Who is The South Side Mission?
IT STARTED WITH A VISION
In 1925, a woman named Helen Haien had the vision to reach children from lower-income families in Peoria with the love of Jesus.
She would go out, pick up children, and bring them back to her house on Sanger Street for an all-day Sunday School. The inhabitants of the area were not only economically disadvantaged, but had little hope of moving beyond their present physical conditions. Over the years, her Sunday School grew so large that she had to move out of the house and into a larger building on Olive Street. South Side Mission changed locations several times before building on the present campus at 1127 South Laramie Street in 1990.
While the location has changed over the years, one thing has remained constant. The South Side Mission’s aim is not only to alleviate the powerful physical poverty of those on the south end but a determination to offer life-transforming change through the spiritual hope of Jesus Christ.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to proclaim Jesus Christ, and in His name love our neighbors and provide hope to the community through life-transforming ministries.
WHY DO WE SERVE 61605?
Primarily, we serve the residents of the 61605 area code, which is one of the 100 poorest zip codes in the country.
58% of the population is African American, 30% is White, 8.5% is Hispanic, 3% is Other.
There are an estimated 7,068 housing units.
The median age is 35.9, the median household income is $23,155.
The Mission accomplishes its ministry with the help of thousands of volunteer hours annually.
Our annual budget is $4 million, supported by public contributions. We receive no United Way funding.
People call 61605 home
- Living below the poverty level 37.8%
- Compared to the rest of the country 11%
OUR VISION
Minister to our community in Christ loving ways that provide an opportunity for positive change.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
WE BELIEVE IN THE SCRIPTURE OF THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS as verbally inspired by God and inerrant in the original writings and that they are of supreme and final authority, in faith and life.
WE BELIEVE THAT JESUS CHRIST WAS BEGOTTEN BY THE HOLY SPIRIT, born of the Virgin Mary, and is true God and true man.
WE BELIEVE IN ONE GOD eternally existing in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
WE BELIEVE THAT MAN WAS CREATED IN THE IMAGE OF GOD: that he sinned and thereby incurred not only physical death but also spiritual death which separates man from God and that all human beings are born with a sinful nature.
WE BELIEVE THAT THE LORD JESUS CHRIST DIED FOR OUR SINS, according to the scriptures, as a representative and substitutionary sacrifice and that all who believe in Him are justified on the ground of His shed blood and are Born Again.
WE BELIEVE IN THE RESURRECTION OF THE CRUCIFIED BODY OF OUR LORD in his ascension into heaven and in His present life there for us as High Priest and Advocate.
WE BELIEVE THE HOLY SPIRIT DWELLS IN THE BELIEVER.
WE BELIEVE IN “THAT BLESSED HOPE” the personal return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
WE BELIEVE THAT ALL WHO RECEIVE BY FAITH THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, ARE BORN AGAIN of the Holy Spirit and thereby become children of God.
WE BELIEVE IN THE BODILY RESURRECTION OF THE JUST AND THE UNJUST, the everlasting blessedness of the saved and the everlasting punishment of the lost.
CORE VALUES
COMMITMENT
Requires strength of character and “stick-to-it-iveness”. Commitment is doing what you said you would when the mood you said it in is gone.
“Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worth of the calling…” Ephesians 4:1
CALLING
Your commitment should be fueled by your calling.
The calling you have is Heavenly (is the source) Hebrews 3:1; is High (is the standard) 1 Peter 1:17-19; is Holy (is the substance, different from what is common) 1 Timothy 1:9.
Is your responsibility a job or a calling?
CHARACTER & CONDUCT
Character & Conduct must reflect the weight of your calling. Character without power is dull. Power without character is dangerous.
“..His power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence” 2 Peter 1:3
“For the grace of God has appeared..it teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness..and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives…while we wait for…the appearing of…Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us..to purify for himself a people who are his very own, eager to do what is good.” Titus 2:11-14
COMPETENCY
To whom much is given, much is required. You are a steward of the position God has given you.
“But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.” Ephesians 4:7
“It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to bepastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” Ephesians 4:11-12
CHEMISTRY
Chemistry reveals your ability to get along with others and how you handle relationships. How you love and serve people is evident in your everyday life and work. Do people smile at you when they see you coming or when you’re going?
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:3-5
COLLABORATION
The organization will be sustained by each individual doing their part. Each individual must be committed to staying at their post and functioning property.
“The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I don’t need you!’ and the head cannot say to the feet, ‘I don’t need you!’ On the contrary, those parts of the body which seem to be weaker are indispensable. 1 Corinthians 12:21-22
“from Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” Ephesians 4:16
INTEGRITY
A person of integrity displays a soundness of chracter. They are able to integrate moral and ethical qualities. Operating from these qualities develops confidence and trust among peers and in the ethical completion of duties. A person of integrity will display wholeness, undivided character, consistency and a lack of corruption.
“For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord, but also in the eyes of men.” 2 Corinthians 8:21
EXCELLENCE
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence is the gradual result of always striving to do better. Today and every day, deliver more than you are being paid to do.
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58
“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4:8