House of Peace is a recent partner with the Cristo Rey St. Martin community, and it’s quickly become a passion for the students involved. This organization is a domestic violence transitional house that focuses on helping those who have been affected by domestic violence to heal and recover. They run a program that lasts for six months, providing a safe space and support for up to six families at a time. During their stay, these families participate in a program designed to empower them, offering resources for secure housing, finding jobs, and ongoing assistance. The goal is to encourage self-sufficiency and provide them with the tools they need to embrace positive change.
The House of Peace residence was established in November 2011, but its partnership with CRSM started in 2022. Every Tuesday, CRSM sends a group of about 6-10 student volunteers to the shelter, where they engage with the children of the resident families. According to Pili Rocha, a dedicated CRSM volunteer who has been involved since the partnership’s inception, the students are responsible for caring for about 20 kids during their visits. They help with tasks such as “feeding the children and babies, playing games with them, and teaching them in art classes.” Art plays a significant role in the healing process at House of Peace, and both children and parents create artwork that is showcased in art shows and displayed throughout the residence. You can explore a variety of these artworks on the House of Peace website.
Aida Segura, the Director of House of Peace, emphasizes that “what’s beautiful about House of Peace is that it reminds us that when we support the agency of women, they are able to flourish and turn their lives around- for themselves and for their children”.
House of Peace is affiliated with the Archdiocese of Chicago and operates as one of Catholic Charities’ transitional homes. Remarkably, over the years, it’s been reported that none of the program’s participants have returned to situations of domestic violence.
Students from Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep who have volunteered with House of Peace have nothing but praise for the experience. Pili Rocha reflects on it as a “great volunteer experience” for her and her fellow students, who have thoroughly enjoyed connecting with the children at the shelter. CRSM looks forward to nurturing this strong community partnership for years to come and is grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact in the community.
You can find more artwork and information on House of Peace through their website.