CLOSING OF ICM

February 27, 2025

Dear Friends of Illini Christian Ministries,

For over 56 years it has been the aim of the staff, volunteers and donors of this ministry to provide “a home for children in need”. As the doors of Illini Christian Ministries (ICM) close permanently on February 28th, 2025, we want to take this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude for your unwavering support, which has made this work possible for so many years.

Originally incorporated as Illini Children’s Christian Home in 1967, what started with a vision to provide “a home for children in need” with a single group home in Saint Joseph, IL quickly expanded to 6 group homes adding locations in Erie, Macomb and Dix by 1975. As needs changed and best practices developed over the next 50 years, so did the offering of services. Adoption services were added to help children find forever families. Supportive services were offered to young pregnant women to bring stability and hope as they prepared for parenting or adoption. Families were licensed as foster homes and welcomed children into smaller, more traditional family settings. Counseling and Intact Family services were added to prevent the trauma of family separation, or to remain together after a reunion. More recently, Safe Families were identified to provide even shorter-term placements with an emphasis on building stronger support networks between families in crisis and people ready to offer assistance. All the while, children and families facing seemingly hopeless situations encountered people who cared and offered real, tangible support that changed the trajectory of their lives.

As we look through old records, there are many faces and names that have been recipients of these programs. One article highlighted the journey of a boy who lived in an ICM group home and later became a group home houseparent as an adult. 

There are pictures of teens who lived in parenting partner homes who overcame obstacles unknown to most, and graduated from high school. Some were the first in their family to do so. 

There are notes from young moms who almost gave up when their young kids were removed from their care by DCFS. They rallied with support from their peers in the ICM Better Together groups, addressed areas for growth, found jobs, obtained stable housing, and welcomed their children back.

One file tells the story of a father who became the sole parent of 3 young children when his pregnant wife was unexpectedly incarcerated. ICM offered unwavering support and practical tools to him as he welcomed their newborn into their small room at a homeless shelter. ICM also provided transportation so the family could visit their mother in prison, and was there for the tearful reunion when mom came home.

As records have been prepared for storage and archival, we came across the names and faces of countless families who welcomed children into their lives as well: original house parents and families of the group homes, Safe Families who welcomed just a single child for a short period of time, and foster families who welcomed several teens over the course of many years. 

Through the partnership with over 100 adoptive families, 146 children from across Illinois and the world found their forever homes. These families communicated to each child, “you are safe, you are valued, and you are loved.”

And there are many, many newsletters describing various financial needs from roof repairs, outdated vehicles, funding for additional house parents or case workers, moving expenses, budget shortfalls, etc. Along with these requests are countless celebrations of churches faithfully mailed donations month after month, of children rallying during weeks of Vacation Bible Schools to donate needed supplies, of individuals responding to our “Emergency Helper” requests, and people who loved the ministry for decades continuing their support after their passing through generous estate planning.

Illini Christian Ministries is the story of what happens when people respond to the love of Christ to meet the needs of vulnerable people in their communities. It is the story of our good God responding faithfully to meet those needs, heal brokenness, and give hope. And this story is not going to end.

The remaining financial assets owned by Illini Christian Ministries are in the process of being distributed to the following organizations who will continue to add chapters to this story.

• Gateway Woods, ABC Counseling and The Baby Fold will continue working with the majority of the active ICM adoption families.
• The ReStart Program at Orphan’s Treasure Box provides vocational training and entry level employment for women who need a new beginning, particularly those with histories of trauma.
• Youth For Christ, City Life Program provides a relational, holistic, community-based ministry aimed at serving under-resourced neighborhoods through developing young people from that community to emerging leaders who lead where they live
• Big Brother Big Sisters offers mentoring programs for children and youth from lower income families.
• Generous Jalopy received 3 used fleet vehicles that will get matched with families in need.
• The Center for Youth and Family Solutions, Cunningham Children’s Home, and Living Alternatives Pregnancy Resource Centers all received office equipment, as well as clothing and other items to disperse to clients.

Thank you for being a part of the Illini Christian Ministries story. Your kindness and compassion have made a lasting difference in the lives of so many. Continue writing this story in your local communities. Support organizations, like the ones listed above, that are dedicated to serving children and families in need. Continue to give generously of your time and treasure. 

Lastly, to the families who allowed us to be a part of their stories, we are proud of you and are grateful for you. You have inspired us. God sees you, and loves you, and will answer when you seek him for support. 

Sincerely,

The Board of Directors of Illini Christian Ministries