South Side Mission
Save. Strengthen. Support.
We are a non-profit organization serving people in need through a variety of ministries.
YOUTH MINISTRIES
THRIFT STORES
GET INVOLVED
MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission is to proclaim Jesus Christ, and in His name love our neighbors and provide hope to the community through life-transforming ministries.
youth programs
After school tutoring, STEAM Opportunities, Devotions, 3D Printing, Content Creation, E-Sports, and mentoring.
culinary arts
Youth Culinary Arts and the South Side Mission Soup Kitchen.
Outreach Ministries
Hope Builders
Thrift Stores
Help support our ministries – donate and shop at our Thrift Stores
WHO WE ARE
Learn about our history, meet our dedicated team, and discover the needs of the 61605 zip code, one of the 100 poorest in the country.
connect with us on social media
Don't forget our two day Hiring Event, the 25th and 26th at South Side Mission! 9 am - 1 pm each day, serious applicants only, please. #joinourteam
STORIES OF HOPE
When Sarah was just 5 years old, she and her brothers and sisters were brought to the South Side Mission by the police. They had been alone in a home with no parents. Sarah says it was the first time in her life she felt safe. It also was the first place she heard about Jesus.
Sarah’s young life was filled with hardships, but she was eventually adopted. And then, as an adult, she found herself back at South Side Mission- this time as a volunteer in the Adopt-a-Block program. With a group from her church, she began volunteering- knocking on doors and helping 61605 residents.
Sarah prayed with people over fences, shared Christ’s love for them, and found fulfillment in helping people. “I’m thankful for South Side Mission and happy to support them,” said Sarah. “It’s a beacon of hope, and more!”
“Do not be misled: bad company corrupts good character.” 1 Corinthians 15:33
Evelyn learned this Bible truth the hard way when she fell in with the wrong crowd. She turned from a church-going life and fell into increasing sin and misery.
After running her own way for over 20 years and having her kids see her fall farther and farther, she was faced with a life or death moment. A good friend one day told Evelyn he would take a bullet for her and within the hour, it happened.
Someone was going to shoot at Evelyn and her friend stepped in front of the bullet and was killed. The shooter then aimed at Evelyn, but the gun jammed and he ran off. Evelyn got the message and turned back to God with the help of programs at South Side Mission.
“I left God, but he never left me, said Evelyn, and the ministry at South Side Mission was my refuge.”
*These are real stories, but names have been changed to protect privacy.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are my online donations secure?
Yes.
Information about you and your transactions will be accurate and maintained in a secure manner. Unless you have opted to receive news about our organization your information will not be used for any purpose other than completing and servicing your transaction.
Can I setup an automatic monthly gift to the mission?
Yes. You can elect to make a one-time gift or make a recurring donation using our secure online donation page.
What do you do to protect my privacy?
We value our donor’s privacy and never sell, rent or share our mailing list with anyone. For online donations, the mission is committed to using a secured server to protect personal information.
Can I direct how my gift will be used to help people?
Yes. You may direct your gift to the area of need that is most important to you, or you can designate your gift to where it is most needed.
Are my donations tax-deductible?
Yes, to the fullest extent allowed by law. The South Side Mission is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is qualified to receive tax-deductible donations. Contributions to a charitable organization are generally deductible by individuals who itemize their deductions on their tax returns. We recommend you consult with a tax professional regarding how your contributions may impact your tax situation.
How can you provide a meal for $2.05?
The mission receives many food donations and volunteer support which helps us reduce our cost to provide a meal. Any support we receive above and beyond the cost of meals goes toward providing youth education, mentoring, feeding programs, and Christian care throughout the year.
How much of the money given to the mission goes directly to your programs?
We are committed to keeping fundraising and administrative costs as low as possible. 84 cents of every dollar spent goes into programs, directly helping hurting people with food, clothing, spiritual care, and more.
How do I donate to your Thrift Stores?
The mission has a thrift store logistics team that includes donation trucks to pick up a gift in kind donations. Call us at 309-676-4604 for more information.
What is your primary source of support?
The majority of our funding comes from caring individuals. We also receive generous support from churches, foundations, businesses, and other organizations. The mission does not receive any United Way funds.
What kind of donations do you accept?
There are many ways you can support South Side Mission. We accept gift-in-kind donations of food, clothing, household items, and hygiene products. We also accept automobiles. Please contact us at 309-676-4604 for more information.
Monetary donations are always appreciated. There are many creative ways to give to South Side Mission, including estate planning, stocks, donor-advised funds, or as a beneficiary of a retirement fund or life insurance policy. For more information, contact us at 309-676-4604.
When you provide food, clothing and other assistance to those in need, how does it help them beyond the immediate need?
The mission applies a “hand up” approach to offer refuge, recovery and restoration to our guests. Providing for their immediate needs opens a door to address their greatest need. Often times, a changed life can begin with a hot meal, served with love. Then, whether there’s a need for job training, education or how to find healing from a devastating past, the mission staff and volunteers are there every step of the way to help them change their lives for good.
Does a person have to be a Christian to get help at the mission?
How do I or someone I know get into one of your programs or receive services?
You can call us at 309-676-4604 to get more information on our various ministries.