The Exodus Projects community outreach projects
After School Program
Meeting on Mondays - Wednesdays from 2:30 pm - 5:00 pm, The Exodus Project’s After School Program hosts up to 30 students from Chicago Heights Public Schools in grades 1 - 8. Staff and volunteers spend time on homework assistance, arts and crafts, open gym and game times, as well as providing a meal before dismissal. Students are able to concentrate on homework assignments before breaking for fun activities each day.
Food pantry deliveries
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic and changing world around us, The Exodus Projects has begun food deliveries of non-perishable items to families in the Chicago Heights community and surrounding cities. At this stage, we are able to deliver to only a few pre-registered families, but with the help and support of some of our donors and partners, we are working on an expansion plan that will allow us to serve more families. We are asking families and individuals to complete a survey to help us collect information on communities we hope to serve.
family church
While Family Church has been meeting for Sunday morning services and Wednesday evening Bible studies, our official church launch took place on January 13, 2019. Join us for a powerful message, great music, and the chance to make some new friends at a morning worship service on Sundays at 11:00 am, or for small group Bible study on Wednesday evenings at 6:00 pm. We meet at The Jones Center in Chicago Heights at 220 E 15th St.
neighborhood canvassing
To help spread the word about many of our exciting programs, volunteers go door to door throughout the community of Chicago Heights, passing out flyers and postcards and sharing the word of God with our neighbors.
additional community outreach events
School Supply Drive
More than 500 school supply boxes were provided from Elim Christian Schools in Palos Heights for primary, elementary, and secondary school students. Registrants for this event enjoyed a summer party with food, music, bounce house, and fellowship with their neighbors. Kids were able to pick up their boxes weeks before school began.
Blessing Boxes
Volunteers delivered more than 75 Thanksgiving meal Blessing Boxes to homes in Chicago Heights and surrounding cities. Armed with frozen turkeys, canned vegetables and dessert mixes, deliveries took place on a Saturday afternoon. Volunteers dropped off food, and took some time to invite families to church and share the love of God.
C.R.E.A.M.
In a two day event, more than 30 kids aged 6-13 learned the fundamentals of basketball and competed in a tournament at the Chicago Heights Park District. Volunteer coaches and assistants worked with students for a full Friday, and then organized a three hour tournament on Saturday morning. In between basketball lessons, students met with various speakers to learn about living a life for Christ.
LITcamp
A six week summer camp that met on Mondays and Wednesdays, between 10 and 14 kids joined our volunteers for three hour sessions focused on improving literary skills and grammar. Students worked on grade appropriate material, had free reading time, enjoyed daily breakfast and lunches, and were able to visit at multiple field trips, including Brookfield Zoo, The Shrine of Christ’s Passion, a fishing trip with Faith and Action in Crete, and more.
Winter Coat Drive
In preparation for the cold winter months, The Exodus Projects coordinated a winter coat and accessory drive for more than 100 adults and children. Registrants choose their size and style of coats, and Exodus volunteers, in partnership with Faith and Action and Elim Christian Schools, sorted and passed out coats. All volunteers and registrants were treated to a continental breakfast on the morning of the giveaway.