Circle Suppers

In Dec. 2022, a young man from Guatemala arrived at Chalice House. He was referred to us by the Heartland Alliance (now Heartland Human Care Services.) He instantly captivated the entire team with his infectious smile, warm laugh, and joyful enthusiasm. While at Chalice House, he learned to play saxophone, painted, studied English, exercised at the park district facilities, and made many friends. As soon as he received his work permit, he secured a job at a nearby restaurant where he learned to cook and prep. He was a treasured employee for his work ethic and personality, but he moved on to a skilled job at a local manufacturing company where he continues to work today. He is currently living in an apartment in Palatine with a room-mate.

The first family hosted at Chalice House is from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The father was a principal at a high school. He and his wife feared for their safety and fled the country with a toddler, leaving older children behind with a grandmother.

After living and working in Brazil for a year or two, gangs threatened them and they traveled 6000 miles north to the U.S. border, crossing the infamous Darien Gap with their then 4-year-old daughter and making their way through Mexico. When they crossed the border, they claimed asylum. They were detained and separated from one other. They were referred to Chalice House partner Interfaith Community for Detained Immigrants (ICDI) by a supportive non-profit agency who learned of their situation. ICDI who was able to secure their release and arrange their transfer to Chalice House where they were reunited.

The parents found good, stable jobs as soon as they received their work permits, and they were able to move into their own apartment in Palatine, where they still live.

The young girl is a spitfire, full of energy and love.  Mentors helped her how to learn how to ride a bike and spent hours teaching her to read and playing games. She is in elementary school in Palatine. She loves music, drawing, and basketball. Her favorite subject in school is lunch and she says she is very good at it.