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, STEM opportunities, devotions, LIfe Skills, Agriculture, and mentoring groups

culinary arts

Youth Culinary Arts and the South Side Mission soup kitchen

Outreach Ministries

Adopt-A-Block

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

3 days ago

South Side Mission
Thank you to all who donated to South Side Mission this Giving Tuesday. We are so grateful and together we are changing lives in the 61605! Your donations will help provide 800 meals for our Youth in our Greater Academic Progress after-school ministry program! ... See MoreSee Less
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4 days ago

South Side Mission
We are still in need of volunteers for our meal prep and delivery!If you would like to volunteer at our Christmas Meal Ministry, sign up at southsidemission.org/volunteer and click on "Sign-Up to Volunteer" ... See MoreSee Less
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1 week ago

South Side Mission
A BIG thank you to our staff, partners, and volunteers for helping us make our Annual 53rd Thanksgiving Meal Ministry a success! We delivered over 2900 meals and had over 170 people join us for our sit-down meal on Thanksgiving! We are so grateful for our community and God for continuing to bless this ministry! ... See MoreSee Less
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2 weeks ago

South Side Mission
Giving Tuesday is here!Please consider donating to our Youth Ministry! Here are four ways you can provide meals for our Youth Students!- One week of meals for one student: $12.50- One month of meals for one student: $50- A week of meals for 10 students $125- A month of meals for 10 students: $500If you would like to be a part of the change in the 61605 community and Giving Tuesday, click the link below. southsidemission.org/donations/givingtuesday-2 ... See MoreSee Less
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2 weeks ago

South Side Mission
Won't you please consider a donation for our growing Youth Ministry? Your support helps tutoring, mentoring, garden & greenhouse learning, ESports, and STEM!southsidemission.org/donations/givingtuesday-2 ... See MoreSee Less
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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!”

Sarah

“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.”

Evelyn

*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?

No. We want to help everyone who comes to the mission – those struggling with hunger, looking for clothing or other referral services or spiritual help.

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.