Kankakee Times

State Representative Jackie Haas highlighted the Garden of Prayer Youth Center in her November local business spotlight, according to a December 1 Facebook post. "I am truly proud to honor an organization that ensures children have a safe place to learn and grow," she said.

"For my November 2024 local business spotlight, I am honored to recognize Garden of Prayer Youth Center because of the work they do with youth in our community," said Haas, according to Facebook. "Garden of Prayer serves over 250 children and youth from 6 weeks to 21 years of age by providing daycare, before and after school programs, summer camp, foster care, and more. I am truly proud to honor an organization that ensures children have a safe place to learn and grow, all while doing everything they can to keep families together."

The Garden of Prayer Youth Center was established in March 1995 as a faith-based nonprofit organization. It is governed by a Board of Directors and licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services as a child welfare agency. The center offers clinical and educational services, including group home services for teens and young adults, clinical therapy for individuals, groups, and families, and various educational enrichment programs. These include after-school programs, summer day camps, job readiness training, parenting support, nutrition education, and Christian living classes.

Screenshot of State Rep. Jackie Haas' Dec. 1 Facebook post | State Representative Jackie Haas' Facebook page

Haas further expressed her admiration for the center's efforts. "Garden of Prayer Youth Center truly goes above and beyond to help families in our community," she said. Haas added that she is thrilled about the opening of three new sites before the end of the year and looks forward to seeing how the organization continues to grow.

The organization's placement programs include Congregate Care Programs known as Gems and Jump Group Homes, which provide 24-hour supervised housing for youths aged 12-18 who are considered "hard to place." Additionally, there is an interim care program offering temporary care for girls aged 9-17. An independent living program is also planned for youths aged 19-21 to allow participation in an intensive life skills development program. The center also offers two programs for youths under the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS): the Specialized Foster Care Program and the Emergency Foster Care Program.

Representative Jackie Haas serves the people of the 79th District, which includes Will, Grundy, and Kankakee Counties. For three decades, Haas has worked as a social worker focusing on underserved populations. In 1994, she joined the Helen Wheeler Center for Community Mental Health and became its CEO in 2000. She has advocated for expanding healthcare, economic opportunity, and early childhood development throughout her community. Haas served on the Kankakee County Board from 2018 to 2020.