For Peoria's South Side Mission, just talking about improving the quality of life in the city's poorest neighborhood isn't enough.
"We believe in 61605 and we're going to show you how much we believe in it because we're going to invest dollars in the city," said Sherry Cannon, South Side Mission's board president. "And I think this is going to be a catalyst for other companies and other businesses already there to also invest more dollars, as far as this city to also start investing more in 61605."
The South Side Mission has served the neighborhood for nearly a century. Rev. Craig Williams is the executive director of the organization. He said part of their vision is a robust expansion of their current youth program offerings.
The South Side Mission already offers programs like an after-school tutoring program and basic cooking classes, but Williams said a new Youth Worship Center is breaking ground in 2024. A recording studio, technology center, and state-of-the art professional kitchen are also in the works.
"Our kids that have been exposed to South Side Mission's programs, they're the ones that normally don't get in trouble. Those are the youth that the parents have made a vested interest in keeping them out of the gangs in the streets and in afterschool things where they're left alone," Williams said.
Cannon said youth are the foundation of the South Side Mission's reason for being, as laid out by founder Helen Haien.
"We want them to know that your today does not have to dictate your tomorrow, that if you can dream, and you can believe, you can achieve," she said. "And so we work hard with with helping them to realize that your future is in your hands. It's all about making good choices. And it's also all about preparation."
The South Side Mission serves as an oasis of sorts, in more ways than one.
"When we look at some of the things that have transpired in the last few weeks, you know, some of the shootings have just been around the corner from us," Cannon said. "So we understand the importance of providing a safe place for us for our young people. That's literally a safe space."
To that end, the South Side Mission is hosting a fundraiser for youth program expansion and development on Monday, Sept. 18 at St. Paul Baptist Church in Peoria. Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Cowboys chaplain Jonathan Evans is the guest speaker. Doors open at 5 p.m., with programming beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets are $25.
Williams said the South Side Mission is planning a ribbon cutting for their new thrift store on Garden Street later this fall. He said that's another component of their outreach into the community.
"We're going to ensure that they have affordable clothing, housewares, everything that they can use to help to better than we want to affirm dignity and people," he said. "God gives dignity. We just want to affirm that in them and how we treat them."
