Michael Maloney, M.A, L.C.P.C., MBA Executive Director at Garden Of Prayer Youth Center Inc | https://gopyouthcenter.org/
Michael Maloney, M.A, L.C.P.C., MBA Executive Director at Garden Of Prayer Youth Center Inc | https://gopyouthcenter.org/
This appropriation represents state-level funding authorized by lawmakers, reflecting what was approved in the budget, not necessarily disbursed. The funds cover only State of Illinois support and exclude federal, local, or other public sources.
Founded in 1995 by Vurnice Maloney, Garden Of Prayer Youth Center states that its mission is: “To plant the seeds of HOPE in children by providing mental health and educational services that will create a brighter future.”
You can learn more about the organization at its website.
In its most recent IRS Form 990 filing filing for tax year 2024, the organization reported $4,896,560 in total revenue.
The nonprofit listed $57,764 in contributions overall. It also reported $47,609 categorized under other contributions, which may include restricted donations, pledges, or bequests.
At the beginning of 2024, Garden Of Prayer Youth Center had $1,237,700 in assets. By the end of 2024, that figure had changed to $2,010,770, indicating a significant 62.5% growth in overall holdings.
However, a Chicago City Wire analysis found that IRS filings frequently contain discrepancies when compared with publicly disclosed government grant reports and budgets.
Garden Of Prayer Youth Center is one of hundreds of nonprofits across Illinois that receive substantial support from state taxpayers while also fundraising privately.
In 2025, Illinois lawmakers introduced House Bill 1266, also known as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Act. The proposal would create a new oversight body within the Office of the Auditor General tasked with identifying cost-saving measures, reviewing agency performance, and advising on audit priorities. If passed, DOGE could bring additional scrutiny and performance evaluation to taxpayer-funded organizations.
According to ProPublica, Illinois has more than 78,000 active tax-exempt organizations, including nearly 60,000 classified as charitable nonprofits. In their most recent IRS filings, these groups reported a combined revenue exceeding $156 billion.
| Term | Name | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-2024 | Elder Lawrence Shepherd | President |
| 2024-2024 | Michael Maloney | Executive Director/Ceo |
| 2024-2024 | Michelle Priester | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Robert S Ellington | Secretary/Treas |
| 2024-2024 | STONEWALL MCCUISTON JR | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Tammara P Ph | Vice President |
| 2024-2024 | Yetha Maloney | Dir., Early Educ |
| Year | Name | Title | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Janice L Hopwood | Finance Specialist | - |
| 2017 | Che A Richardson | - | |
| 2017 | Kristi L Mcbride | Director Of Communications And Development | - |
| 2016 | Joshua Edwards | - | |
| 2012 | Alonzo Cephus | - | |
| 2012 | Reginald J Bell | - |
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