Kelly Hall - From Start to Finish This is what we posted in April 2007 about Kelly Hall: "Once renovated it will house programs for seniors and kids. A lot of work is needed to make this dream a reality for the neighborhood." Do you remember what it looked like then? Dreams do come true. |
Renovation began in late summer 2008, and proceeded quickly and efficiently such that Kelly Hall was completely renovated in time for a Christmas Party for the neighborhood and the grand opening on January 15, 2009. |
The children of Humboldt Park now have a much better chance for a bright future, away from drugs and violence. Their parents received the gift of hope last Christmas. |
As the command center for our contractor got smaller and smaller as the project comes to an end, we thanked the Ryan Companies for a job well done and ahead of schedule! Thank you also to all those who prayed for the successful renovation and the volunteers who continue the work on the third phase of the project: the Convent renovation. |
Jan. 15, 2009- the Grand Opening of the Kelly Hall -- the story of a Partnership that evolved into a family. |
It started with one person leaders of the Metropolitan Chicago YMCA (left), the Greater Chicago Food Depository (right) and the Archdiocese of Chicago (below.) Oh, yeah, and Father Bob.... |
And hundreds of volunteers came week after week, month after month, to help with the operation of the Mobile Food Pantry, the renovation of the Convent, work around the rectory and do whatever else needed to be done while Kelly Hall was being built. |
...but, they did have objectives: To have a Catholic presence in this area of Chicago; to feed the hungry; and to rebuild hope. Oh, yeah, and they had Father Bob.... |
Then the pieces of the puzzle began to come together as if being put in place by a Divine hand. |
Alderman, Walter Burnett, Jr. threw his full support behind the project and worked hard to help make the dream come true. |
Angela read the following Scripture passage: When the son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit upon his glorious throne, and all the nations will be assembled before him. And he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Then the king will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.' Then the righteous will answer him and say, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?' And the king will say to them in reply, 'Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.' Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, a stranger and you gave me no welcome, naked and you gave me no clothing, ill and in prison, and you did not care for me.' Then they will answer and say, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison, and not minister to your needs?' He will answer them, 'Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.' And these will go off to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life." (Matthew 25:31-46) WHAT MORE IS THERE TO SAY? Have a most blessed day, and thanks again to all in the Mission family. |
The Ryan Companies team threw their hearts and souls into the project and delivered an immaculate project on time. |
On January 15, 2009, we believe the Lord looked down from Heaven and was pleased, and those of us present heard the angels sing. |
MORE KELLY HALL BEFORE |
A lot of little angels were just waiting for the Kelly Hall to open! |
MORE KELLY HALL IN PROGRESS |
The sidewalks have been fixed and holes installed for the new trees. |
Trash was everywhere. It was removed and hauled away. |
Above- the new food pantry. Right- new offices for program personnel. |
New plumbing and electric. Fr. Bob is thrilled! |
The Holy Family has moved on... |
Old bathroom and hallways. |
Everything is bright and cheery. Stairwell and new lockers. |
Waiting.... |
In December 2008, we finally saw the results of much hard work as the new community center became a reality. On December 20, Fr. Bob, the new YMCA Staff and a ton of volunteers threw the first Christmas Party for the neighbors. The Kelly Hall is a symbol of hope in Humboldt Park. The doors officially opened for business on January 5, 2009. Do you think it is making a difference in the lives of the people you see below? |
Friendly YMCA Staff greeted all of the guests. |
Fr. Bob introduced Steve Cole, CEO of the Chicago Metropolitan YMCA, who welcomed the neighbors. |
Stan Lewis, the Executive Director of the Kelly Hall YMCA introduced some of his staff to the crowd. |
And the neighbors were THRILLED to be there! |
....taking his first jump shot in the new gym. |
....seriously working on the first of many future art projects. |
...helping Joseph with his artwork. |
Fr. Bob says, "How can you look at these beautiful faces and not believe that they deserve a chance for a good future? How can you not love them?" |
...leading the crowd in Christmas carols. |
Click HERE for a message from Fr. Bob from the party. |
As you wonder what is in store for you and think about what work God might want you to do, think about these words delivered by Bono at the National Prayer Breakfast a couple years ago. Remember, with God, all things are possible. You can reach Fr. Bob Lombardo at (773) 486-8431. |
He said, "Stop asking God to bless what you're doing. Get involved in what God is doing - because it's already blessed." If you are reading this page, we bet there's a good chance you are meant to become part of the Mission family if you aren't already. Join us. Surely it is God's work and already blessed. |