Inspired by St. Francis and the Franciscan Charism, the Port Ministries mission is to provide the fundamental needs of the mind, body, and spirit. The organization addresses these needs through a series of programs and services that holistically work together to serve the under-resourced and under-served residents of the local communities (Back of the Yards, Englewood, Gage Park).
No one envisioned the rich network of ministries that would develop when Father Augustin Milon, OFM, founded a one-room soup kitchen in Chicago’s Back of the Yards neighborhood on May 26, 1985. In a neighborhood stricken by violence, homelessness, drug abuse, gang activity and abandoned buildings, Port Ministries has listened and responded to the pressing needs of the local community with a Catholic spirit of loving outreach.
Our goal is to put faith-in-action to address the underlining issues that plague and limit the potential of these under-resourced and under-serviced communities and their residents.
Programs & Services
Since its inception, Port Ministries has evolved into an organization providing assistance through their Soup Kitchen, Medical Clinic, Home Visitation Program, After School Tutoring and Supplemental Education.
Testimonials
“A day does not go by without feeling grateful and honored for being welcomed through the doors of the Port Ministries and given the opportunity to continue building my personal vision of community healing through the People’s School. The support of The Port Ministries has created an empowering space where I can grow as an educator and become more confident as I progress in my personal career path. This is a priceless gift that is shared with all educators, students, and everyone who takes part in on-going community building and healing. It has been easy to feel at home and find a safe-space at The Port largely influenced by the warmth, openness, encouragement, and support. It has been inspiring to see the extent of their community involvement, love for the community and helping individuals connect and become empowered.”
“Besides all of the wonderful programming that we offer, I have come to see that the real magic happens in these small, hidden moments of great love. We are blessed with so many wonderful people who do countless unseen acts of love to provide a clean, safe, and dignified place for the people of Chicago to find refuge. Port Ministries, which finds its spiritual roots in the life of St. Francis, the poor beggar of Assisi, is thoroughly dependent on God’s providence.”
“One of the ways that the Port influenced me is by teaching how to become more confidant and encourage me to try new things.”
Social Contact