Summit of Hope
The Summit of Hope is a community expo, which brings local service providers together to provide a "one-stop" environment for invited parolees and probationers to obtain the necessary assistance to move past the barriers which may be preventing each individual from leading a successful life. The Summit of Hope is a successful Illinois Department of Corrections and Illinois Department of Public Health sanctioned program, each independently organized by individual communities throughout the state. These events are completely reliant on the participation and generosity of the community to make each possible.
The mission of the event is to guide and assist parolees and probationers with available community services to ensure reintegration into the community while reducing recidivism. This approach is not only a very time efficient way to reach a high risk population, but it also provides added value by meeting the many needs of those who have just been released. These individuals are trying to become productive members of their communities, and the services available to them will often be the difference between success and failure. The objective of each event is to give "Hope" to those that have lost it.
These events are instrumental in helping to create safer communities. A crime-free life for the ex-offender translates to a safer community for everyone.
Upcoming Summit of Hope Events
May 14, 2013 - Olney - Olney Central College, 305 N West St., Olney, IL 62450
June 4, 2013 - Ullin - Shawnee Community College, 8364 College Rd., Ullin, IL 62992
June 4, 2013 - Springfield - Orr Building on the Illinois State Fairgrounds, 8th St. and Sangamon, Springfield, IL 62702
June 13, 2013 - Proviso West High School in the Field House, 4701 West Harrison, Hillside, IL 60162
June 25, 2013 - Marion - Women's Only - Life Church, 11580 Route 37, Marion, IL 62959
July 19, 2013 - Joliet - Salvation Army, 300 3rd Avenue, Joliet, IL 60433
August 6, 2013 - Harvey - Thornton High School at the Field House, 15001 Broadway Ave., Harvey, IL 60426
August 22, 2013 - Collinsville - Revive Assembly of God, 1105 Beltline Rd., Collinsville, IL 62234
Registration
Vendors and volunteers, please complete the below registration form to the best of your ability for the specific Summit of Hope event you would like to register for and click Submit.
Vendors
Vendors and service providers are needed at each summit to assist with: state identification, counseling, transportation, food, clothing, shelter, child care/support services, faith-based services/support, primary health care referrals, screening for blood pressure, vision screening, HIV testing and care, veterans’ information, Social Security Administration, employment services, education/training services, haircuts, dress for success, mock interviews, and more!
Click here for more information regarding summit vendor instructions.
Volunteers
Volunteers play a vital role at Summit of Hope events and lots of assistance is needed to help ensure a successful event. Volunteers can assist in a variety of ways. Most of the volunteers will be needed to guide and assist returning citizens through a maze of services to identify and connect with community providers and resources; these individuals will help participants break the ice with vendors and providers. Volunteers will also be needed to work the registration and exit tables, assist with breakfast/lunch food, assist as door greeters, and more! If there is a specific job you desire, please indicate in the comments section on the form below.
Click here for more information about volunteer job duties/responsibilities and volunteer instructions.