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Formerly St. Martin de Porres House of Hope - A Supportive Community for Women in Recovery Since 1983
Sandra Vasnairos spent her career helping others. Sandy, a mother of two adult sons, taught reading and special education at elementary schools in Englewood and elsewhere in Chicago and the suburbs. In her retirement, Sandy continues to help others. A member of Old St. Patrick’s Church for 12 years, Sandy participates in Encore, a social […]
In 2000, Marge Nykaza was completing her Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies at Loyola. As part of the program, she was tasked with a summer project, working with women in a shelter. Marge was then a teacher of Peer Ministry and the Liturgical Music Director at Brother Rice High School. She reached out to […]
In October 1983, when St. Martin de Porres House of Hope was just a few months old, Sr. Therese answered a knock at the door and found a young man who introduced himself as Marco Pardo. “I said I’d sweep floors, do dishes – I was available for anything they needed,” Marco recalls. Marco had […]
Joanne Cimbalo has enjoyed sewing all her life. Born and raised in Highland Park, her mother taught Joanne how to sew when she was very young. Joanne belonged to a sewing group when she was first married, sewing clothing for her family, reupholstering furniture, and making curtains for her house. In 1990, Joanne contacted St. […]
Recovery is an individual process, and there is no one path that will work for everyone. Do not listen to advice that hinders your recovery. Focus on the result, not the method, and don’t hold yourself back from practices that are helping you overcome addiction. Do what works for you. You must, however, make sure […]