This team includes all the others sites that do not fit neatly under any one category either because they are new or unique.

PACE

Background: The PACE Institute was founded by John R. Erwin in 1967. Having extended his work as a chaplain in teaching individuals to read, write, and encourage them Erwin sought to do more in order to keep people from returning to the prisons. He found that the reason most formerly incarcerated individuals were not able to keep a stable job was due to their lack of education. Therefore, in 1986, the PACE Institute merged with the Safer Foundation. These two combined organizations offer a broader line of services to men and women behind bars. PACE has aided many in receiving their high school diploma and continues to do so each year. Some have even furthered their education even more by going to college.

Focus: To meet with detainees weekly in order to help them prepare for their GED test.  In PACE we want to encourage detainees to respect themselves more fully and be more confident. We hope to do this by helping them, as much as possible, in obtaining their GED, so that they may gain better paying jobs and statistically lower their chances at re-entering the prison/jail.

Time commitment: Nearly 3 hours each week. The van leaves each Thursday evening in order to meet with the detainees for a 2-hour tutoring session and then a short debriefing upon returning.

Site requirements: Application and training session are required

Training: There is a training session which must be setup with our independent contact. There will be one or two opportunities for those wishing to get involved with this ministry to go out and receive this training.

Typical Volunteer work day: The van usually leaves the North Park parking lot at Kedzie and Carmen at around 5:15. There we will pray together and leave to go to the work release center or the jail to tutor the detainees for 2 hours. The van will then return back to North Park after the session is over.

Contact: Safer Foundation: Tracey McDowell
Title: Program Administrator
Best time to reach contact: During normal business hours
Tel: 773-927-1536

Site Rating: This ministry is especially incomparable to those who are inspired to bring about more justice for those who are behind bars. The different approach in bringing about encouragement to prisoners, knowing that the knowledge that is shared with them can turn their lives around, is exceptionally unique and fulfilling.

Site Coordinator: Chasity Lovelace