imagine, I've been lucky enough to be a part of it for many years. These kids open up in ways that native-born kids are more accustomed to in orgs like The Girl/Boy Scouts or family camping trips and semi-structured outings to nearby nature.

At REACH (Refugee Education & Adventure Challenge), we bring newcomer kids together, where they can be themselves without having to feel like "the other", through enriching experiences like biking in forest preserves, camping, climbing, local service projects, kayaking the Chicago River, and even multi-day trips to America's natural wonders. And we have a Peer Mentor program that helps guide innate leadership skills in a multi-faceted way.

Our Peer Mentors have designed a story slam and photo exhibit to share their experiences while practicing their public speaking. There will be community, connection, snacks, and inspiration on tap. Please join us at this free event to learn more about REACH and find a bit of hope in these scary times.

Message me with any questions, I hope to see you there!

04/07/2026

Do you have something you'd like to donate to the Boulevard Free Store, but it's too big and/or heavy to get it there yourself?

Jason Brashares doing a multi-home pickup of those kinds of things on Tuesday, April 14th, so join the lineup! They have room for about 4 or 5 more homes at this point.

He’ll rent a truck and hire a couple our new neighbors to help carry things. We do ask that you help offset the cost of this by contributing according to the size/complexity of your donation.

As an example, a coffee table that's too big for your car may just cost $40 for us to grab... a simple 4 seater dining room table and chairs, may only cost about $60... a full bedroom set with bed, frame, dresser, etc. could cost up to $200... it all depends.

If you can't make it on the 14th, let me know and we can figure out another day.

Coordinate with me by sending me a direct message here on Facebook Messenger or email me at [email protected].

Thank you!

03/29/2026

Hello friends. We have been getting questions about donations of furniture and household goods. Please take them to the Blvd Church at East/Harvard in Oak Park. Wednesdays and Saturdays 10-12. There is also a Community Fridge and Pantry there if you wish to donate food. Thank you 💞

02/25/2026

DONATION UPDATE

1. We will stop accepting donations of Winter clothes and begin accepting donations for Spring clothing beginning Monday, March 2nd.

2. Donations will be now received on Mondays between the hours of 9AM and 11:30AM, instead of from 9-Noon as previously done.

Centro St Bernadine 815 S Elgin, Forest Park

Thanks for your generosity!

02/02/2026

01/31/2026

Welcome our migrant neighbors and others in need at our free store Centro St Bernadino, 815 Elgin, Forest Park, Tuesday’s 8:00-11:00

PLEASE DONATE MONDAYS 9-12
We need the following items:

Men's Clothes/Men's Coats Room (in sizes S, M, L, and XL):

Sweatpants/athletic pants
T-Shirts
Athletic socks (new only)
Underwear (boxer briefs, new only)
Gloves
Winter hats
Warm winter coats

For boys ages 12-16, we need:
Sweatpants/athletic pants
Jeans
Zip-up hoodies

Women’s in all sizes S,M,L
Warm Coats, gloves, hats
Leggings, sweatpants
Pajamas
Sport bras
Socks

Kids Infant-12 year

Warm Winter Coats, hats, gloves (all)
Boots
3-5 year old girls tops, bottoms (we have none!)
Boys boxers 2-4
Pajamas (all)
Socks infant and child

Blankets
Toiletries

Thank you!!

01/20/2026

YAY! We are open again, offering clothing, coats, boots, and beddding in our "free stores" as well as social services, ESL, help for families to prepare in case of detention, assistance in completing the work permit applications, and breakfast. Come see us! Thanks to generous donations, we are well-stocked!!!

12/23/2025

Opening once again to the migrant population on Tuesday, Jan 20th! 815 Elgin Ave, across the street from the Ferrara Candy Co, just west of Harlem, south of 290, and less than a block from the CTA Blue Line Forest Park stop.

At present we anticipate accepting donations and organizing the rooms on Mondays Jan. 12th and Jan. 19th and opening our free store on Tuesdays from 8AM to 11AM. Stay tuned for more info and HAPPY HOLIDAYS