In June 2025, the West Fulton Reentry Services Center (RSC) co-hosted its annual community resource fair, the Summit of Hope, alongside the Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois Department of Corrections, and the Cook County Sheriff’s Office. The Summit of Hope is a community expo that brings together local service providers to foster a “one-stop” environment for parolees and probationers. Vendors offered a variety of services, including employment assistance, vaccinations, recovery programs, and housing opportunities.
The Summit of Hope presented a golden opportunity to recognize several important community members and leaders who have worked tirelessly to ensure the success of West Fulton RSC’s events. West Fulton RSC Program Manager, Sonya Davis shared the following compliment while recognizing a key community leader; “With deep appreciation, GEO and I want to thank Michael Gaines with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). His exceptional leadership in helping organize our community resource fairs and his partnership with GEO have been key pillars to the success of our community resource fairs. Mr. Gaines' commitment to this area, his leadership and his heart for the community have helped turn a vision into a meaningful reality for our returning citizens. Thank you for being an invaluable ally in this work".
Each year, the West Fulton RSC co-hosts this fair to give participants an opportunity to network with neighborhood resources and employers. More than 40 community vendors participated this year, including: the Illinois State Comptroller, Illinois Department of Employment Security, Illinois HIV Care Connect–Illinois Public Health Association, Molina Healthcare of Illinois, Meridian, Equity and Transformation (E.A.T.), Illinois Department of Human Services, A Safe Haven Foundation, 211 Metro Chicago Helpline, Association House of Chicago, Community Residential Authority, Institute for Nonviolence Chicago, Legal Aid Chicago, Department of Family and Support Services, and the CTA/Pace Second Chance Program.
The Summit of Hope was a great success, featuring food, honorary speakers, and raffles. The event supported around 200 community members, including 70 GEO participants, who were able to connect with vital resources. We are excited to host it again next year!
